Nurses Diverting Narcotics.

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · May 21, 2015

Never had to do this, but I would in a heartbeat if I was certain of what I saw/knew. It's the right thing to do for the patients and for them. Sooner or later it will end badly all around. You would be doing nobody a favor by turning a blind eye to this.

NurseCalamity · May 21, 2015

I know and I'm a new nurse, so of course I feared retaliation. I know what I saw I'm not dumb, you know? When I took my pledge to be a nurse, I took it to protect the patients I care for. I'm sick to my stomach to think of anyone doing that. These poor people are in pain! I will always stand by my gut and report whenever I have suspicions...

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · May 21, 2015

I know and I'm a new nurse, so of course I feared retaliation. I know what I saw I'm not dumb, you know? When I took my pledge to be a nurse, I took it to protect the patients I care for. I'm sick to my stomach to think of anyone doing that. These poor people are in pain! I will always stand by my gut and report whenever I have suspicions...

Notify your compliance department, it is confidential.

Editorial Team / Admin · May 21, 2015

You may also want to check into some of the laws regarding reporting- if you know someone is diverting and fail to report it, you may face disciplinary action as well. Either way, as a nurse, you have a duty to your patients and ensuring that they receive the care they need, including pain medication. Sometimes, doing the right things isn't the easiest, but it is the ethical and moral path to take.

NurseCalamity · May 21, 2015

I have turned her in confidentially to the Supervisor and DON. There's a paper trail behind her. I am nauseated thinking how heartless that is and how she needs help, real help. Im not there to be friends with people and would never want my name involved in any of that, so I had to turn her in, it's what's right at the end of the day and I'm happy I told my superiors.

iluvivt, BSN, RN · May 21, 2015

You made the right decision and should not feel bad about, not even for a second. Your duty is to report what you observed and any other information or knowledge you have of the situation. The system will do the rest. They will perform an investigation and determine from that information the next course of action. It they deem that she diverted they will pull the nurse from patient care if, not done already and report her to the BRN. Your duty to advocate for patients has been fulfilled.Just by your actions patients that are in pain will get their pain meds as prescribed by a nurse who is NOT stealing their medication.

Libby1987 · May 21, 2015

I haven't seen it nor heard of it at work, but how easy it would be in home health, I'm surprised there is no regulation.

How common is drug diversion in nursing?

evanscc2, ADN, BSN, NP · May 21, 2015

Very common!!

NurseCalamity · May 21, 2015

Thank you! I don't feel bad about it at all. I don't wish for any nurse to lose her license, but it's an abuse of power! It just goes to show you that drug addicts get it any way and any how. I just want to be a by the book nurse, I really do. And I trust my gut and intuition more than anything. I want to protect those PTs. I have done it. I will never turn a blind eye to something as serious as this.

toomuchbaloney · May 21, 2015

I have reported a nurse for diversion.

I reported an anesthesiologist for diversion.

My default stance is one of empathy and compassion, even for these folks.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · May 21, 2015

Thank you! I don't feel bad about it at all. I don't wish for any nurse to lose her license, but it's an abuse of power! It just goes to show you that drug addicts get it any way and any how. I just want to be a by the book nurse, I really do. And I trust my gut and intuition more than anything. I want to protect those PTs. I have done it. I will never turn a blind eye to something as serious as this.

Did you get the sense from the DON that they took this seriously and would follow up?