Helping a co-worker can have serious consequences

An experienced nurse with rheumatoid arthritis was participating in a pain management program under the supervision of her PCP. He works full-time as a case manager. A coworker on the identical pain management regimen asked the nurse for some pain medications several times because he either ran out of medication or had to attend for a prescription to be filled. The nurse complied together with his request. An experienced nurse decided to retire, and when she gave her two weeks’ notice, her co-worker’s behavior became erratic and he consistently begged her for more pills. Concerned in regards to the situation, the nurse shared her concerns about this behavior along with her supervisor and stated that she had provided him with a few of her medications. The co-worker’s employment was immediately terminated, and the supervisor informed the nurse that he was considering reporting her to the state board of nursing. Thinking she was just helping her friend, the nurse is now anxious, fearful, and afraid she could also be disciplined by the state board. The nurse’s concerns are justified. It is unacceptable to share medications with one other colleague, whether or not they are from your individual prescription or from one other source. This ban covers all medicines, including those available and not using a prescription. Did the co-worker actually use the identical treatment regimen, or did he just say it in order that the sympathetic nurse would consider him? Whether or not the co-worker was on the identical medication regimen, her behavior enabled what appears to be addiction/abuse of this or multiple medications. Another concern arising from this nurse’s experience is the potential impact this will have on other nurses in the power who’re following a lawful pain management regimen and continuing to work with the power’s knowledge and consent. If the administration expresses concern that such an incident may occur again or is anxious that it is going on without its knowledge, its policies and procedures governing employees in an on-the-job pain management program may change dramatically. Additionally, the nurse administered medication to a co-worker without the order of an APN, physician, or other licensed health care provider authorized to prescribe medications. A nurse who administers medication to a co-worker and not using a legally authorized order has placed herself or himself within the position of practicing outside the scope of practice. The nurse also knows little or no, if anything, in regards to the co-worker’s medical condition and every other medications she or he is taking or could also be taking. If a co-worker is hooked on or abusing this or one other medication, she or he could also be taking other medications which are clearly incompatible with one another and/or with medications for rheumatoid pain. His well-being could also be at stake. It is unlucky that this well-intentioned nurse put herself in this example. She ought to be commended for reporting her concerns to her supervisor, which can help her if she faces disciplinary motion before the state board of nursing.

Your turn

What would you do if you happen to had to assist a co-worker with this request? Please note: Nancy Brent’s posts are intended for educational purposes only and shouldn’t be relied upon as specific legal or other advice.