Handful of BC nurses caught stealing narcotics

A handful of BC nurses have been caught stealing narcotics.

In four separate cases published this week by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, three registered nurses and a licensed practical nurse were all disciplined for “narcotic diversion.”

Two nurses received a two-week suspension, while the other two avoided a suspension but will be medically monitored at work.

The nursing regulator doesn’t provide any of the nurses’ names and is very scant on details in all cases.

There’s no time frame given for how long the nurses were swiping narcotics from work, except in one case, which says the nurse pilfered the drugs between August and September 2024.

“The (BC College of Nurses and Midwives) recognizes that nurses and midwives, like any member of the public, may grapple with health issues that may impact their ability to practice safely, competently, and ethically,” the decisions reads. “BC College Nurses and Midwives expects that registrants will work only when they are fit to do so and will remove themselves from practise when they are unwell.”

One of the nurses disciplined had already been caught previously and placed on conditions.  

Their behaviour still didn’t warrant a suspension, but the nurse will now have to provide evidence of substance use abstinence. They’re also barred from working overtime, working night shifts, working full time, being the nurse-in-charge, or supervising students and new staff members.

The nurses will be medically monitored for the next three years.

In another decision published this week, a nurse who was practicing while under the influence of alcohol will also be medically monitored for the next three years.

It is unusual for so many nurses to be disciplined within the same week, but every year numerous nurses are caught stealing narcotics from work.

Penalties range from being supervised at work to a three-month suspension for a nurse who was swiping drugs for seven years.

Other nurses have been caught doctoring the paperwork, and one refilling the boxes with over-the-counter medication.