Wouldn't believe it if I told you

Nursing Students General Students

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I was at a hospital yesterday getting my chart review and I coulda swore one of the RN's was messed up on downers. Her pupils were as small as a pea's nucleous! It was funny because I could tell she could tell I knew. She started avoiding eye contact and wanted to get outta there. Me being me, I kept her around asking her questions about so and so. It was funny lol.

I just couldn't believe that an RN would do such a thing, maybe it was medications but either way you could tell she wasn't right.

Crazy.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Your attitude about this concerns me a little bit. You thought the nurse was impaired, but rather than mention it to anyone, you just amused yourself by trying to keep the nurse around and make her uncomfortable.

If you actually thought that she as under the influence of something then your ethical obligation is to report it to someone that can ensure that the patients get safe care. Not to give yourself a few laughs and make an internet board about it.

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Specializes in CNA/LPN.

That's a scary thought! I would have had to take it to someone. You can never be too cautious of those you work with. If you think they are under the influence of something, mistreating a patient, etc...don't just stand there and find yourself amused by it. I'm sure you would have had a feeling of remorse, if she had made a deathly mistake that night while she was impaired by whatever she may be on. I know I would have. I watched an episode of Grey's where the Anesthesiologist was under the influence of alcohol, while administering to little girl. I was so nervous about that. He fell asleep and she began waking up in the midst of surgery. (Sorry! I just watched this one this morning, so it's still bothering me!) I hope she isn't getting so messed up off of whatever it is that she may be taking that she may make a big mistake, considering there are various vigorous (some not-so-vigorous)-types of tasks she must do while she's there. I understand that sometimes we must take medications, but hopefully she will refrain from taking it while she is due for work, if it is affecting her train of thought/performance.

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why are you laughing and saying it's funny? nurses are OBLIGATED to report these types of situations.

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I have learned so much.

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Specializes in CNA/LPN.

Seriously? I just can't get over the point you were trying to make with the thread...maybe you were just bored and wanted to see how other nurses and students reacted. If not, I'm worried that you find these things funny, rather than reporting them. :rolleyes:

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Lots of RNs develop substance abuse issues, it's (unfortunately) not that uncommon. Irresponsible and dangerous? Definitely. But it doesn't mean that they're bad people - they just need help. Most states have rehab and monitoring programs for addicted nurses.

If you were legitimately concerned about her, you should have mentioned something to the charge nurse. Nurses have to be really careful about accusing someone of being impaired. If I were in that situation I would have said something along the lines of "_____ doesn't look quite right, you may want to speak with her when you get a chance, and make sure she's okay." If you flat-out accuse someone of being on drugs and you're wrong you can get yourself in a lot of trouble. This nurse might have been on a legal prescription medication, or she may just have been tired.

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You should have reported it. What made that situation funny to you?

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Maybe she was perfectly sober but thought you were strange for staring at her, asking lame questions to put her on the spot, and therefore couldn't wait to get out of your space?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

maybe she had an injury & anxiety and was taking narc's and benzo's that were rx'd to her....and may have seemed out of sorts to you..

maybe thats normal per her? idk....

but ya...just think, that RN may be taking care of you or your family one day, if u felt she was AMS, on controlled substances you should report it. Its dangerous for herself and for her patients.

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Specializes in None yet.

What surprises me the most is that no one else noticed that this nurse was on something. If she were prescribed drugs chances are her superiors and co worker that she is closer to than you know this and do not make a big deal about it. Also maybe she was just feeling weird because of the energy that you were directing towards her by making these judgements.

If I were in your situation I would leave her be and ask someone she works with if so and so seems off that day or if she is always like that. I think it is wrong to assume that you would be the only one to notice if she was under the influence. I also think it is something that should be reported and not ignored.

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Specializes in Med/ Surg/ Telemetry, Public Health.

I worked at a health care facility and they hired a nurse and she always came to work looking high, I think she was a pill popper. She always seemed spaced out and always tried to avoid you when trying to make eye contact. Also the weirdest thing was all her fingertips were burnt, I was like is this chick smoking crack! I don't see how they could do that and try to take care of patients.

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