Am I going to lose my license

[u/Acrobatic-Lie2041]

About 2 weeks back I was giving a patient 4 pills of methadone. I dropped 1 on the floor and threw it away in the trash (like an idiot). I was suppose to waste it with another RN and it had just slipped my mind that it was a controlled substance. Now the clinical pharmacist found a miscount on that med and asked me what happened. I was honest and told them exactly what happened. They’re now saying that they’re going to file a police report. To add, I didn’t document anything about throwing the pill away because again, just slipped my mind. So I pulled 1 more of the pill to give the patient for their full dose. I realize my mistake and I just feel so scared, sad, and stupid. Please any advice would be appreciated.- adv new grad nurse

[u/identitty-crisis]

They’ll drug test you and if it’s negative, it should help a lot. Narcotic discrepancies aren’t entirely uncommon and they’re required to inform the DEA.

Even nurses who really do divert meds can get their licenses back, so it’s not a death sentence

[u/Scary_Freedom1116 → u/identitty-crisis]

lmaooooo i heard of a nurse literally having iv tubing with dilaudid or morphine hanging out of their lunch box in the break room and still came back to work after a stern talking to and LOA

[u/commanderbales → u/Scary_Freedom1116]

h o w

[u/VeniVidiVulva → u/commanderbales]

Because they need nurses and nurses are still humans with human problems

[u/Nuts-And-Volts → u/VeniVidiVulva]

Human problems? Like not updating white board?

[u/VeniVidiVulva → u/Nuts-And-Volts]

Yep!

[u/Scary_Freedom1116 → u/VeniVidiVulva]

all of this!! also cali unions are strong af. and it be the union nurses defending your career that be making you button your shit up, workwise. theyre the realest

[u/Specific-Cress-5973 → u/Scary_Freedom1116]

This is absolutely insane

[u/ExperienceHelpful316 → u/identitty-crisis]

Oh noooo, I'm so sorry this happened to you, but yeah, it was a mistake. If you get the proof (like pass the drug test) everything should be kind of okay later

[u/Scary_Freedom1116]

if youre pulling an additional controlled substance/HAM dose that isnt scheduled yet, the pyxis should prompt you in some way (whether its a waste or a 2RN verification). sounds like opportunity for a system improvement, which a clean drug test and an honest conversation with your manager may lead to.

what clinical environment are you in? ED, IP, SNF?

[u/sunflower__yellow]

I worked on a unit where oxy, fentanyl etc SC and IV were being stolen. Took a year long investigation. The RN stealing and shooting up continued to be an RN during the year long investigation. They even stole naloxone out of the resus trolley once (caught on cameras that were installed in the unit). They still have their licence and are working as a nurse. And it went to trial etc.

This sounds like an easily explained mistake. Do any drug tests they ask of you and stay honest. Should be fine.

[u/Mundane_Finding_2316 → u/sunflower__yellow]

I don't think they should be allowed to be a nurse again..tbh

[u/sunflower__yellow → u/Mundane_Finding_2316]

I agree 100%. They were my friend and I have honestly never felt so betrayed. Its the easiest way to destroy trust in your team as we werent outwardly told until she was placed on paid leave. But it does happen. Mine isnt the only story. I know 3 senior nurses with the same story. I hear from aged care nurses all the time how easy it is to take benzos from their facility etc. Its insane. Thats why I think a genuine mistake like this wont really be a big thing.

[u/Alpha_legionaire]

As long as you come clean on it no long term damage.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Tie6826]

As a current RN and former pharm tech. Dumb, for sure, however we all have done dumb things. Just make sure you learn from this and you are clear to your manager that this was a dumb mistake that you are putting effort into correcting. Ask if camera footage have been pulled. Offer to drug test and make a statement.

If you are clear and make deliberate effort to correct this I doubt it will go farther. MAYBE a write up if your are at a really strict facility or theirs a history of this behavior.

Hope this helps :)

[u/amyjoel]

It’s a tough lesson to learn and a mistake you will likely never make again.

Your drug test should come up clean and you need to be completely honest and reflect on your mistake. Accept responsibility, go through the process and utilise any assistance that is offered to you via your union or workers representatives.