new nurse facility missing a narc

[sparkles_2221]

I am a new nurse. I got a call from the DON that there is a lorazepam missing from the narco box. I only worked one of the days in question and I know that I didn't get into it. She said that if she can't figure it out then she would have to call the police. If she does what happens next? We had a lot of nurses covering other shifts and we have had new nurses working also some more nurses have quit. I personally think that someone just forgot to fill out the slip to say that they got it out. Any information on what happens next will be appreciated. Thanks in advance

[RN1989]

Sounds like she is trying to scare you. Your facility should have a policy regarding this. If it doesn't, that's a problem. I would definitely be looking at the P&P manual or employee handbook to see what the protocol for your facility is.

Usually the staff is sent in for drug testing if no one can figure it out. If someone comes up positive, then they call the police and see if they or the DA are willing to do something about it. Sometimes they do, oftentimes they take a statement and go on about their business.

Best bet is to just make sure that you always document. If you didn't take it, this will just be a hassle. Relax, do your job, and don't let them rattle you.

[mesa1979, BSN, RN]

I agree this is scare tactic. If you know you didn't take it, don't worry, your drug test will be negative. Make sure you watch others when you work, and cover your butt by following the policy. Good luck

[kcochrane]

Do you not count all your narcs before and after your shift with another nurse?

[sparkles_2221]

Yes we count all of them on our med cart but not all of the med room. We have extra in the med room in case someone runs out or we get a new resident. they are all in locked boxes. all we do at the end of the shift is check to make sure the same number is on the box as when we started the shift.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Forget the drug test...the half life of Ativan is very short (which is why it's good for old people) and wouldn't show up anyway.

You can only make a statement. Whoever was the last person to sign that the count was correct or that the box was sealed, technically is responsible for that count. If you don't pay attention and sign the count as correct when it wasn't...it's on you.

We had a drug diversion. I didn't call the police. My policy and that of my pharmacy was to notify the state Drug Enforcement Agency. I did that in March. They just came this week to investigate. Have to say the woman was wonderfully helpful.

Good luck.

[kcochrane]

Yes we count all of them on our med cart but not all of the med room. We have extra in the med room in case someone runs out or we get a new resident. they are all in locked boxes. all we do at the end of the shift is check to make sure the same number is on the box as when we started the shift.

I think its time for your facility to start counting those meds too and have signatures from each shift that the count it right. As you can see, this is what happens if something is missing. Everyone that works since the drug was missing is suspect. If you did a "count" only the last person to sign would be suspect. I find it hard to believe they could pin this on you, but I would be hesitant to keep working there without safeguards in place from this happening again.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[nightmare, RN]

If we have a mis-count we check the MAR's of those on the drug in question.If the drug has been given and not recorded in the Controlled drug book we know that it is human error rather than deliberate taking away.Then slap on wrist for the nurse who gave but did not sign the controlled drug book.

[Mara123RN]

Narcotics are something you have to be very careful about. Always count them and trust no one. I have seen nurses get busted for diverting drugs that you never would have suspected. Like everyone said if you didn't take it, you have nothing to worry about.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

me personally i would have encouraged her to call whom ever it would have to make her feel better. usually by facility policy the narcs are counted and no one leaves if one is missing. if several shifts have passed since you worked forget it she cant pin nothing on you especially if you have a neg drug screen. sounds like she is freaking out.....

yes we count all of them on our med cart but not all of the med room. we have extra in the med room in case someone runs out or we get a new resident. they are all in locked boxes. all we do at the end of the shift is check to make sure the same number is on the box as when we started the shift.

[Vito Andolini]

Yes we count all of them on our med cart but not all of the med room. We have extra in the med room in case someone runs out or we get a new resident. they are all in locked boxes. all we do at the end of the shift is check to make sure the same number is on the box as when we started the shift.

How many people had a key for the med room narcotic box?

I used to work in a place that had narcs on each med cart (3 carts) and these were counted each shift change by the nurse who had the cart and the one who would be receiving it.

The med room narcs were counted by the oncoming and offgoing Supervisor. I think the Supervisor was the only one with access to that narc box.

I think your boss is bullying you, as others have stated. It's not time to worry unless you test positive and, even then, if you have been prescribed the med that's missing, you are ok. When someone is new or a traveler, it is standard fare to be picked on for this type of stuff. I will pray that whoever took it will admit it and let everyone else relax.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

The OP is talking about the emergency kit, which has a different audit trail than the cart or med cabinet.

Someone signed the log somewhere or the tags won't match. And whomever accessed it last has the explaining to do.