unethical nurse_what can i do?

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Hi:

I know of an unethical nurse who not only takes drugs herself, but helps at least one other person who is undergoing counseling for DWI and has also been known to use drugs in the past tamper with the test results somehow. The person is in counseling, but is not following the program and needs immediate in-house rehab in order to get well. If I did not try to speak out I would feel terrible if this person died. Can this nurse lose their license? and how can this be proven? The person in counseling is definately drinking and possiblly using drugs and has so far passed the urine tests. There are all the other signs of use though. Missing $, missing time frames. weight loss, hair loss, tooth decay and sores on the feet. This person also is not sleeping and can only continue on like this for so long before they collapse. I have not gotten involved so far, but my conscience will not allow me to ignore this. What can I do?

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

You are obligated to get involved. If you know about this drug abuse and do not report it, you are legally enabling the behavior and you can be held responsible.

Yes, the nurse can lose her license, but she should be offered the chance to enroll in a drug program. But her license is not your problem. You need to advocate for the safety of your patients.

Report this to your manager, or the nurse's manager and escalate as needed until the situation is taken care of.

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how can it be proven though? The counseling center has not recommended rehab because the urine tests are passing-not sure how she is covering up the use. I am not a nurse - I just want nursing advise. Can I send an anonymous letter to the state board?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

As per the terms of service of the site we can not offer medical or legal advice. This is something you need to discuss this with the facility.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Do you have an employee assistance program at work? They can best advise you on action to take and resources in your area.

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