title: Investigating narcotic diversion.
abstract: Management is responsible for developing policies and procedures not only for handling of narcotics but also for investigating and intervening in drug-related incidents. Both nurse managers and peers often feel ill-prepared to deal with drug impairment. Nurses who suspect a peer of substance abuse should notify the manager, who must cross-check all medication documentation and look for the many tell-tale signs of narcotic diversion. If sufficient evidence is discovered, the nurse must be confronted and directed to some type of peer assistance or other recovery program.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Ashton
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bay
mesh_terms: D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D009737:Nursing Records; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000451:nursing*; D011363:Professional Impairment