Nurse doing cocaine HELP

Published

A very close male friend has a new girlfriend. She is an ICU nurse. I have only met her twice and my friend states he is in love with her. I have a big big problem. The last time we went out she broke out a bag of coke. She admitted to me she had a drinking problem as a young teen. From what I saw she still has it. She did mix coke and alcohol that night. My friend told me she doesn't do coke on the days she works. I don't know if I believe that or not. I know where she works. I know her Director. If I tell even without using my name they will know it's me. I will loose my friend who means the world to me, but the ethical and professional in me is giving me the kick. It's been bothering me for a long time. I would like some other opinions before I make up my mind. I know what I should do and I know what will happen if I do it. HELP.

Lori

In another thread it read that she mat be tired r/t coke and make a mistake. Well when my glucose level drops I don't alway get THAT feeling and I start doing things out of the ordinary and I also loose mt memory my blood glucose was 40. So my point is that when I'm at work I can also make a mistake. So should I be discrminated against and on my days off or after work on special occassions I drink and have a damn good time doing it.

I'm trying to make sense of what you are trying to say here. Are you comparing a diabetic condition to a cocaine habit, or are you saying when you drink your glucose level bottoms out? On both accounts...Seriously?

Actually I call off work when I haven't slept all night because if you didn't know sleepy nurses, sometimes more often than not, make bad nurses at that time. :p

While calling in because you didn't get enough sleep is smart on your part, it's not going to get you employee of the month. And if it becomes common knowledge that excessive drinking is your reason for missing work (if you are saying you don't sleep when you "celebrate"), that certainly can cause you to lose your job if it's viewed by managment as happening in excess.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
Your personal life can and will reflect into your work enviroment.

example 1

A RN working extra as a stripper, lost her job and license due to immorality issues as per the BON

Oh I have a huge problem with this first one. Unlike example 2 & 3, the RN in example one is performing a perfectly legal job which is taxed and regulated like any other. You did say "stripper" and not "prostitute" right? I assume she worked in a club.

Is this a true story or just an example?

Tigerlily

True story, Texas BON has a morality clause. And this is Texas, right wing extremists,republican,family values, moralisitic.

Welcome to Texas, Ya'll

Hee Haw

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Intermediate Care.

True story, Texas BON has a morality clause. And this is Texas, right wing extremists,republican,family values, moralisitic.

Welcome to Texas, Ya'll

Hee Haw

Mannnn, am I glad I don't live in Texas. It's like a whole different country down there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
Mannnn, am I glad I don't live in Texas. It's like a whole different country down there.

You might want to check your BON, love.

Chances are, if you apply for licensure by endorsement/reciprocity, you have to sign to it and ocasionally have the statement notarized.

As per my previous post, most states have a morality clause. Massachusetts, for all of its liberal leanings, does. Pennsylvania and New York do.

It has little to do with being right wing. It has been a part of BONs for a long time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.

True story, Texas BON has a morality clause. And this is Texas, right wing extremists,republican,family values, moralisitic.

Welcome to Texas, Ya'll

Hee Haw

Unreal. I often wonder how you've remained in that state this long. You see it for what it is, but somehow keep your sanity, it seems. Must be that great sense of humor that keeps you from going bonkers there!! And great golf courses, no doubt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.
Okay, this thread really has spun off into the 'authoritarian, finger-pointing, blame-game of misdirection' somehow.

Hey, has anyone read from the original poster on this? No updates, nothing...

Gen

ITA!!!! I was wondering if anyone else realized that!!LOL :rolleyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Okay, this thread really has spun off into the 'authoritarian, finger-pointing, blame-game of misdirection' somehow.

Hey, has anyone read from the original poster on this? No updates, nothing...

Gen

I have noticed this to. A while ago I asked for updates but got nothing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lori: Awkward place to be - you have a right to be angry. Being a friend sometimes means knowing what is best even if the friend doesn't see it at the time. Being a nurse involves this too - doing treatments that intially cause pain, especially with children who just cannot understand what is needed at the time. I guess this is all a part of the nurse/leadership role as well. Go with your gut - you know too much now. Animitiy may be the best way to do this - keep a clean heart to yourself. You don't have to go back and confess to the two people involved - they have betrayed you and dragged you through this stressful situation. Good - luck,

Betty

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have noticed this to. A while ago I asked for updates but got nothing.

I PM'd the OP to ask her to update her post and she basically told me she won't because of how old her post was....the fact that she took all the advice and the fact that she doesn't come here very often. :rolleyes:

Z

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Great advice and ideas discussed and debated. Since the OP has not provided an update, leaving thread open for 24hours for final thoughts then will be closing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Patients lives are at risk here!! If someone were to die due to her foolish drug induced mistake, how could you live with yourself? (A coke addict just doesn't do drugs on their days off....) It might sound mean, but if I didn't feel she'd respond to a discussion, I would not hesitate to tell on her in a heartbeat. Think of the lives she is intereacting with on a daily basis....would you want her treating your mother, friend, sister, etc. Well neither does anyone else!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I PM'd the OP to ask her to update her post and she basically told me she won't because of how old her post was....the fact that she took all the advice and the fact that she doesn't come here very often. :rolleyes:

I've taken everyone's advice. I have read every post but I am also working 6-7 days a week (camp Nurse). My last day off was more than 14 days ago. The outcome is that I am working on the situation. I assure you I take this very seriously. I am not running nor am I leaving patients unprotected. The situation is being handled using the public and private advice given. I don't think that there is any more angles to look at. I have my advice and my decision on the situation. Please close the thread.

Lori

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion