Would you have told management?

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi,

I am just curious what others would do, as this happened a couple weeks ago so what was done about it is done.

I want to know what would you do in this scenario:

You arrive at work to take over for the last shift, everyone is acting normal, and they head home. This isn't necessarily in a hospital, but I don't want to give out the exact location or work type of place. You head into the bathroom to use the facilities and go number 2 (i know it's gross, but I have to include it), as you turn around to wipe you notice something yellow in the toilet. You move the TP out of the way and realize its a 25 g needle, which is obviously a bit strange and suspicious to find in a toilet. In the trash is the wrapper and cap to it, a vial cover, and an empty flush wrapper, no syringes though. You call a couple of people who you know have chronic medical issues and they deny that they gave themselves any prescribed medication using a needle.

Would you say something to management?

So, pretend you said no to the above, but there were some red flags with regards to narcotics over the last month or two, would that change your mind about notifying management?

AND NO this is not homework, this actually happened!

Annie

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

What I want to know is how you moved the TP out of the way? Ick!

I would make a mental note, but probably wouldn't say anything just yet. A needle in the toilet doesn't prove anything. People use needles for everything from removing splinters to getting that pesky popcorn hull out of their teeth. Or maybe, someone did give themselves a medically necessary injection but they don't think it's any of your business.

It *is* a little suspicious, and it's certainly concerning that someone would drop a needle in the toilet instead of a sharps container, but again, it's not proof of narcotic diversion.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Thanks for the input. LOL I used TP to move the TP out of the way...

What about if there were red flags in the weeks prior to this needle being found in the toilet, as far as narcotics go.

Annie

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

I would have reported it as a safety issue and left it at that. Let other people whose job it is to make connections.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

Unless I had solid knowledge that someone was working while impaired, I would stay out of it.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I would have reported it as a safety issue and left it at that. Let other people whose job it is to make connections.

Absolutely. I would approach it with the angle of "Hey, found a syringe/needle in the TOILET!! instead of in the sharps container where it belongs!" Then let TPTB decide what/how they want to investigate.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

People use needles for everything from removing splinters to getting that pesky popcorn hull out of their teeth.

Yep. This might be TMI, but I use a syringe with an attached blunt-tipped 18 gauge needle to scratch my itchy scalp.

Do members of the public, such as visitors and families, also use this restroom?

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

No this is a bathroom that is not accessible to the public at all.

And yes, TMI!

Annie

[CryssyD]

This is only circumstantial evidence--it doesn't prove anything. When added to the narcotics issues, it's alarming, but still isn't proof of wrongdoing. I think you should just notify management or the safety officer--it's just a safety issue unless you have some other evidence of narcotics diversion.

[ProgressiveActivist, BSN, RN]

Interesting question. I guess it would depend on if I trusted the management. If the manager is a gossip or buddies with the off going shift, probably not.

If the management is trustworthy I would put the

needle carefully in a spec cup with the rest of the debris in a

spec bag with a note that says found in staff restroom, the

date and time, and give it to security or a trusted supervisor.

They can audit the pyxis/accudose . They have

justification to drug test

everyone. I think I would rathet help protect the patients from a drug diverter than cover for one.

I would not mention this incident to anyone.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

No this is a bathroom that is not accessible to the public at all.

And yes, TMI!

Annie

We heard all about your poop and moving used toilet paper. I hardly think use of a blunt tip needle to scratch one's scalp is TMI after that.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I have chronic medical issues (cancer and complications from it). If I'd been working where you work and had you call me at home to interrogate me as to whether I'd been diverting, we would have had a "Come to Jesus" meeting with the nurse manager and HR.

It is not your place to play Nancy Drew.