I have a friend and co-worker who recently was caught using nacotics from our hospital during work hours. This occurred on the weekend so the people that were working that day let her go home and notified our boss. Does anyone know what will happen to her? She had started attending AA meetings 3 days prior to this occurrence due to the narcotic addiction. That is the only help she has sought out. She is an excellent nurse and it saddens me to see this. Any advise?
Getting caught in the narcotics is not a good thing.
They could offer her an employee assistance program if they have one, if she was fully compliant with their program, they may let it lie. If she was caught again or tested positive for a drug screen, the next step is the State Board.
They could fire her and report the incident directly to the state board of nursing for investigation. They'll either revoke her license or offer a probationary program with required meetings, drug testing etc.
It depends on her employer. If you look at stats from your state board of nursing, the bulk of revocations are due to substance abuse.
Usually revoking a license is the last resort. They will usually offer probation if this is her initial complaint.
Let us know how it works out.
Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursinga2z.com