So, she does drugs... (advice please)

LydiaNN · Feb 1, 2006

You might want to do a search, as I'm sure we've had this discussion before. If I recall correctly, opinions were split as to your obligation to report when you've never witnessed drug use or suspected that she was impaired at work.

allnurses Guide · Feb 1, 2006

You might want to do a search, as I'm sure we've had this discussion before. If I recall correctly, opinions were split as to your obligation to report when you've never witnessed drug use or suspected that she was impaired at work.

I do remember that thread. It was great.

I will say here though that you need to tell your co-worker to stop telling you about her experiences getting high.

steph

SharonH, RN · Feb 1, 2006

I do remember that thread. It was great.
I will say here though that you need to tell your co-worker to stop telling you about her experiences getting high.
steph

I agree with Steph here. Clearly it makes you uncomfortable and you should just tell her not to mention it to you anymore.

I will not claim to know the law but I can't imagine that you are under an obligation to report this unless she mentioned that she gets high just before starting her shift. Personally I would not report it.

BabyRN2Be · Feb 1, 2006

I know I might get some flack here, but how was she getting high? Yes, illicit drugs are illicit drugs and they are all bad blah blah blah, but some are worse than others. If she's getting high on weed and does not come into work impaired, that might be one thing. But if she's on something like cocaine or any other methamphetamine I would be more concerned because of the potential for true addiction. From what I understand, meth is highly addictive and she may get to the point in which she can't come into work without it. THIS is a real problem and shouldn't be brushed under the rug.

However, I will say that my drug naivete might be showing and that the reference to getting high might only refer to marijuana. *shrugs*

Just consider the dangers involved, both medically and legally.

all4schwa · Feb 1, 2006

If she's getting high on weed and does not come into work impaired, that might be one thing. But if she's on something like cocaine or any other methamphetamine I would be more concerned because of the potential for true addiction.

:yeahthat: yup..... but do tell her to knock it off, sounds like she was trying to feel you out...

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Feb 1, 2006

"Don't tell me things I might feel legally and ethically bound to report."

That should stop any further references to it cold.

~faith,

Timothy.

southern_rn_brat · Feb 1, 2006

Don't you hate it when you get info you don't really want? A co-worker (and fellow nurse) felt the need to relate a story to me about the last time she got high (prob. to feel me out.) And has odd phone conversations at work with her friends from outside work...
So, she does drugs, but she doesn't apear to be impared at work. Do I have any obligations to report this? And WHO would I report it to? My Don is on probation for (an old) drug offence herself (Not feeling al ot of support there.) Also, I really don't want to come off as a "snitch". Also, like everywhere, were short on staff and at work (at least) she's a workable warm body. What to do?

You are legally bound to report this.

JKDON · Feb 1, 2006

When we had some questions about this kind of thing, the mandatory reporting requirements somehow got posted on the charge nurses door and the topic never came up again. One nurse became very quiet and eventually quit.

I would think that the next time it comes up, even as a joke, I'd mention that she would want to be careful who she talks to as her co-workers could get the wrong impression that she is doing it at work. And just because she hasn't been arrested for it yet, or reported doesn't make it ethical. Kind of like child Mediaography, it's wrong even if you don't get caught.

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Feb 1, 2006

I agree with babyRN2be. That it does depend on what she is using to get high. My ex-huband is a meth addict. It is not something that you can just do on the weekends, it will take complete control of your life, which will affect her ability to perform on the job. Mabey she is unconiously reaching for help.

jen42 · Feb 1, 2006

If every nurse who smoked pot occasionally was fired, the nursing shortage would be much, much worse...

As long as she is not impaired at work, I think it's best to leave it alone, but it would be a good idea to mention you don't want to hear about it. If she IS impaired at work, well, that's a whole different ballgame.

student4ever · Feb 1, 2006

If every nurse who smoked pot occasionally was fired, the nursing shortage would be much, much worse...
As long as she is not impaired at work, I think it's best to leave it alone, but it would be a good idea to mention you don't want to hear about it. If she IS impaired at work, well, that's a whole different ballgame.

Question: does your facility have a no drugs policy and do pre-employment drug screens and/or post accident/random drug screens? The facility that I work at does... for all staff, not just clinical staff. If someone (especially a nurse) mentioned something like that to me, I would feel ethically obligated to report it in a confidential manner, perhaps anonymously. Drugs (unless for medical puposes prescribed by an MD) are illegal, and do NOT belong in the workplace, and most certainly not in a clinical setting. Think about it - if this nurse got caught "getting high" by the police, she would have a drug charge on her record... and may be in jeopardy of losing her license. If the laws are that strict outside of work, why should they be any more lenient at work???? I'm a firm believer in what I do on my own time is not the business of my employer. If I chose to drink or smoke on my own time, that's my own time, and it is LEGAL for me to do so. But drugs are ILLEGAL, on anyone's time. JMHO