Quick Question

[busybee123]

Curious to know what happens when a nurse is diverting meds (counts not adding up when this nurse is present, etc). And a UA is negative? How are things handled at this point?

[rn/writer, RN]

I would think further investigation would take place because not everyone who diverts is doing so for their own use. Some are supplying other people close to them and a few may even be selling meds.

Whether the nurse would be allowed to work during such an investigation would most likely be determined by things like state laws and facility policies.

[busybee123]

The nurse IS still working and i'm beginning to think that Drug testing is for the sole purpose of detecting Marijuana and quite frankly useless.

[rn/writer, RN]

Why would you make that assumption? Drug testing usually includes narcotics, benzos, amphetamines, and other substances. The fact that a nurse is still working after being suspected of diverting may mean nothing more than that the investigation is still in progress.

As I said earlier, diversion doesn't always mean the person under suspicion is the one using. Further investigation would then be needed to determine if the nurse is indeed diverting or has been careless or if something else entirely is going on.

[busybee123]

True, very true. Thank You so much.

[jackstem]

If the count is off due to poor record keeping and documentation they might be disciplined for improper processing of drug documents as well.

Jack

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

I'll just add : not ALL nurses who ARE diverting are users, there IS a market for drugs that a RN has access to..they might simply be selling them... . so, while a drug screen is a good indicator of innocence, they ( pharmacy, management) continue to keep a close eye on these nurses ... for continued discrepancies....