BC nurse who swiped narcotics from work avoids suspension

A BC nurse who swiped narcotics from work for her own personal use has avoided a suspension, but will be monitored at work for the next three years.

According to an Aug. 18 BC College of Nurses and Midwives decision, the unnamed registered nurse was diagnosed with and admitted to a “disability with a causal relationship” to narcotics and will undergo treatment.

The nursing regulator didn’t give any information on where the registered nurse worked or for how long they were pilfering drugs.

The regulator didn’t issue a suspension, which is common, but says the nurse will be monitored for three years and with limits on their ability to access and handle narcotics and associated drugs.

“The (College) 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 decision read. “BC College of Nurses and Midwives expects that registrants will work only when they are fit to do so and will remove themselves from practice when they are unwell.”

In the last few years, numerous nurses have been caught swiping narcotics from work, and some take them while they’re working.

In May, a BC nurse was caught for the second time swiping narcotics at work and will now be monitored for five years.

Early this year, a nurse who was caught stealing drugs during their shift and working while high received a week’s suspension followed by monitoring.

Last fall, a BC nurse received a week’s suspension after they swiped drugs and then falsified paperwork to cover it up.

Another replaced the narcotics they’d taken with over-the-counter drugs and was suspended for a week.

In 2023, a nurse was found to have been stealing narcotics from work for seven years. They received a three-month suspension.

In the current case, the registered nurse signed a consent agreement admitting to their behaviour.

The College said it’s satisfied the terms of the consent agreement will protect the public.