I need help! I'm innocent

[Lyconurse99]

I am an RN with my BSN. I have been a nurse for 20 years. The last 6 years at a very small hospital in PA. In early December a nurse was fired for diverting Metformin and lasix. No narcotics. However, at this time it was also found that Ativan was also missing. Our Ativan before was only in the mini fridge (which was locked) but the Ativan wasn't locked. Since this time, we are all required to count this among other meds. No biggie. Last Thursday I was walking into work (days 7a-7p.) I was told by the night shift nursing supervisor to head to our DON's office. She was there along with the head of the HR Dept. They essentially asked me if I diverted any medication. They said that my name comes up on the reports for giving more narcotics than any nurse. Now, a year ago the pharmacist told me this. I went to the head of my dept and she said "oh, don't worry about that!" Then they started to ask me about the Ativan. I immediately volunteered for (and took and passed) a UA. We are a hospital that has random UA's. I have only had one, and passed. I was suspended and I still haven't heard about my job. If there is no proof, and my UA is clean, can they fire me or turn me into the board? Just a question. I am a nervous wreck about this. I have never taken any medications and I am an advocate for pts not being in pain. I always treat what they tell me. I document it. We are also unionized. I went to the union. They can't do anything until the hospital proceeds. Please help. It's been well over a week. I am missing work and I'm a mess. Thank you

[Wuzzie]

Do you have malpractice insurance? Contact them immediately! Otherwise, get a lawyer. Now!!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am an RN with my BSN. I have been a nurse for 20 years. The last 6 years at a very small hospital in PA. In early December a nurse was fired for diverting Metformin and lasix. No narcotics. However, at this time it was also found that Ativan was also missing. Our Ativan before was only in the mini fridge (which was locked) but the Ativan wasn't locked. Since this time, we are all required to count this among other meds. No biggie. Last Thursday I was walking into work (days 7a-7p.) I was told by the night shift nursing supervisor to head to our DON's office. She was there along with the head of the HR Dept. They essentially asked me if I diverted any medication. They said that my name comes up on the reports for giving more narcotics than any nurse. Now, a year ago the pharmacist told me this. I went to the head of my dept and she said "oh, don't worry about that!" Then they started to ask me about the Ativan. I immediately volunteered for (and took and passed) a UA. We are a hospital that has random UA's. I have only had one, and passed. I was suspended and I still haven't heard about my job. If there is no proof, and my UA is clean, can they fire me or turn me into the board? Just a question. I am a nervous wreck about this. I have never taken any medications and I am an advocate for pts not being in pain. I always treat what they tell me. I document it. We are also unionized. I went to the union. They can't do anything until the hospital proceeds. Please help. It's been well over a week. I am missing work and I'm a mess. Thank you

Unfortunately, a clean UA doesn't automatically get you off the hook. They are aware of the fact that a lot of nurses divert not for their own use, but to sell/give to others. So to them, a clean UA means that you haven't USED it, but not necessarily that you haven't DIVERTED it.

If you have malpractice insurance, call them ASAP.

If you don't, contact a lawyer versed in dealing with healthcare/nursing issues. You can find one here: TAANA Executive Office - Home.

Do not rely solely on the hospital or union attorney to represent you. You need someone whose sole interests are yours and yours alone, not yours along with someone else's. Because when push comes to shove and they have to choose between you two, a hospital/union attorney is going to go along with whoever is paying their tab...hint: that's not you.

Also, consider minimizing what you post online about this. The less detail, the better.

Best of luck.

[Davey Do]

I can add nothing to what Wuzzie and Meriwhen posted, Lyconurse- only that I wish you the best during this emotionally charged time and hope you will keep us posted on your status.