Tired of impaired nurses

Published

Ok...I have been a nurse for almost 20 years and thought I had seen it all. My current employer seems to be a becon for impaired nurses. We currently have 3. The latest one is causing loads of issues. She was a great nurse that worked with us for 1 year. It was found out that she was removing approximately 40 percocets per shift for patients she was not assigned to. Management aproached her and sent her for a drug test. Since she had a personal prescription for the drug, nothing was done. Many of the staff were very uncomfortable when she was around. (She was not signing the MAR--you had to look in the pxysis for the last dose given) Management pushed the issue and she up and quit. Well 6 months go by and she is back (rumor has it that she was terminated from the last place). I questioned my manager about this and she said there would be stipulations. I see none. Her first day back was today and I snooped around in the pxysis. She gave 10 percocet in one shift and once again failed to sign them out on the MAR. None of these patients are alert enough to report that they had not gotten the medication.

What can I do? Does any one know what actions I can take if management continues to turn a blind eye? I know we are short on RN's, but this is crazy. We already have a tough enough job without worrying about team members stealing drugs! A group of us are really upset and not sure what steps to take next. Help!!!

the nurse should honestly evaluate themself and take a job in a position where they can earn a living and not expose themselves to relapse and where a patient is not endangered

i know nurses who could work in hospital and function well. there are not able to and should be honest enough to recognize this

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not a nurse (YET) but it just seems common sense that the nurse should be allowed back into practice provided he/she is closely monitored and not able to easily gain access to drugs. The nurse should also be required to actively participate in a treatment or recovery program to ensure that relapse is at a minimum. Hope this makes sense.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i'm all for it, w/proper supervision and support systems in place.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

from patients perspective,

I am fine with it. If my nurse had a previous drug problem, as long as they went into rehab, and are clean, were supervised for a period of time (not allowed to give their drug of choice or similar meds which might if allowed to quick drag them back) and perminentally have to have random drug screens since you are never cured just recovered, it could always happen again.

There should be, and maybe is I do not know, a registary that all hospitals can contact ONCE THEY HAVE HIRED A NURSE to find out if this nurse has a drug problem. They should not be able to know before hiring because this might cause them to not hire, illegal but happens. They they can continue the random drug tests previously innitiated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma ICU, Surgical ICU, Medical ICU.

I say if youre willing to work and stay clean while you're working and follow all rules and regulations within your institution then I am thrilled to have ya!! It makes me angry that so many of our fellow coworkers try to hold nurses to a higher standard than the rest of the world!!!

I do believe, however, that because of a drug addict's problems in the past, it might not be the BEST idea to be around controlled substances, kind of the same way an alcoholic shouldnt be a bartender.

I also think that there should be special rules in place for former addicts that return to nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU, Geriatric Rehab.
WHAT??? That is ludicrous!! Nurses are human beings, not angels. Human beings make mistakes. Maybe we should kick out nurses that forget something on a busy shift as well. If they are so absent minded as to forget something, i think it would be safe to assume that they will forget again, which could potentially harm pts. Did someone make a med error? The five rights are pretty clear, so how in the world could they make that mistake in the first place!? I guess they should turn in their license as well! Where do we stop? Soon there wont be any nurses left!:wink2:

This is a brilliant comparison! I am myself in recovery (clean 3.5 yrs) looking for my first job since getting well. I have tremendous faith in myself and my recovery. I have also changed EVERYTHING about my life in the three years I have been in recovery (except blood relatives) all of my people, places and things are new, supportive and aware of my history. I am stronger from my recovery. It has given me a new outlook on life and nursing to know the trials that the human body and mind can go through and survive. At first I got offended to hear these doubts and strong words about returning to practice but now I think they are words of the uninformed but presumably experienced. If the OP has had negative outcomes in her life either personally or professionally then maybe she feels justified in her assertions that addicts in general and RN addicts specifically are "highly likely" to relapse. However, this is sterotyping just like it would be for someone who got robbed by an african american to say "all black people are theives" (even if it happened to them 10 times its still not enough evidence to condemn the entire race) or a man who gets rear ended by a female to insist that "women cannot drive!!" And while I would never suggest it would be okay to have a child molester employed in a daycare center or school I would remind everyone that they are not typically kept in prison forever. We do let them out without scarlet letters, in the world with our kids, and hope that with proper monitoring and treatment that they and society will be okay. If they do relapse or reoffend then things are reevaluated and their punishments are more harsh. But this is America and here we do not just throw the book at individuals based on group actions. Every story and circumstance is different and only my God can judge me. One day I will find a job. And when I do I will prove that it was the right choice. And I will care for my patients without judgements and preconceived ideas. Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it really depends on the situation. If you have a nurse who was caught with marijuana or even something harmful like cocaine or crystal meth then I see no reason they couldnt return after a rehabilitation program.

Even if the nurse stole the waste or stock then I dont have that big of an issue with them returning. But it does make me cringe when they are diverting their patient's medication. Not only are they impairing themselves but they are directly harming the ones who are dependent on them. I have heard of nurses trading out saline for narcotics and this boils down to torture of your patient, regardless of your position on drug abuse.

So if a pt is harmed then I think the consequences have to be much more severe. Definite long term suspension if not permanent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, NICU, Nursing Education (academic).

Oh wow.....my 1st husband was an anesthesiologist with a prescription drug problem (Nubain, valium, others). He was asked to voluntarily resign (which he did), go through a monitored program (which he also did) and then was promised that he would be allowed to go back to work. Well, long story short, he never was allowed back at that hospital, decided not to persue it legally and began working locum tenens.

The sad part of this story is that his reputation in this (small) community was ruined, and when in town, he pretty much kept to himself (think "hermit"). He has since passed away (2004) from complications of diabetes, but I'm positive that this injustice done to him significantly shortened his life. Everybody thinks they know the story....but they have no idea.:scrying:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Should drug addicted nurses be allowed to return to practice when their rate of relapsing is incredibly high?

Should they be allowed to potentially harm pts. and compromise the careers of innocent RNs in their attempt to place blame for their behavior on others?

Perhaps it is time to start hoding people accountable for their behavior and not allow them to hurt others anymore.

Why such hatred?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

fixed

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Drug addiction is an uphill battle that can be won. We all deserve second chances.

As long as the nurse is recovering, I see no valid reason to deny someone the chance to remain gainfully employed. I wouldn't refuse care from a nurse just because he/she might have abused illicit drugs 10 years ago.

In addition, denying employment to a nurse with a remote addiction history might cause more societal problems than it is worth. I'd rather see this person working, as opposed to receiving unemployment checks or burdening the welfare rolls.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

There are so many avenues a nurse can find help. Being a drug addicted nurse does not equal bad nurse. The majority of addicted nurses are excellent nurses. Drug addiction is NOT a moral decision. It is a mental illness. I have been clean and sober for 18 yrs. I also volunteer with the BON with peer assistance helping nurses get clean and stay clean. As arecovering nurse it is my reponsiblity to stay clean. I also feel I can show others how to stay clean. If I can do it any one can, as long as they are willing openminded and honest. Maybe the op should look at her motives on why she feels that way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion