Nurse not passing meds...should I report to BON?

reeveslpn · May 11, 2011

If you told the DON you did your part. In my past experience like someone said that nurse and the DON might be friends. Watch yourself because you might end up in trouble I see it all the time. Nursing is cut throat.

psu_213, BSN, RN · May 11, 2011

One lady died on this nurses shift and she was a known hypoglycemic diabetic....I'm pretty sure her finger stick wasn't done

I second the thoughts of most people who warn you to tread lightly since possible repercussions for you could follow.

I look at this part of your statement as most troublesome....for you that is. How long ago was this? Any proof that this nurse did not do a CBS? Either way, what was done about this after the fact...i.e. did you take part in any education of staff about how this could have been handled better? Were you aware, before this happened, that the resident was a diabetic prone to hypoglycemic episodes? As supervisor, did you intiate or were you part of any attempt to prevent what happened (based on the hx of the resident)? I know it sounds like I am making accusations against you, and I really don't want you to think that I am. I'm just raising questions that might be asked by management if they don't like how you persue the issues surrouding this other nurse.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 11, 2011

As a supervisor working at the same time with a trouble or troublesome employee.......I would make my presence a frequent part of the daily operations of this nurse. I would handle calls from that particular nurses station. I would offer to check her charts to "help her" and ask if she needs her glucoses done and does she need help. I would make sure to make rounds in the patients rooms when she should be doing glucoses to see if she is doing her responsibilities.

I would let her know that you want her to be sucessful so you are going to be present to help her when you are there so that she can work out the rough spots. Most of all I would just start Hanging out and having a strong presence and at time unexpected presence to help keep everyone on their toes.

I do agree with TheCommuter and Whispera....tread carefully.......the DON may not you to intervene.....but if she is diverting and consistantly not giving meds I would go the next level up to the CNO.....but be prepared to lose your job. If your interventionis more work than they want to put forth and would rather bury their heads in the sand........being right or doing the right thing could cost you your job.....Good luck.....

Chin up · May 11, 2011

I would report this. I hesitate to say so, but this is too clear cut. If she is signing out narcotics and count has not changed, this is negligence and abuse with harm. The state will see it during survey, or the pharmacist during her audit. Better, to report now, than having it uncovered later.

Question, did the DON cover this up, by having her circle meds not given and writing, refused? Also, has she been giving all of her meds, since the warning? If yes to these questions, be very, very careful. You may want to consult with someone with more knowledge of these issues, before reporting. It may be wise to hold off for now. I think the nurse should have been fired on the spot, and reported, these are very serious allegations. Me, I would have raised all h@ll with the warning. You as supervisor and mandated reporter, could have culpability here. Best of luck!

Mudder · May 12, 2011

Thanks to all the nurses that replied. Just a little update: yes, I am a "working" supervisor, always jump in to help but this nurse works 3-11 and once I go home, she sits.....this has been told to the DON also by more than 1 witness. Anyway.......it was reported to our administrator by another nurse and he asked the DON who just replied she had it under control, nothing more will be done by him.

Since I have put it in writing that I feel she is a threat and danger to my patients and I do not want her taking care of them, she has been moved to another wing.....so she'll just do the same there.

I on the other had turned in my notice. I can't continue to work some place where this kind of "abuse" is overlooked.....and yes, I already have another job to go to.

Thanks for all the input.......I LOVE this forum :redpinkhe

reeveslpn · May 12, 2011

Glad you got out! That wasn't the place for you. Best of luck to you!!

katherine100, LPN · Mar 10, 2013

Sad sad story. I am now seeing this because I too am thinking about reporting a coworker. I am shocked by the amount of DONs that are just fine with dangerous and sub par work. Who would ever put their license on the line for someone else?

HolyPeas · Mar 11, 2013

I realize this is an old thread but I thought I would throw my 2 cents in.

I would try to find out WHY its happening. It sounds like she has already been talked too, and it doesnt sound like she is STEALING meds, just getting ahead of herself maybe? You said you are uncomfortable with her still being on your floor but you did not say if it has continued to happen or not. If she has corrected the issue at hand, I don't think reporting her is really appropriate.

If she makes you uncomfortable for other reasons, that may be different, but I am not getting that from what you said.

katherine100, LPN · Mar 11, 2013

Did you read Holy? This person is not giving ANY meds!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2013

Since the events described in the OP took place nearly two years ago, I am sincerely hoping that the issues with the nurse who wasn't administering medications have all been resolved by now.