Suspected drug use in home

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Specializes in school nursing.

Have any of you had an experience with suspected drug use in a patient's home? I'm not sure, and I don't want to get anyone in trouble, but I also don't want to get myself in trouble for NOT reporting my suspicions. I do not feel the patient is in any danger. I'm afraid my supervisor may approach the parent and I might be transferred and the family retaliate against me (I'm in a very small town).

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

Well here's how I tend to approach this.

Suspicion is for investigations and detectives. I'm a reporter I report what I see with mh own two eyes only.

I am a mandatory reporter not a narcotic agent. If I see anything rising to the level of child abuse or neglect it's my problem. Otherwise it's not a problem.

If I leave the house smelling like I just wrestled a skunk, that's a problem. If you decide to persue your meth head hatred of doors (seriously they all attack doors) that a problem. You overdose in the bathroom and I can't rinse out my syringes that's a problem. You drink all night and can't relive me in the morning that's a problem. You can't hit your bae in front of me, or throw them down the steps. (You can take it outside, what happens in the ally isn't my concern)

If you're fun doesn't run into my care or endanger your child do whatever. Children and Youth in my area is completely dysfunctional. Unless I suspect serious abuse I have learnt not to bother.

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Specializes in school nursing.

Thank you. That makes me feel better about how I've been handling this!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

If it's something that could put you or your client at risk, talk to your supervisor.

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

I reported this and one other issue to my supervisor. After a couple of more days, and a couple of other issues, I did report to CPS. Don't know what happened from there, but I do hope they got some much needed parenting help. They moved, and, of course, I would not be welcomed there anymore.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

"Suspected drug use" is a rather broad description. Do mean people are drinking coffee in the home? Cooking meth? The potential scenarios "drug use" could include range from benign to highly concerning.

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Specializes in school nursing.

Smoking marijuana. Sometimes I think I can smell it, but my nose does not work that well :/

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Specializes in Loving in my shorties!.
On 10/29/2018 at 7:11 AM, NurseKitKat said:

Smoking marijuana. Sometimes I think I can smell it, but my nose does not work that well ?

Leave them alone. Big deal they smoke pot. You’re going to report the family over that? If you can barely smell anything, patient isn’t at risk, mind your own business.

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