You are not handling and documenting controlled substances according to hospital hospital and the state nurse practice act and regulations. No one on your unit is because of short staffing and increased patient acuity. This makes it okay, right? You are fired from your staff nurse position related to the issues with documentation and handling of controlled substances. You are reported to the state board of nursing also.
I receive several calls a week like this from nurses. What steps can you implement in your nursing practice to prevent this from happening to you?
Diverting drugs and theft of drugs is felonious conduct. Local law enforcement and the pharmacy board gets involved (in some jurisdictions). Failing to document in accordance with acceptable nursing practice is a practice issue for state board of nursing consideration if reported or it may be handled "in-house" by the nursing employer.
My tip for the week: Document and handle medication especially controlled substances in accordance with facility policy and nursing standards of practice. If you decide to continue "what's common and accepted on your unit" don't be surprised, disgusted, and distraught when you are suspected of drug diversion or theft of drugs because I am providing you with a warning now. Your nursing employer, the state board of nursing and pharmacy, and local law enforcement won't be this understanding.
Comments