A discrepancy in a medication record can turn an ordinary shift at work into a career-threatening investigation.
If your employer says a controlled substance is missing or questions how you documented a dose, you may be asked to explain yourself before you have seen the records behind the allegation. You may also worry that admitting a documentation mistake will be treated as admitting you took a drug.
A criminal offense
The unauthorized taking of drugs from a medical facility can be charged as a felony. Not only this, but a nurse or other staff member found guilty of it could potentially lose their license to practice.
There are several ways in which nurses may end up facing accusations of diverting drugs. Some of the most common include:
- Taking them to help someone: Maybe a nurse knows a person who cannot afford a particular drug they need. They may think to divert some of the stock their way out of kindness, yet this could lead to criminal charges for both of them.
- Being pressured into securing items: A nurse may have an urgent need of money, perhaps for themselves or for a family member, such as to pay for surgery. A third party may use this point of weakness to persuade them to smuggle out some drugs in exchange for cash. Alternatively, a third party might blackmail a nurse over something, threatening to expose them if they do not secure the requested drugs.
- Feeding an addiction: Nurses work in a high-pressure environment, often with inadequate rest. They may also see some shocking things. It’s no surprise that some turn to drugs to get through their day. Siphoning off some supplies to feed their habit could occur as a result.
It’s important to remember that accusations of diverting drugs are not always well-founded. Supervisors, colleagues or others may make accusations due to a genuine mistake, to cover their own tracks, or out of spite. It’s also not unusual for a simple medication mistake to be made, especially in high-stress or fast-moving environments. Anyone facing accusations should seek early legal guidance to examine their options.
