Sticky situation help!

Specialties LTAC

Published

Hi

i could use some guidance. I work with a nurse that i can no longer trust! Heres whats happening...

Counting narcotics this has happened twice in less than a week. Im counting to take the cart, narc count is off the nurse acts like she signs but only writes the corrected number and the crosses it out. I trusted her so i never look at the book while counting. So i do a corrected count with the next shift nurse. I have no idea whats the best way to handle this. I spoke to the nurse after the first time. I dont know uf shes attempting to get me into trouble with management or if she is making mistakes n covering them up or taking the narcotics. The nurse is friends with the don... How do i handle it? I am debating to go to the director. Im actually pretty mad about it but bottom line is i do not trust her now n i just dont know how i can work with a person like that. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, as I am not a nurse yet and take my NCLEX tomorrow, I can only say what I have learned from studying... And that is to talk to her first. Then the next steps would be to follow the chain of command. Goodluck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Why are you not checking the book vs drugs on hand? Why are you consigning altered counts? You are taking responsibility as a cosigner putting your license on the line.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I'd get a third set of eyes during narc counts!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Call your pharmacy nurse consultant if you have one and ask her what you need to do. Or go to the DNS.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

Let the DON know what is happening. When our narc count is off, everything stops until it is determined as to what happened to that one pill. We also call our DON right away. Most times, it is not a big deal and the nurse going off has it recorded on her list that she has given it and just didn't sign it off and does so. But, if that is not the case, it is a MAJOR deal.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Always,ALWAYS visualize the med AND the sheet during the count.I am suspicious of any nurse who tries to rush me through it and flip those med cards around like David Copperfield.Don't let anyone rush you through it....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds suspicious--repeatedly "correcting" narc counts is a big red flag; she is either really careless, diverting, or trying to get you in trouble. Take this issue up the chain of command--strange goings-on with the narcotics count sheets can get the whole place in hot water.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I was a new nurse, this happened to me. A nurse was upset that I got the hall she wanted and changed the count, I was too naive to look at both the card and the book, it was my first job, and no one I had counted with did it that way. My mistake cost my job, and my confidence. Always monitor both sets.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment