Nurse Calling In Scripts to Pharmacy Illegally

[nurse42long, RN]

I have a question and a concern. There is a nurse where I work that calls in prescriptions to the local pharmacies for anyone that wants one. Not for narcotics or anything like that but if someone needs a refill for their lasix, or an antibiotic called in she will take it upon herself to call it in. She uses a the name of a doctor that she says will always cover her. She doesn't check with this doctor, she just uses his name.

So staff or friends will call her to call in a script for themselves or a family member and she does it. This happens on a daily basis.

If fact I was having some symptoms of a UTI and mentioned it to someone else and next thing I know this nurse came to me and said she called me in some Bactrim and I should go pick it up after I got off work. She had no idea of my allergy status (I'm not allergic but still). And I have never seen this particular doctor before.

My concern is I know this is illegal and normally I try to mind my own business but what is my legal responsibility. I'm pretty sure our Nurse Manager knows about this.

[klone, MSN, RN]

You absolutely have to report the nurse (and the NM if you are certain that she is aware and is tacitly allowing it). This is absolutely illegal. The physician may be aware that she has done this in the past, but I am guessing he probably is not aware that she's doing this on a daily basis. If she were to get caught, or if something were to happen to someone, he will TOTALLY throw her under the bus.

This is so appallingly wrong, and I fear that if you don't do something, you will be held culpable as well. For the protection of your OWN nursing license, you must report her ASAP.

And don't pick up the Bactrim, because then that makes you involved personally with her deception.

[Mommy&RN, BSN, RN]

I'm sure he will cover her when she calls in something completely inappropriate or something someone has an allergy. (So dripping with sarcasm, don't step I'm it... Lol)

The chain of command needs to remedy this situation ASAP!

[dishes, BSN, RN]

How did you respond when she told you she had called in Bactrim order for you?

[SouthernPoint]

I'm sure he will cover her when she calls in something completely inappropriate or something someone has an allergy. (So dripping with sarcasm, don't step I'm it... Lol)

The chain of command needs to remedy this situation ASAP!

Sorry to disagree with you here, but she needs to "Step in it". Since that nurse already called in a script for her she is already involved.

If the OP has NEVER seen the so-called prescribing MD, how can he cover the call in nurse? The Feds will see there is NO PAPER/CHART on the OP.

What it all boils down to is the OP took an oath and now that she see's something wrong being done, she needs to report it. Plain and simple.

[eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN]

Wow. That's ridiculous. Writing stuff for patients without discussion is one thing but writing... Actually calling... For strangers is a whole new level. Please report her. Someone could get seriously hurt from this dangerous practice

~ No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent -Eleanor Roosevelt ~

[JBudd, MSN]

AFter reporting to the NM, seems to me the MD should be notified ASAP.

Refilling Lasix with no f/u labs? Prescribing meds on her own?

So totally out of line.

Report to the BON as well, cover yourself! and be prepared to be called a "Judas", but better her license than yours gets investigated.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

Sorry to disagree with you here, but she needs to "Step in it". Since that nurse already called in a script for her she is already involved.

I think this person meant for us not to step in the "puddle" of sarcasm, and they were advocating doing something to stop this nurse (which, obviously, the OP needs to do).

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Approach your manager ASAP. If that goes nowhere, go to your manager's supervisor.

[nurse42long, RN]

How do I report this to BON? Anyone know the procedure? I'm new at this job, less than two months and this nurse has been here 24 years. The Nurse Manager is aware of many things this nurse has done. In fact, the NM told me that "she is crazy, don't mess with her". Evidently she has stalked the NM to point of her needing to change her phone numbers. Everyone I've listened to here has told me that Administration is afraid of her. Other than this I really like this job, but I'm thinking I may just have to cut my losses as I don't need this kind of drama in my life. This is a very small rural hospital, everyone knows everyone and I'm not from around here.

As far as the Bactrim, she went to Walmart on her hour long break and picked it up for me. Then asked for the $4.00! Afterwards, I realized that this got me involved, which is probably what she wanted. If I report her, won't I be on the line as well? I'm actually a little afraid of this person. Maybe a lot afraid.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Did you give her payment for that Bactrim, or did you refuse it? That's a tricky situation, I'm not sure if that makes you "on the line as well" if you reported her.

Her behavior needs to be reported, though. She is basically practicing medicine and out of the scope of her nursing license. You could call or e-mail your state BON regarding the steps needed to report this activity. I know in Texas if a nurse witnesses another nurse's wrong-doing and doesn't report it to the BON, that violates the Nurse Practice Act.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

And why did WalMart not ask for proof of identity before releasing 'your' prescription? They likely have video of this transaction. She needs to be stopped.