Nurse doing cocaine HELP

oneillk1 · Jul 11, 2005

I think there is no question - you have to inform your DON. Put it this way, if a patiet is seriously compromised by this woman and you had previous knowledge of her drug use, how bad would you feel! And also I don't know about where you are, but where I am a nurse can be held accountable for any incidents if they were caused by another nurse who (to the first nurse's knowledge) was impaired in doing her job. So forget about protecting her and your friend, protect the patients (which is the nurse's priority!) and yourself.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, you sound like a good person and a great nurse and I don't want you to get hurt by someone else's stupidity

:balloons:

Mermaid4 · Jul 11, 2005

I think unless you know she is using while on duty it is not up to you to say anything. It doesn't involve you and your friend, who says he is in love with this person, seems to have his own blinders on. Unless you can prove this person is using while on duty, it is a violation of her privacy to approach anyone without approaching her first. I don't like her choices either but they are her choices, and unless you can prove them you are setting yourself up for a whole bunch of personal trouble....It is valiant that you want to help, but your friend didn't ask for your help did he? He knows what the girl is or isn't doing on some level. Perhaps she wants to be found out. Who knows?

TracyB,RN, RN · Jul 11, 2005

Step up & report it...

Had a few co-workers who everyone "suspected" something was amiss...

Well, they are both dead now, b/c nobody stepped up to the plate.

Report now, before she loses her life.

Addiction is a downward spiral, & she needs help ASAP!!!

BETSRN · Jul 11, 2005

I've only met her twice. It was on the second meeting that she did this. I do know that in the first month that they were dating they got into a fight and she put 4 holes in the wall with her fist. My friend is blind as a bat and compleatly, utterly gaga over this woman. She is young and cute. He has a long history of falling for the wrong type and getting hurt. I have no doubt this relationship will not last forever. This woman's mother was divorced 5 times, she is already divorced once. She has a history of alcohol abuse, smokes pot, cigerettes and her perfered drug is coke. Did you ever see a speeding train about to hit a loved one. There is nothing I can do about the relationship. He will choose her over me in a flash. He is that far taken with her. At this point talking to him is a waste of time. I hate to say this but he did it with her. Same drugs, same alcohol etc so they both don't think what they are doing is wrong. I am going to end up losing him as a friend because of this situation with her but he will be back once he is hurt. I am just so upset I needed to vent.
Lori

It seems to me that at this point in time, this guy friend of yours is worth losing. It sounds as if he is making a huge mistake (or already has) and there is absolutley nothing you can do about it.

Maybe one day he will wise up and contact you. For now, I would report her, let him drift away and get on with your life. You are doing the right thing by turning her in.

Mermaid4 · Jul 11, 2005

Unless she is proven to be using while at or before work or you have seen her do so, you will be in direct violation of the currrent privacy laws and open to a gigantic lawsuit if she ever finds out it is you. And, this is NOT your issue....You are a compassionate and great friend and a concerned one but be aware, should you do so, you can be named. Also, that would mean that if you were out having a few beers one night (or whatever), and someone suspected that with that behavior you "might" be compromising your patients, they could report you as well...In fact, this person could do that as well. I am not saying you shouldn't be suspect, but you have no idea (forensically), that she is doing what you suspect and you aren't God or the DEA...Until you actually know something or see it in action, I would tred very very lightly. Nothing says you can't attempt to get some info out of your friend but he is a big boy. He knows what he is getting into. As his friend, you certainly can offer your opinion. But, you have NO RIGHT professionally or ethically to potentially ruin someone's career or a mere hunch, even if it is a good one. Seriously, whatever you do , may you tred VERY VERY lightly .....Good luck with your friend..On some level, he is the one with the problem, knowing what he knows....If HE knows something more and allows this person to go to work and subject herself to patient care (if she indeed uses while there), he is not only an enabler, he is guilty of promoting negligence on her part....

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2005

If she truly has as it appears a problem with both alcohol and cocaine.

Then for one,I certainly think she should lose her nursing license. She is a danger to herself , her patients and even her coworkers and acquaintances.

I also think she should have her drivers license taken away also.

Personally, besides turning her into the BON, I also know enough Police Officers. I play golf with a lot of them. That I would see that they busted her for possession. Having her busted might be just what it takes to save her life and others

Does this sound a little vindictive, yes it probably does. But after decades of work, primarily in the ER, Ive seen first hand the damage inflicted by alcoholics and druggies. Not only to themselves but to others. My wife was hit by a guy doing alcohol and cocaine and has 3 discs in her nech injured and has been hurting for years.\

Zero Tolerance for Alcoholics and Druggies

rn/writer, RN · Jul 11, 2005

unless she is proven to be using while at or before work or you have seen her do so, you will be in direct violation of the currrent privacy laws and open to a gigantic lawsuit if she ever finds out it is you. and, this is not your issue....you are a compassionate and great friend and a concerned one but be aware, should you do so, you can be named. also, that would mean that if you were out having a few beers one night (or whatever), and someone suspected that with that behavior you "might" be compromising your patients, they could report you as well...in fact, this person could do that as well. i am not saying you shouldn't be suspect, but you have no idea (forensically), that she is doing what you suspect and you aren't god or the dea...until you actually know something or see it in action, i would tred very very lightly. nothing says you can't attempt to get some info out of your friend but he is a big boy. he knows what he is getting into. as his friend, you certainly can offer your opinion. but, you have no right professionally or ethically to potentially ruin someone's career or a mere hunch, even if it is a good one. seriously, whatever you do , may you tred very very lightly .....good luck with your friend..on some level, he is the one with the problem, knowing what he knows....if he knows something more and allows this person to go to work and subject herself to patient care (if she indeed uses while there), he is not only an enabler, he is guilty of promoting negligence on her part....

no offense, but the comparison about beer and coke is not a good one. drinking beer is legal. doing coke is not. an accuser would have to come up with something a lot more serious than saying she saw you hoisting a few on saturday night.

yes, the op needs to be careful but her concerns aren't based on "a mere hunch." she said the other nurse took out a bag of coke right in front of her. she also said the other nurse mixed coke and alcohol that night.

this behavior is not only illegal, it could be dangerous. not to mention the fact that it is expressly forbidden in every nursing contract i have ever seen. i just started a new job and had to undergo drug testing. they were pretty specific about drug usage. on duty, off duty, it doesn't matter--it is simply not tolerated! period!

as for the op potentially ruining someone else's career, who is potentially ruining a career? the coked-up nurse had no qualms about using in front of her. talk about carelessness! she doesn't seem the least bit protective of her own job. and doesn't that show at least some degree of brazenness and impaired judgement??? why should the op have to tread on eggshells when the other nurse seems to be elephant-stomping on decency and consideration? someone who is that foolishly open about illicit behavior is either so out of control that they need to be stopped or they are asking for help and ought to receive it.

whistle blowing should never be entered into lightly. but neither should a situation that plays out right in front of a person be ignored. there is a difference between precipitous finger-pointing and conscientious reporting of a serious (and potentially damaging) problem.

many of us have urged the op to take some kind of action (and have mentioned a range of options), not only for the sake of the impaired nurse and her patients, but also so the op can live with herself after all is said and done.

if, in reporting this nurse, the op sticks to what she saw and what was actually said to her, she should not be on shaky ground. this is safe information for her to transmit.

i'm sorry she got plonked down in the middle of such a mess. she certainly didn't ask to become a part of someone else's quagmire. the other nurse roped her in by flaunting illicit behavior. be that as it may, she is now involved and has some tough choices to make. i wish her wisdom and courage.

miranda f.

PMHNP10 · Jul 11, 2005

Unless she is proven to be using while at or before work or you have seen her do so, you will be in direct violation of the currrent privacy laws and open to a gigantic lawsuit if she ever finds out it is you.

No she's not. If this other nurse uses an illegal substance, whether on her day off or right before work, it's still illegal. The OP states she saw the coke; and while she didn't use the words "I saw her do coke" it's reasonable to assume she did in fact see her based on her statement that she mixed alcohol and coke that night. I know every BON is different, but some, if not all, require you to report such illegal activity. Not doing so can come back to bite you. And while there are some rediculous lawsuits out there, I gotta think there's not going to be a judge out there who'll believe she never uses before work.

Also, that would mean that if you were out having a few beers one night (or whatever), and someone suspected that with that behavior you "might" be compromising your patients, they could report you as well...In fact, this person could do that as well.....

Absolutely not. Bottom line is that alcohol isn't illegal (unless you are under the legal drinking limit). There are only 2 ways alcohol could get you in trouble with your job and/or BON. 1 is if you are always calling in sick because you dring too much the previous night; the other is if you drink right before work.

But, you have NO RIGHT professionally or ethically to potentially ruin someone's career or a mere hunch, even if it is a good one.....

I admit I haven't read all of the posts, so because you didn't address your post to anyone in particular I have to assume you were posting in response to the OP. If in fact you are posting in response to someone else who shared a different story in this thread, I sincerely apologize in advance. If you are responding to the OP, then I have to say I can't believe what I'm reading. The addict has NO RIGHT to terminally ruin a patient's life (not to mention the family) because of her poor judgement.

If she truly has as it appears a problem with both alcohol and cocaine.
Then for one,I certainly think she should lose her nursing license. She is a danger to herself , her patients and even her coworkers and acquaintances.
I also think she should have her drivers license taken away also.
Personally, besides turning her into the BON, I also know enough Police Officers. I play golf with a lot of them. That I would see that they busted her for possession. Having her busted might be just what it takes to save her life and others
Does this sound a little vindictive, yes it probably does. But after decades of work, primarily in the ER, Ive seen first hand the damage inflicted by alcoholics and druggies. Not only to themselves but to others. My wife was hit by a guy doing alcohol and cocaine and has 3 discs in her nech injured and has been hurting for years.\
Zero Tolerance for Alcoholics and Druggies

Tom I totally respect your opinion here, and agree with most of it, however I don't necessarily agree she should lose her license outright. I would say that she should be allowed to get the help she desparately needs, and after a few years of rehab, therapy, abstinence etc. be considered for license reinstatement.

TO THE OP: Believe it or not, this person was crying out for help just as someone who says they are suicidal. She knows (whether consciously or subconsciously) that she is out of control. In effect, she begged you to help her regain the control she lost so many years ago. Please make the call you know you need to make. This is one of those situations in which regardless of your motives, it's the right thing to do.

Gennaver, MSN · Jul 11, 2005

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

Hi Lori,

Wow. Bottom line is that this sounds like are in a twixt. Your ~friend~ is choosing to socialize intimately with a woman who not only can afford the disposable income to blow up her nose and rot her liver but, he finds this attractive? Regardless of the work issues here Lori, sounds like you have a friend who is sucking you bone dry of your concern and care.

Is this a 'for real friend?' How long is history of falling for the wrong women and how long are you going to burn up all your energy trying to be there for him and save him?

Now, regarding the work issue, hmm. The only thing tough about this is your indecision. Sure, my words may sound tough but, truly they aren't meant to be. I have been very indecisive in my past and have wasted plenty of time over ~not~ making the move but thinking about it. Can you live with yourself if her impaired-ness hurts a patient? Also, is her work so impaired that she is currently being scrutinized? Do they need just that one last complaint to randomize a drug test?

So, my off the cuff considerations are wondering why you are socializing with someone who chooses to make a pattern of socializing with 'substance abusing' women? Aren't you concerned he is risky with his own health and lacks good decision making? We ARE who we socialize with, (in our intimate lives anyhow, anyway you look at it). Is he also a substance abuser? Only he and she can reach out for help, usually hitting bottom is involved. Do you really want to be around for that?

Okay, my words were not encouraging but, I hope that at the very least they were somehow empowering to you Lori, you have a kind, compassionate and caring heart. Please don't waste that.

Good luck,

Gen

Gennaver, MSN · Jul 11, 2005

Got a question for y'all...
If she's not working while riding her her high/recovering from her high, why should she be reported?
It's an ethical question and I have my own answer. I'm curious as to what others think.

Hello Pvt. Parts,

If she were an artist or academic or poet, artist, philospher or observer I would not care what she did while she was riding her high or off of her high. However, she deals with the care of patients who depend on her judgment for their lives and health.

Her use of cocain and etoh together seems to be much more than a little harmless 'dabble'. Don't you agree. So, regardless of flaunting federal law and what not she is indeed demonstrating poor judgment, lack of concern for consequences and lack of self-respect or healthy wellness.

Good question Pvt. how do your conclusions follow through?

Gen

Gennaver, MSN · Jul 11, 2005

You're right, I shouldn't have personalized it, especially in someone else's thread. It truly hits home, hard. That's why I started seeing red when I was accused of trying to rationalize the use of illegal hard drugs.
My sincerest apologies for the "hijacking" of this thread.
This will be my last post in this thread since I have been warned anonymously. Whomever it was felt threatened enough by my argument/opinion that they felt that they needed to warn me anonymously. Please do not feel that way -- I am actually very reasonable and approachable.

Hi Pvt. Parts,

What a shame that a poster had such misdirected passion that they treated you badly.

I feel like I fully 'get' your post and your APOLOGY for asking in the wrong thread. Knowing that there is a big difference between the legal classifications of drugs and the vast differences from psychoactive substances, (from coffee,to chocalate all the way up to heroine and meth) that this issue is far too divisive to discuss casually with strangers.

In perspective marijuana and heroine were legal at one time, yet, I will leave this topic alone also as this is not the venue and the possibility for misreading and misunderstanding is too great. Abstract thought on the use of ANY psychoactive substances and the right or wrong classification of some as being numbered one to five even in contradiction to studies...well, again, it becomes a narrowed down patriotic/social ailment/or morality issue which can only divide.

Gen

H ynnoD · Jul 12, 2005

I've only met her twice. It was on the second meeting that she did this. I do know that in the first month that they were dating they got into a fight and she put 4 holes in the wall with her fist. My friend is blind as a bat and compleatly, utterly gaga over this woman. She is young and cute. He has a long history of falling for the wrong type and getting hurt. I have no doubt this relationship will not last forever. This woman's mother was divorced 5 times, she is already divorced once. She has a history of alcohol abuse, smokes pot, cigerettes and her perfered drug is coke. Did you ever see a speeding train about to hit a loved one. There is nothing I can do about the relationship. He will choose her over me in a flash. He is that far taken with her. At this point talking to him is a waste of time. I hate to say this but he did it with her. Same drugs, same alcohol etc so they both don't think what they are doing is wrong. I am going to end up losing him as a friend because of this situation with her but he will be back once he is hurt. I am just so upset I needed to vent.
Lori

If my best Friend was doing drugs,I would no longer hang out with him,which is exactly what happened.My best friend for 29 years had stopped doing drugs,then I stopped and he started again.We know longer hang out together like we use to.Every couple of months I'll drop by and say Hi and see if things have changed,theres always hope,but hes still the same.My life moves forward,his stays the same.Sometimes we have to let our friends go or some how they might also bring us down with them.