Need help

[skjbc75]

Hi,

I have been an LPN for almost 6 years. I have worked in few facilities because I love what I do. I have been at my current facility for almost 1.5 years. Last friday i counted off to the 2nd shift nurse, count was correct. I recieve a phone call from the 3rd shift nurse to call the facility asap. I did not d/t the fact she isnt my supervisor and it was almost 1am. I received a phone call from my DON which I didnt answer because I was in the shower followed by a text that stated :CALL ME ASAP. So I did. She stated that the count on Friday was incorrect and asked me if I had given any PRN narcotics. I said I had not she said three were missing. 2 Tramodols and 1 Norco. I stated that I counted with the oncoming nurse. count was correct, and if something was wrong I didnt know anything about it.

I went to work on Sunday, nothing was said to me about it. On Monday, the DON and ADON counted my narc drawer to make sure they couldnt find any of the missing narcs and to see how the cards looked. Nothing was said to me at this time. However, the skids in the narc drawer always have tape on them or have small holes in the packaging. Which in this case, I waste the appropriate way with another nurse both sign they have been wasted and either flush them or throw them away in the sharps container. I have brought this to the attention of my DON several times. Each time with her stating she will take care of it.

Later on Monday, my DON and ADON approached me. The DON takes me into the shower room on our floor, and closes the door. She states to me she needs me to go get a drug screen stating I am not accusing you of anything, just need it to be done. I say ok and I go get a test. I am later suspened pending an invstigation. I speak with our coporate nurse and the conversation was like this.

She says is there anything you want to tell me. The BON works with people if they are having problems. I am in complete shock at this time. I say no i have no problem. She states to me that I am being invstigated due to some red flags on the narcotic sheets.

There is a particular resident (dementia, CVA) that I give PRN narcotic meds to between his routine Narcs. He has the appropriate order. he gets routine meds at 6a,10a,2p,6p. Has an order for every 4 PRN between. She states to me that I didnt appropriately distribute them and I would be turned into the BON. I did not document appropriately for administering PRN pain meds per policy. I can say this I know that I am wrong for this, however, if I am being invstigated for this shouldnt all the other nurses that gave him them and any other resident giving PRN narcs be in the same boat as me? I have been suspended for 6 days now. I have a meeting with them on Monday. I am so scared and so sad.

I also must add, I am the primary dayshift nurse on the dementia unit. I know their behaviors and all the little needs that most cant pick up on because I have been with them so long and care so deeply

I have been told that I gave him a narc evey hour. Which I know is incorrect.

They have also stated that I didnt change my address with the board of nursing. I did when I moved from florida to ohio.

Can I lose my license for these things? will I face jail time? I have 2 kids. I have never wanted to be anything else in my life except a mom and a nurse. I dont know what to do. I can also say this, my name isnt pulled up on the BON anymore in OHIO, but will in FL.

What do I do and what can they do to me?

[chrisrn24]

I would contact a lawyer.

From your side of things I don't understand why they think you're the one diverting or stealing meds.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

From what u have posted, definetly get a lawyer!!! That place sounds crazy - I would not want to work for people like that. Good luck to u in dealing with them - FOR SURE speak with a lawyer, there are some that specialize in dealing with BON issues.

Anne, RNC