Suspicious your colleague is abusing prescription or illegal drugs

Published

Hi im new at this and wasnt sure where to post this question, if someone could please help me out that would be great

Here is my question, you are working 3-11 shift on a med surge unit, and you are suspicious your colleague is abusing prescription or illegal drugs(eyes are pinpoint, speech is slurred after break, what should you do, what step need to be taken

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Let their supervisor know your concerns about her/his behavior. Be objective in what you describe about them. Don't draw any conclusions or state "I think they're abusing drugs" because unless you've caught them in the actual act of using a drug (either prescription or illegal), you don't know for sure that they're abusing. Last thing you want to do is set yourself up for a slander suit.

Just report what you've seen and say that you're concerned about her/him. Then let their supervisor take it from there...and most of them will keep your identity anonymous.

Best of luck to you and your coworker.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for you help

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can always call Corporate Compliance...they will take care of it. You will remain anonymous. This is how I was reported and it saved my life. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion