Use of RX medicines

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What should I do if I know a RN that is taking rx meds given to her by someone else. She has been doing this for quite some time and my concern is she works in the field where she has full access to patient medications when doing home visits.

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Are you 100% sure of this? The reason I ask is because if there is ANY doubt before hand the end results of jumping the gun can and eill be life shattering. Now with that said

Why do you believe the nurse is taking medications that are not theirs? What type of medication are we talking about? What state are you located in? Is this nurse your friend? If so have you tried to speak with them about this?

Sorry about all the questions, but before I can say do A or B, I need a little more info. Accusations like this can basically blow a huge whole in someones world. It is always better to be 1,000,000,000 sure than have 1 ounce of doubt or maybe..

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Yes I am sure. She is taking Ativan and ambien that she gets from her mother. I have spoken to her about this however she feels that it is not a problem since she doesn't take them everyday, only when she is tired or has had a long week.

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We are in the state of Georgia

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In Georgia you have a duty to report any unprofessional conduct that may jeopardize patient safety according to your practice act.

To not do so is considered unprofessional conduct on your part and puts your license at risk.

rules.sos.state.ga.us/pages/GEORGIA_BOARD_OF_NURSING/STANDARDS_OF_PRACTICE/index.html

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I was really hoping that she would stop voluntarily for I would hate to see her lose her license that she has held for 20+ years that she worked so hard for. But if I must I will. May lose a good friend!

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Sorry to hear this. Georgia does have an Intervention Program GNA Intervention Program - Georgia Nurses Association/Foundation . This link should help you.

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Your friend may hate you for a while but you may save her from making a mistake she can never take back.

Get her in the recovery process. There is a great group of people here that post in the recovery section. The support among that group is amazing.

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is she using them irresponsibly? if not why doesn't she get her own script?

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

I would give her a chance and speak with her.Tell her she needs to see an MD and explain her problems and get legitimate Rxs. Tell her you will report if she does not make an appt.She may need some medicine to cope with stress but this is not the way to get it. If she is ever tested she will have the scripts to back up her blood tests.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

So your friend got some ativan and ambien from her mother to help her sleep.

Now you want to turn her into the BON.

Instead of talking with her about it and addressing any issues that are arising BECAUSE of that medication usage, you came to an online forum to discover if you should report her.

I am going to guess that you are not really her friend but rather are simply a coworker who likes to pay attention to the activities of others.

I would think that if this coworker had exhibited some questionable judgement or behavior while on duty (secondary to the medications) that you would have outlined them.

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