So, she does drugs... (advice please)

[christinaquilter]

Don't you hate it when you get info you don't really want? A co-worker (and fellow nurse) felt the need to relate a story to me about the last time she got high (prob. to feel me out.) And has odd phone conversations at work with her friends from outside work...

So, she does drugs, but she doesn't apear to be impared at work. Do I have any obligations to report this? And WHO would I report it to? My Don is on probation for (an old) drug offence herself (Not feeling al ot of support there.) Also, I really don't want to come off as a "snitch". Also, like everywhere, were short on staff and at work (at least) she's a workable warm body. What to do?

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I'd do a report. I like the sign and Timothy's reply. Good answers. Sorry I don't want to guess which nurse isn't impaired if I or my family are being treated. I want to know none are.

[steelcityrn, RN]

I would talk to my nurse mng about it. Drop it on their doorstep. Then never repeat it again! After all she is not your employee. They can take the steps necessary to ensure patient safety, after all thats what its all about. I would not want a nurse making decisions or assessing me and relaying important information that my life depends on the day after she was highed up!

[VonnieNICU-RN]

If you really feel you need to report this, then contact the State Board of Nursing, skip the DON of your facility. You will remain anonymous this way!

[froghair]

maybe your DON who is on probation related to drugs could be the person to talk with maybe just to feel her out on the subject. as for hooch not being as bad id beg to differ. yes its not as bad as coke or heroin, but its just like saying beer isnt as bad as rum thats 70% alcohol. if you abuse it enough it will be

[LydiaNN]

If we are legally required to report this use, I wish someone would cite the law, because I never have and never would report someone solely on the basis of their own report. What if they're lying or setting me up? All you're reporting, absent witnessing the use, is what someone has told you. Of course, it would be entirely different were you to know she was working while under the influence of anything that impairs her ability to do her job, whether it is illicit or not. I do agree with telling her that you're not interested in hearing about her exploits, however.

[HyperRNRachel]

I know I might get some flack here, but how was she getting high? Yes, illicit drugs are illicit drugs and they are all bad blah blah blah, but some are worse than others. If she's getting high on weed and does not come into work impaired, that might be one thing. But if she's on something like cocaine or any other methamphetamine I would be more concerned because of the potential for true addiction. From what I understand, meth is highly addictive and she may get to the point in which she can't come into work without it. THIS is a real problem and shouldn't be brushed under the rug.

However, I will say that my drug naivete might be showing and that the reference to getting high might only refer to marijuana. *shrugs*

Just consider the dangers involved, both medically and legally.

Oh yeah, I would feel much better knowing that her preference for illegal substances was marijuana and not something else. DRUG ARE ILLEGAL, there is not a rating system.

Rachel RN

[LydiaNN]

Oh yeah, I would feel much better knowing that her preference for illegal substances was marijuana and not something else. DRUG ARE ILLEGAL, there is not a rating system.

Rachel RN

But the issue wouldn't be reporting her because the drug is illegal, it would be whether to report her because she was engaging in something that could impair her ability to do her job, would it not? And there certainly is a difference in potency and effect of various illicit substances in much the same way as there is with legally prescribed substances.

[JKDON]

Impairment on the job may very well be the case in question here. Of which there must not be proof.

But the fact that this nurse is bragging about doing something illegal and morally questionable is unbecoming of a nurse-period. We are not talking about jaywalking here. Professionals do not engage in this kind of behavior. The original poster is distressed over the behavior of a so-called professional colleague. If the co-worker is just trying to get a rise out of the poster, then maybe the threat of reporting to "someone", BON, the boss, or whatever would shut her up.

I drink on occasion and would not be able to come in to work if called in, whether or not I felt drunk. But it is legal and an accepted practice in our society when it does not affect others and is not brought to the job. "getting high" on drugs, no matter how potent the agent goes against what we are taught as nurses. We are supposed to help people who do this, not brag about it at work. And once is enough if she wanted to get a reaction from the new person. She needs to be confronted about her "behavior". She may not even be getting high at all, but she isn't acting very professionally.

On the other hand could it be a cry for help? Who knows why any nurse would do this, let alone repeatedly to a co-worker.

[HyperRNRachel]

Mercyteapot,

My point is, if you are concerned that someone is using illegal drugs then the type of drug is irrelevant. Yes, there is differences in effect but the potential for the drug the cloud judgement is the same across the board. As there is a variety of effects and addictive qualities of each drug, there is also the potential for each drug to affect each individual differently, and therefore, no illegal drug should be considered "better" than another.

[LydiaNN]

Mercyteapot,

My point is, if you are concerned that someone is using illegal drugs then the type of drug is irrelevant. Yes, there is differences in effect but the potential for the drug the cloud judgement is the same across the board. As there is a variety of effects and addictive qualities of each drug, there is also the potential for each drug to affect each individual differently, and therefore, no illegal drug should be considered "better" than another.

I understood your point perfectly the first time. The problem wasn't that you were unclear. I simply disagree with you. Thank you for attempting to elucidate; however, it is just not necessary.

[ZASHAGALKA, RN]

From Texas BNE (BON): Disciplinary Sanctions for Nurses with Chemical Dependency:

In the context of chemical dependency:

"The Nurse Practice Act imposes a duty to report to the Board any practice violation in which a nurse has unnecessarily or likely exposed a patient or other person to a risk of harm."

If caught, a nurse that uses illegal substances will be held accountable to the Board, whether the use occurs at work or not.

As a fellow nurse, however, I only have a duty to report if I am witness to a "practice violation".

~faith,

Timothy.

[Gennaver, MSN]

I do remember that thread. It was great.

I will say here though that you need to tell your co-worker to stop telling you about her experiences getting high.

steph

Hello,

I agree with this very much.

If they are feeling you out they need to stop, because they will find out. If they are just manipulating you to see you feel uncomfortable, then they are bullies and they might be using you as enterainment to feed their void.

Speaking up and telling them to refrain from sharing their personal or recreational substance enjoyment might be very beneficial.

Now, i have no clue as to the tactful or appropriate way to do this, my style is just direct, honest and no insult.

Gen

p.s. best