Tired of impaired nurses

[epipusher]

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!!!

[blueheaven]

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[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

RNnTraining- Hello- My name is Anne and I am a nurse, and I am also an addict. I am glad to hear your story. At this forum, you will meet many nurses here that are able to share their experiences and strength. Unfortunately, a few may sometimes state that "we" should not be allowed to practice as nurses, that we are "not worthy of it", after we go to treatment and prove that we can still be trusted and be productive citizens and wonderful nurses. Congrats on getting help - and I am glad you posted here with us. Feel free to read my story, it's posted here, and pm me anytime!!

Anne, RNC busyrnandmom