Please help. Not sure what to do!!

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I am a RN in the state of Florida. I have a coworker I work with that is in the IPN program. She is a good nurse and I have no problem working with her. The other day she seemed very distracted and you could tell she did not have her head in the game. I asked her was she ok. She said she had to go to court because she got pulled over for a DUI and had pot on her. She was pulled over like 4 months ago. She did not report it to IPN or the board of nursing. Then she tells me that she still drinks but pee's in a cup before she goes out and just puts the bottle in her pants if she has to pdd. She went out last night and forgot to pee and needs someone to pee in a bottle for her. She is thinking IPN is a joke. She has now been acting different around everyone and is very hyper. Do I report her to IPN or the board? I don't feel right just not doing anything. Please help

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Specializes in LTC, Management, MDS Nurse, Rehab.
I am a RN in the state of Florida. I have a coworker I work with that is in the IPN program. She is a good nurse and I have no problem working with her. The other day she seemed very distracted and you could tell she did not have her head in the game. I asked her was she ok. She said she had to go to court because she got pulled over for a DUI and had pot on her. She was pulled over like 4 months ago. She did not report it to IPN or the board of nursing. Then she tells me that she still drinks but pee's in a cup before she goes out and just puts the bottle in her pants if she has to pdd. She went out last night and forgot to pee and needs someone to pee in a bottle for her. She is thinking IPN is a joke. She has now been acting different around everyone and is very hyper. Do I report her to IPN or the board? I don't feel right just not doing anything. Please help

There is a complaint area on the BON website. It sounds like she needs help.

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I know I need to do something. I just worry she will lose her RN license.

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

I don't know about Florida, but in Illinois the nurse practice act is very clear about the fact that we have a "duty to report" impaired coworkers. This person obviously needs help (although she may not actually want it) & is putting patients in danger if she's coming to work impaired. As for you being worried that she'll lose her license, that's a risk she's taking with her behavior. If she does, it will be her own fault, not yours.

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Specializes in LTC, Management, MDS Nurse, Rehab.
I know I need to do something. I just worry she will lose her RN license.
you are right.. she may lose her license....have you tried speaking with her to see if you can help her in that way. Ive heard some people say the rude awakening of dealing with the BON is what helped them to get sober.
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I think your friend is crying out for help if she has confided in you with her story. It takes a lot of courage for someone in her shoes to say it aloud for others to hear. I agree with Michelle first talk to her about what's she's told you, then tell her she needs help.

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Just a update. I have done a lot of thinking and I called the fl BON. I am truly speechless. The BON said that if she is in IPN the fl BON can not do anything!!!!! I called IPN and left a message. This nurse has no fear of the BON. I told the BON the story and tried to give them her DUI case number, they will not even look into it. Today she is talking about how she went out and got drunk then have someone pee in a cup for her. She had to go and take a drug test for IPN. She telling everyone that she will be clean. What do I do now??

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Just a update. I have done a lot of thinking and I called the fl BON. I am truly speechless. The BON said that if she is in IPN the fl BON can not do anything!!!!! I called IPN and left a message. This nurse has no fear of the BON. I told the BON the story and tried to give them her DUI case number, they will not even look into it. Today she is talking about how she went out and got drunk then have someone pee in a cup for her. She had to go and take a drug test for IPN. She telling everyone that she will be clean. What do I do now??

You need to try to get a hold of someone with IPN again, and don't stop until you do. You also need to speak with someone at your job (supervisor or director). IPN is NOT a game and it is because of people like your friend who have the "I Don't Give a Damn Attitude" that give everyone else a bad rap. As someone else said above. You have a duty if you know for sure something is going on to report it. I am a bit shocked over the BON not seeming to care, But I honestly don't know with them anymore.

I can give you the name of the person whom you need to speak with at IPN if you have any questions, please PM me.

SP

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Please help southern point!!! I have called the Bon and nothing. The nurse was twitching like crazy. What makes me mad is that no one will help me! She takes out a narc and runs to the bathroom, that crap is not ok! Any direction would be great.

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Southern point I can not PM you because I am to new. Please help me with a nMe

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Please help southern point!!! I have called the Bon and nothing. The nurse was twitching like crazy. What makes me mad is that no one will help me! She takes out a narc and runs to the bathroom, that crap is not ok! Any direction would be great.

I just sent you a PM. Please Check..

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