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

[OntRPN]

Ativan is not a narc, why would you be counting it?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Ativan is not a narc, why would you be counting it?

Because the US is insane and counts benzos as stringently and closely as morphine.

[Cathlabnurse46]

So some facilities still use the old "shingle sheets"? This is why many places use a PIXIS or other electronic/computerized system. There are so many ways to get around shingle sheets and not a reliable way to count narcs. It was a common event to spend time trying to find out who took out the last med and didn't tear off a sheet. I even had whole pages of sheets disapear out of the book (along with the meds) so for several days the count looked correct but we were actually missing 25 pills!

In all my years... nearly 25... I caught nurses with syringes stuck in there arms, passed out in bathrooms, stoned or too drunk to work. The only thing that has change now is the advent of computerized dispensing requiring fingerprint ID and the threat of drug testing... on the spot. Nothing will stop an adict from taking or finding a way to get narcs..... they will move to an easier target... like a long term care facility or ALF and steal PT meds.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

So some facilities still use the old "shingle sheets"?

For LTC a Pyxis or Omnicell makes no sense except for controlled substances. And they are extremely expensive.

[Cathlabnurse46]

I would also say that benzos are common to narc addicts... it eases them down. They should be locked up and counted. My sister was an adict. I lost her in Feb.

[Fiona59]

Hell, we even count Testesterone patches.

But all of this over ONE Ativan? Sounds like there is a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I would also say that benzos are common to narc addicts... it eases them down. They should be locked up and counted. My sister was an adict. I lost her in Feb.

I'm sorry.

[kcochrane]

Hell, we even count Testesterone patches.

But all of this over ONE Ativan? Sounds like there is a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

We do too. Ativan and Testesterone patches. I agree, there is a bigger problem. If you want someone to be accountable for these drugs, then make sure you have some policy in place for accountablility.

[Sunflowerinsc, ADN, RN]

Every place I have worked for the past 40 plus years, the count was done between off going and on coming RN or LPN. And it HAD to be right before anyone left. But now thank goodness for the accudose! Love it, that and voice care reports are 2 of the best time saving "new" things for nurse getting off shift on time.