Occurrence In Idaho

Published

Specializes in CNS, PMHNP, EMS, ER, Instructor.

To the Moderators, I believe this is appropriate in this forum, but of course I understand if you do not and must remove it based on the forum rules.

Fellow nurses,

Last week, in Bingham County Idaho, Mi Kel J. McBride, RN, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder in the death of her grandmother, Opal Ward, who was 93. The story can be found at: http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?s=11156810

Mi Kel was caring for her grandmother after her grandmother had been released from a long term care facility "to die at home" (quote from Mrs. Ward's relative). Mrs. Ward was suffering from terminal renal failure, and appeared to be on hospice care.

Based on rumors, which the prosecution has sealed, the county exhumed Mrs. Ward's body (without knowledge of the family), and discovered morphine toxicity. They then charged Mi Kel with murder.

Obviously, all the details of the case has not been presented to the public, so I am basing my information on news articles. Mrs. Ward did have a large estate, but Mi Kel was not a beneficiary.

I worked with Mi Kel as a nursing instructor, and I found her to be an excellent, caring and compassionate nurse. She was well loved by her students, and past patients and fellow nurses also found her to be an excellent nurse. Regardless of the outcome of the case, her nursing career is probably ruined just based on the charges - at least in Idaho.

Now I know that many of you are experienced nurses who know how it used to be, before we learned to give a patient a dignified death without pain. And many of you know that it is so difficult to determine the point at which morphine toxicity can result in terminal patient death. We certainly do not mean to cause the patient harm, but we want the patient to die without pain.

Obviously Mi Kel is shattered, and I would like her to know that as nurses, we care. If you could please respond to at least provide support for a fellow nurse, whether you believe that the county is justified or not, I will make sure she sees this forum.

Respectfully,

vkubiak

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in insanity control.

my thoughts are with her.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

Our society is so hell bent on immortality despite the pain it makes me nauseous. Soon it won't be safe to be a hospice nurse or you might risk protesters on your doorstep.

I hope justice is found for her and she is allowed her peace.

Tait

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pulmonary, MICU.

I think the fact that this case is even going to court is proof that the DA has nothing better to do. He doesn't have a solid case. There is too much reasonable doubt (which is all you need to prevent a conviction) to protect this woman...a patient in renal failure has toxic levels of morphine? Morphine has 1 active metabolite that is excreted by the kidneys and has been shown to store in the body in toxic levels in persons with renal failure. The DA doesn't have a case, all they are doing is ruining one woman's career.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

I can only pray that I have a compassionate nurse such as Ms. McBride to care for me at the end of my life--someone who does not spout ridiculous lines about "addiction" to an actively dying person in pain or worry that relieving pain will hasten death. Give the morphine and give it liberally.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Well, considering she has no motive--and the patient was in renal failure--I don't know how far this will go.

I hope her lawyer is good.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Besides how can they prove she didn't die from the death process? Everyone I know who has renal failure is going to be toxic. Period.

How ridiculous.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

May you find the peace, love and support from your friends, family and community. I'm sending some positive vibes your way. This just goes to show that anyone will sue for any reason. It's soooo pathetic. Mi Kel, stand strong, and don't let the system say you are wrong. You did the best you could for a loved one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, LTC, ICU.

My heart goes out to you

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Our society is so hell bent on immortality despite the pain it makes me nauseous. Soon it won't be safe to be a hospice nurse or you might risk protesters on your doorstep.

Tait

as a hospice nurse, i have indeed, dealt with sev'l anguished families who've threatened me w/killing their loved ones.

i am always sympathetic yet confident...in my state, anyway.

Besides how can they prove she didn't die from the death process? Everyone I know who has renal failure is going to be toxic. Period.

How ridiculous.

totally ridiculous.

once mikel is found not guilty (which will happen, imo), maybe she'll countersue.

it is something i would consider, for sure.

my prayers for all involved.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My warm thoughts..let's just hope that the whole nonsense gets dismissed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is ridiculous and I'm disgusted this is even an issue. I hope it gets thrown out of court and though it probably won't happen, that Mi Kel gets a very public apology. I'm a nursing student in Idaho and I'm going to let all my classmates know about this. Maybe if we make some noise, we can get the public to realize how preposterous these charges against her are.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion