Is this legal?

[missladyrn]

The hospital I work for assigns us lockers, and they have built in combos. I was recently made aware by a coworker that my locker was searched over a month ago because another coworker claimed to have seen me taking pills. I keep Claritin and Tylenol in my locker. When I need them, I take them. I was caught off guard by he fact hat this all took place and I was never asked or told about it. When I questioned my nm she said the found Claritin and Tylenol and figured I must have had a headache. I feel violated. I also want o confront this coworker. I don't take drugs, but I am fairly certain she does. In fact I will not waste with her because she can never produce what is to be wasted. What gives?

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

Yea...reporting her now will look like you are the one that has a bone to pick and you're just doing it out of spite. I mean why on earth didn't you report before...that's what will be the big question. If you have no proof I think it's just a bad idea at this point.

I would give up the locker and watch my back. If you have a smart phone there are free apps that record conversations (mine is PCM Record). In my state it's legal to record someone else withour their permission. I know it may sound extreme but when it comes down to who said what it's great to have proof. It's great for those one ones.

[tewdles, RN]

Sounds like the hospital has a bad policy that was poorly executed.

Seriously?, the NM and educater searched your locker, with others present, told them what was going on, and you heard about it through the grapevine??? No searches for contraband should occur without security. No uninvolved individuals should have been present. No information should have been given to any other employee. What a mess.

That is keystone cops crap and I would complain to HR.

[seanynjboy, BSN]

I would check hospital policy. Usually with places that have built-in combinations have some sort-of disclaimer that you sign saying that you consent to searches...

I hate lockers for that reason...Whatever I bring to work comes home.

[orthonurse55]

I would check hospital policy. Usually with places that have built-in combinations have some sort-of disclaimer that you sign saying that you consent to searches...

I hate lockers for that reason...Whatever I bring to work comes home.

I agree! I think I would plant certain items there just in case someone decides to search again or goes in there to see if you are still using it. A toy mouse, hairy spider, package of Depends....

I, like the rest, are insulted with you. Although they have the right to search, they were very underhanded in doing it. Good luck!

[Mulan]

I agree! I think I would plant certain items there just in case someone decides to search again or goes in there to see if you are still using it. A toy mouse, hairy spider, package of Depends....

I, like the rest, are insulted with you. Although they have the right to search, they were very underhanded in doing it. Good luck!

Used Depends?

[avarn]

A Huggies with a melted Hershey's bar.

[avarn]

Yes, the biggest tattle tales are usually the ones who don't do their jobs and do anything and everything else, including diverting and I just don't mean meds. Some people just divert time and attention away from patient care and focus everything on meeting their own needs and whims when they are at work. I would not confront her. I would let her overhear me talking to an attorney about slander and libel and what it takes to build a successful case. I would also email the nurse manager all my concerns including that I do feel that the accusation was retaliatory for refusing to waste with the other individual. If asked why I did not report. I would say that I did not feel the need to accuse anyone of anything and really did not suspect wrong doing and I assume whoever wasted with said nurse saw them waste the medication. You don't know what might come next. I would build a mountain of paper evidence.

[PeepnBiscuitsRN]

Pretty much everyone has said everything, so I'll just concur. Your manager was totally out of line searching your locker with co-workers present and even sharing with them what was going on and mentioning names. So classy, so classy. As for "Louie the Lip" as it were (you know, the snitch, the rat, the two faced doity rat!") I would not have any kind of little chat with her because that could just open a whole floodgate of troubles and if she and the nurse manager are already chummy then we already know who's side will be taken when the poo hits the fan.

I would suggest looking to transfer to another unit, but on another dimension that would look like you're running from something, and letting Miss Flappy Lips scare you off.

Anyways, I hope things settle, and I hope peace returns and that all is well.

[threebrats46]

It doesnt sound legal to me. If a search is done then it should be in front of you,how do you know they are not planting anything and blaming you. Def. contact your union if you have one,HR,management.

Maybe the co-worker was looking for drugs for herself--hey you never know!

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Ok lesson learned..this is what I do...I have a fanny pack with all my private stuff including some Tums and aspirin,keys,kleenex a little cash,and a lip gloss. I NEVER take any medication in front of anyone as a precaution.If I need a tylenol or two..I just slip into a private area and get them from my fanny pack. Recently all our locker like cabinets were cleaned out because we were having a Joint Commision (JC)drill. No warning either..just all cleaned out..some things were tossed..other things were put in a box with our name on it..it taught me a big lesson.

[jkr2020788]

Ok lesson learned..this is what I do...I have a fanny pack with all my private stuff including some Tums and aspirin,keys,kleenex a little cash,and a lip gloss. I NEVER take any medication in front of anyone as a precaution.If I need a tylenol or two..I just slip into a private area and get them from my fanny pack. Recently all our locker like cabinets were cleaned out because we were having a Joint Commision (JC)drill. No warning either..just all cleaned out..some things were tossed..other things were put in a box with our name on it..it taught me a big lesson.

I could never where a fanny pack..... I think I would lose a couple man points for that one haha

[rn/writer, RN]

Couple of suggestions--

Spend one day's pay (or less) for a year of professional Liability Insurance.

Research your facility's P&P regarding locker searches. While you're at it, see if there is anything about searching your person or possessions.

Don't be too quick to give up your locker. Leaving a coat or boots or purse out in a break room is actually more likely to put you in harm's way than using the locker while you are on the premises. Just don't store things in there when you're not on the job.

Do not make accusations about the co-worker who started this brouhaha. That looks petty and vengeful. Even so, don't agree to waste with her. If she complains, she'll be the one opening a can of worms and then you can tell your NM exactly why you don't feel that you can vouch for her.

Let your manager and HR know that you are very unhappy that not only was your locker searched in front of others, but those witnesses were told whose locker it was and informed about the accusation. That was way out of line and could compromise your professional reputation. People don't rush to clear someone's name with anything close to the same speed that they use to pass rumors.

Refuse to let this ill-behaved co-worker take up space in your head. Chances are that if you have suspicions about her, others do as well. Keep yourself focused on your job and your life and let her downfall be her own doing--unless you see something blatant. Then, tell your NM what you saw without attaching any speculation or meaning to it. That's for others to sort out.

I'm sorry you went through this, but at least you know you have one friend who stood by you.