You already must have read about the nurse who was suspended and taken to jail after she “borrowed” some pain medication and sleeping tablets from the medicine cabinet at her employing hospital.
What she did and the way she was treated for her behavior have been topics of conversation since the incident occurred.
In this article, I discuss three key questions to consider in this situation and in any situation that involves legal and ethical issues.
Why do nurses use/misuse/abuse medications?
In February, I presented continuing education information on this topic for advanced practice nurses working in the state of Ohio.
First, we have to consider that ALL medications have use, misuse, and abuse potential. Second, we have to consider that nurses are often faced with high levels of physical and psychological stress. Third, working conditions for nurses are often such that time off to care for oneself is limited. Lastly, nurses often care for others better than they care for themselves.
The nurse in this case, for whatever reason, went to work instead of going to get her prescriptions.
Can we or should we blame the nurse for taking the medications?
The strong word here is blame. I chose to use and keep this word because of its actual meaning. To “blame” someone is to assign responsibility.
I do not believe that we can BLAME the nurse because it is not our place to place blame. Blaming is not a nursing role. Nursing roles include: advocacy, educator, caregiver, and supporter; none of these roles allow us to blame.
Was it fair for the nurse to be suspended for taking the medications?
Interesting question. I was a Director of Nursing for almost a decade. I would have suspended the nurse. I would have reported the nurse. I would have completed the necessary follow up.
The law states that we cannot take things that do not belong to us. The answer to this situation is as simple as the very principles that nurses are supposed to uphold.
How can we ethically, not hold the nurse responsible for her actions? The nurse did something, whether you call it borrowing or stealing, that is ethically and lawfully wrong. Her rationale (explanation) does not excuse her actions and the punishment has to fit the behavior.