The Iowa Board of Nursing has temporarily suspended the license of a nurse accused of stealing patient medications and practicing while under the influence of drugs. While working an overnight shift, her employer called emergency personnel because the nurse was slurring her words, was unable to maintain balance, and was falling asleep. The police found narcotics in the nurse's pocket and gave the nurse an opiate test, which came back positive. The Iowa Board of Nursing charged the nurse with misappropriating patient medication and practicing nursing while impaired. The nurse agreed to the suspension of her license for 90 days and monitoring for drug use for two years. Additionally, police charged the nurse with dependent adult abuse and obtaining drugs by fraud or deceit, and the nurse pleaded not guilty to these charges. This nurse had a prior arrest for obtaining drugs by fraud or deceit in 2014.
The Iowa Board allowed this nurse to save her license, but she will be under close supervision for some time. If you are facing a suspension of your nursing license, whether for diversion of medications or some other reason, the Lento Law Firm can help. Drug abuse is a disease, and you should immediately seek help if you are accused of drug use on duty or diversion of prescription medications. But remember that you can act to save your license if you take the right steps and follow through. Call the Lento Law Firm License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.
Nurses and Substance Abuse Issues
Misuse of alcohol or drugs is one of the most common accusations made against nurses. One study found that roughly ten percent of healthcare workers abuse drugs, with one in five nurses having a substance use disorder (SUD). It is not hard to understand these figures in light of the long hours and stressful work many nurses face.
Substance Abuse Can Lead to Loss of Nursing License
Given their critical role in patient care, nurses are called to a high level of conduct. Substance abuse allegations can lead to the suspension or revocation of a nursing license. However, a nurse accused of substance abuse has several options and ways to defend and preserve their license.
If you face an allegation of substance abuse, particularly if you are accused of diverting patient meds to your use, you need an experienced attorney immediately. The Lento Law Firm is the premier nationwide firm for nursing license defense. Let our experienced License Defense Team guide you through defending your license. We have helped many medical professionals, including nurses, who are facing accusations of substance abuse. Don't let embarrassment or anxiety keep you from defending your living and livelihood. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.
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