The temptation is there. I worked in a convalesent home, where the prodominant of the patients were well off. It was one patient who I had to do inventory for, who had just been admitted to our convalescent home. She had over thousands of dollars in jewelry and coins. I was the only person who came in contact with all her belongings. The lady didn't have any family are friends, so nobody really didn't know how much personal belongings she had. It all depends on the caregiver. I thought about it, and I said, If I were this lady, I would want a honest careprovider in charge of me, and my personal belongings. So I counted all her loose coins, and jewelry, and gave it to the charge nurse, in charge.

cuttie said:

The temptation is there. I worked in a convalesent home, where the prodominant of the patients were well off. It was one patient who I had to do inventory for, who had just been admitted to our convalescent home. She had over thousands of dollars in jewelry and coins. I was the only person who came in contact with all her belongings. The lady didn't have any family are friends, so nobody really didn't know how much personal belongings she had. It all depends on the caregiver. I thought about it, and I said, If I were this lady, I would want a honest careprovider in charge of me, and my personal belongings. So I counted all her loose coins, and jewelry, and gave it to the charge nurse, in charge.

Need and access may be part of the formula but there still has to be intent. It is after all still a choice and if there is such a thing as sin this would be a biggie in my book.

Client told me that the nurses have a lot of trouble "spilling" the patient's controlled med in the home setting.  I looked at the family member and said that obviously someone was stealing it.  Nobody "spills" meds that often.

" Stealing from patients involves," everything, including controlled substances".That is why every 8 hours,RNs / LPNs perform

  Narcotic Counts of all,controlled substances.Yes, it is reality when every timed dose and signature is analyzed by the superiors,

 thus scrutinized by the pharmacist and medical records department. Pixus  Dispensories are great pieces of machinery,though

 may malfunction, on occasion and can be costly to repare / replace.Decisions,decisions."

" Chalking-up one,unfortunate event @ STC facility,moons ago, where numerous experiences would raise an eyebrow.

 One client, converting from liquid - based,controlled substances to oral meds,prior to release to home.Liquid preps present and

 accounted for,end of 7-3:30pm.shift,( awaiting arrival of pill-forms from pharmacy,that evening).Strangely enough,pharmacy delivery,

 "never arrived",and," liquid-preps",disappeared from cart,without documentation, ZIP! No comments from late-night nurse?

  When family arrived,next morning,( asking to speak to DON )"WW III"." Never recieved accounts of what really occured ";

  ( lips were sealed !), this place's staff swings faster than a revolving door.( So...how do YOU ,take YOUR COFFEE?)"

Yes, maybe I stick my head in the sand, but I like to think "happy" thoughts.

Yes, we do tend to remember peoples shortcomings. I always hope people learn from their mistakes.

You never know what is really behind the actions of others!