Narcotic Theft

[smartass_nurse]

I've witnessed a fellow nurse stealing narcotics and did what I thought was right and reported it to my DON and Administrator, but instead of concern and gratitude, I got pulled aside and yelled at. Turns out they knew but didn't want to pursue it. Why?? Because that would mean drug testing for all who had access to that cart including them......who would fail!!! I feel stuck because not only do i get paid really well here, but am about to get my first raise in 2 weeks. I was told the police were called, but know they weren't because I was the only witness and was not interviewed. Plus I know if i call State and an investigation begins, the fingers will obviously point my direction. I know the investigation would lead to their termination, but for a year they've already tried to get rid of me, but have had no good reason. Those couple of weeks under investigation will be a living hell and they will search with a fine tooth comb to take me down with them..........What do I do????

[EDValerieRN, ASN, RN]

You don't know what to do???!

Get out now! No pay will make up for working at a place like that. Amazing!

[tencat]

Get out of that horrible place NOW. You could end up being in a lot of trouble that will be difficult to get yourself out of. Get out and don't look back.

[Jolie, BSN]

Does your state mandate reporting of suspected drug abuse in healthcare workers?

[GLORIAmunchkin72]

It sounds to me that they are encouraging narc theft and abuse. The word will get around that if you want to steal narc this is the place to go. I would feel very unsafe there because the people who are supposed to lead you are misleading you. FIND ANOTHER JOB.

I've witnessed a fellow nurse stealing narcotics and did what I thought was right and reported it to my DON and Administrator, but instead of concern and gratitude, I got pulled aside and yelled at. Turns out they knew but didn't want to pursue it. Why?? Because that would mean drug testing for all who had access to that cart including them......who would fail!!! I feel stuck because not only do i get paid really well here, but am about to get my first raise in 2 weeks. I was told the police were called, but know they weren't because I was the only witness and was not interviewed. Plus I know if i call State and an investigation begins, the fingers will obviously point my direction. I know the investigation would lead to their termination, but for a year they've already tried to get rid of me, but have had no good reason. Those couple of weeks under investigation will be a living hell and they will search with a fine tooth comb to take me down with them..........What do I do????

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

You need to protect your nursing license and get out of there now!! No place is worth losing your license!!

[moonchild20002000]

Get out of there!

You know what you need to do.

[HONEYBEAR]

Good Lord.....Get out of there...no job is worth your license.

[DusktilDawn]

I've witnessed a fellow nurse stealing narcotics and did what I thought was right and reported it to my DON and Administrator, but instead of concern and gratitude, I got pulled aside and yelled at. Turns out they knew but didn't want to pursue it. Why?? Because that would mean drug testing for all who had access to that cart including them......who would fail!!! I feel stuck because not only do i get paid really well here, but am about to get my first raise in 2 weeks. I was told the police were called, but know they weren't because I was the only witness and was not interviewed. Plus I know if i call State and an investigation begins, the fingers will obviously point my direction. I know the investigation would lead to their termination, but for a year they've already tried to get rid of me, but have had no good reason. Those couple of weeks under investigation will be a living hell and they will search with a fine tooth comb to take me down with them..........What do I do????

You need to ask, "Do I want to work for people with such little integrity and blatent disregard for patient safety?" Personally I would be looking for a job elsewhere. Contact Risk Management, report this to the state BON, if the state BON investigates your DON and her Administrator may no longer have jobs. Frankly people like that shouldn't be in any type of position that holds authority. BTW anyone else who knows about this and has done nothing is also subject to discipline by the state BON.

[NurseCard, ADN]

Report this incident to the state BON, exactly as it happened, leaving out no detail. And then get the U NO WHAT out of there. Or actually, get out first.

I do hope that you've done excellent documentation of your narcotic wastes. Because yeah, these people are likely going to take you down with them. But reporting them is the thing to do.

[NurseCard, ADN]

Oops, that should have said that they will TRY to take you down with them!

Report this incident to the state BON, exactly as it happened, leaving out no detail. And then get the U NO WHAT out of there. Or actually, get out first.

I do hope that you've done excellent documentation of your narcotic wastes. Because yeah, these people are likely going to take you down with them. But reporting them is the thing to do.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

I agree with the above poster. You have to do something. Even if you forget about doing the right thing, those two will never forget what you know. Do you really think your job is safe??