macbelleRN

I am going to try to answer the questions that I have seen arise in the discussion to the best of my ability. I would like to start by saying that what happened as told to you all is true. It may seem crazy and people ask, "why didn't she turn around?" I did not have a malicious thought about the drug. I figured, "eh I'll bring it back to work when I go." Obviously the fact that I was so far away and hadn't slept probably played a role in that. Once again though shoulda, woulda, coulda! The cops that found my purse were from a small town (not the same area my husband is a cop in) and I told them the truth. They were satisfied and they are done with this as far as they are concerned. No charges will be pressed. My manager also believes that it was an honest mistake, and they have checked into records in pyxis, my locker and things like that finding absolutely nothing fishy. The medication was still in the vial. It was .5mg of morphine (not NS). The only person that is now pushing the issue is the head of security at the hospital. To those of you that have admitted you have been an addict that is a huge and wonderful step. I am not an addict, and I am finding it incredibly frustrating to have people judge me and my situation. I welcome the prayers and suggestions, but the judgements are not needed. I feel awful to be in this situation and wish more than ever that I had just turned around. I am worried about my job and have been on suspension. Not only is this my source of income I absolutely love being a nurse! I have worked incredibly hard to become a nurse and would never jepordize it purposely! In my heart I know that this was not an error in judgement but a mistake. My only error in judgement was not turning around when I found it. Again, thank you for your suggestions prayers and thoughts and if it makes people feel better to judge and make assertions then I guess that's what happens when we blog. We leave ourselves vulnerable. I wish everyone well and will keep you updated on the situation. Hopefully I'll know something later this week. :redpinkhe

I have worked on a Progressive Unit or step down unit as well. Let me tell you even with experience it is easy to drown or feel like your constantly treading water. While I agree with the others that your preceptor should have helped you these things do happen when you are on your own. Sounds like your floor may need a complete teamwork seminar! On these floors everyone needs to work together. I know on our unit at times someone accidentally got a better load or they were charge nurse and everything was under control. These people would go up and down the hallway turning and checking patients. Another thing that is difficult as a new nurse is delegation. There are things that can be delegated to your NA's. Don't make a habit of constantly asking them to do something for you and only you but it is their job to assist us! Another recommendation that helped me when family members would call 5 minutes after I got report I would politely ask them to call back later after I've had a chance to assess their loved one and check on their needs or get a number and call them back when you feel like you are able to catch your breath. Best of luck to you!! You will get this! This type of floor was one of the hardest places I've ever worked! :redpinkhe

Thank you for your feedback... I have been questioned multiple times and though the story is crazy it hasn't changed. I do believe that good things happen to good people so I'm hopeful. I would do anything to keep this job! It took a few years, but I'm finally in the job that I want to be! Hopefully I'll keep it or find a future employer that is compassionate and understanding of an unfortunate mistake and event.

Congrats on your new job! I haven't been an L&D nurse nor have I been to any childbirth classes but I think any extra education that you have is helpful!! A childbirth ed class is going to explain things in terms that everyone understands. Sometimes after all of our schooling its hard to not use clinical terms when explaining things. I think if anything it will help you educate your future patients in terms they understand! Best of luck to you!!

Mine was mostly girls with maybe 3 guys total! It doesn't matter though Guys in nursing are definitely on the rise! Ify you want to be a nurse you should!!

thanks to those that have replied. I appreciate it. I know NOW that I should have turned around instead of keeping the drug, but I didn't and was wondering if anyone had done something similar. It was an accident and after working until 3:30 in the morning and then driving 4 hours to the beach turning around wasn't on my mind.

I didn't want to leave it in the car so I put it in my purse. I wanted to keep track of it! I should have just turned around but my husband (a police officer) said that we should just watch it and return it. We left at 3:30 am... I have done the shoulda woulda coudas. I just wasn't thinking maliciously about the drug. I just planned on bringing it back. It was a stupid mistake and I wish I could turn around and just return it. The only saving grace at this point is that the drug left was still in the vial and there were no needles or anything with it.

Recently on a very busy night in the ED I forgot to waste a narcotic, I threw the vial after giving the patient their dose in my pocket and left the premises after my shift was over not even thinking about it. When I found the drug I was hours away from work (my husband and I were driving to the beach over night) so I just thought to myself, "I'll bring it back on the next day I work." Well, I lost my purse and it was found by police where my husband and I were vacationing. (Thankfully) I however did not realize that I had put the medication in there. There were no needles and the unused portion of the drug was still there. I had ABSOLUTELY NO INTENTION OF SELLING OR TAKING THE DRUG!! The police are not pressing charges, but the hospital I work at is putting me on suspension without pay and possibly going to fire me. I absolutely love my job and want to know if anyone has had an experience similar to this. (Perhaps they did not get caught with the drug, but realized it later and brought it back). It was an honest mistake and I hope that they realize that. They drug tested me which will come back negative and they also interrogated me and searched my locker which was clean. The security guard was extremely accusatory and stated that he does not believe me! Anyway, any help, suggestions or nurses that have brought home medication or hospital stuff in their scrub jackets as an accident would be extremely helpful.I just want to know where I stand and what kind of uphill battle I need to prepare for... :redpinkhe