With any job there are always "it-could-happen-but-its-unlikely" type situations. For example, a recent news story broke about a Tiffany's store employee that stole $1.3 million in jewels from their employer. This something that probably sits in the back of every company owner's mind but never expects to deal with.

However, this is also a common problem within our healthcare staffing industry. A common problem? Sure it may have crossed your mind that someone could be a part of some wrong-doing against their company but you wouldn't think that it would happen with your employer or even within your industry. Especially with all the background checks and security issues that are over looked before someone becomes a nurse, caregiver, practioner, etc.

Recent Cases

There have been quite a few cases recently about nurses who have stolen drugs from their facilities. Think about it, drugs are easily at the hands of the nurses and caregivers who deliver the medications to their patients. Even if you didn't have to think about it, and this thought crossed your mind you have to admit you probably never thought that it was as common as it is. Some recent cases with nurses stealing drugs in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Wisconsin have appeared in recent news. Of course there are more nurses, more cases and more states in which this is happening but only just a few examples.

What Lies Ahead

In the New Hampshire case the nurse's liscence was suspended for the duration of the trial, she will soon be arraigned for her Class B Felony of possessing a controlled drug, as well as a Class A misdemeanor for abuse of a facility patient.

The Pennsylvania nurse not only stole drugs, but tried to cover her tracks by replacing the patients' medication with a diluted dose. They had plead guilty in court and now face 11-to-23 months of jail time. In addition to surrendering her nurse lisence.

Of course the sentencing and liscence suspension times will all vary due to numerous factors according to the state regulations in which the felony occurs.

Common question: Why?

The risk is far too great to take to most, especially when not only your liscence but your life is at stake by taking the risk. The question of "Why" can't help but cross anyone's mind when it comes to these cases. It could be for distribution to make money, or maybe the act is done because the job proves to be too stressful and the nurses themselves are educated on what the medicine does for their patients that they steal the drugs to eliminate their pain. It could come down to a number of reasons.

The reason why usually results in a crazy resoning but the more important question (and the interesting answer to follow) would be why someone, who spent a lot of their time and money on earning their education to obtain their job, would throw all that away by stealing drugs. Or at least that's one of my first thoughts. Is the potential of jail time and having the lisence you've worked so hard to acheive really worth stealing the drugs, no. Again, just my opinion.

Speak Out: Give us your opinon

What do you think a typical sentence should be for those who steal drugs from their facilities?