BC nurse swiped narcotics then falsified paperwork

A BC nurse who stole narcotics from work and faked the paperwork to cover it up will undergo close supervision for the next five years.

According to a June 11 BC College of Nurses and Midwives decision, the unidentified licenced practical nurse spent six months "diverting narcotics" from work between January and June 2023.

The nurse then falsified documentation to conceal that they'd swiped the drugs.

The regulator said the nurse was diagnosed with and admitted to a disability by taking the drugs and that they would comply with treatment.

The nurse avoided any suspension but was placed on various conditions, some of which will last up to five years.

READ MORE: JONESIE: How Canadian news became victims in its own story

Last year, the regulator disciplined 11 nurses for pilfering narcotics from work. Punishments varied from a three-month suspension for a nurse who spent seven years stealing drugs, to others who just had conditions placed on their practice.

The current case appears to be the first narcotics theft case this year.

According to the decision, the nurse will be monitored for a minimum of four years and will have a period of restricted access to narcotics and controlled substances. Once this period is over, the nurse will be supervised when accessing narcotics.

The nurse will also have a gradual return to work and will be restricted from working night shifts, acting as the nurse in charge, doing overtime, and supervising students or new staff.

They will also have to complete a course on ethics.

READ MORE: BC nurse who fiddled with pay system netted $20K and a suspension

The College says it is satisfied that the terms will protect the public.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.