BC nurse who pilfered narcotics left patients in pain

A BC nurse who left patients in pain after swiping their pain medication has been suspended for one week.

According to a July 15, BC College of Nurses and Midwives decision, the unnamed licenced practical nurse swiped the narcotics in 2022 and worked while high.

The decision said the nurse pilfered the drugs from work, but also took drugs from patients "leaving them in discomfort." The nurse then doctored the records to cover it up.

The nurse was diagnosed with substance abuse and agreed to comply with the treatment recommendations.

READ MORE: BC nursing regulator tried to punish nurse already disciplined in Alberta

The nursing regulator suspended the nurse for one week and they'll be monitored at work for a minimum for two-and-a-half years.

The nurse will also be restricted from handling narcotics and have multiple conditions placed on them at work.

The College said the conditions will remain in place for a minimum of four years.

In 2023, 11 BC nurses were disciplined for taking 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.

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