Got written up today

A couple of weeks ago I posted about a narcotic count descrepancy. Well two weeks later I got written up.
Recall: I as the oncoming nurse counted with the outgoing nurse and found two narc count errors. I told the nurse that we needed to stop counting right now, contact the DON and move on from there. THe nurse insisted that we dont get the DON involved right away and she proceeded to " fix the count"
Immediately after counting with her I went to the DON and told her everything.
So why did I get written up ? I got written up for not getting the DON involved DURING the count. My DON was very nice about it and I learned from it. NExt time that happens I'm going to contact the DON right away. Still feel terrible about this.
It was a learning experience. Next time you'll do exactly what you are supposed to do. Hopefully there won't be a next time. Don't dwell on it because it's not worth getting all upset over...just move on.

You couldn't have learned from this without being written up? Seems ridiculous and unfair. I'm sorry this happened to you.

Quote from April, RNYou couldn't have learned from this without being written up? Seems ridiculous and unfair. I'm sorry this happened to you.

Quote from April, RNYou couldn't have learned from this without being written up? Seems ridiculous and unfair. I'm sorry this happened to you.

Did the other nurse lie and say the medication was given when it wasn't and then "fixed" the count? If you helped cover up a diversion or lie I could see the write up. But seeing a problem and correcting it doesn't warrent a write up.

I am so sorry. I know you will handle it better should it ever happen again. Always follow that little "uh oh" feeling in your gut. I always do.

Are you working in a LTC where you physically count the meds at the end of each shift? I do and I think this procedure is unfair to nurses, considering pixis machines have been invented. There is way to much room for errors and indiscrepancies. I worked in a rural hospital where you had to manually count the meds at the end of each shift. There was a ER manager who got away with stealing narcs for 2 years as he was always 'fixing the count.' He only got caught b/c a MD actually walked in on him in the act of injecting himself w/ morphine. The way I see it is if you or the other nurse actually wanted to steal those drugs you would have 'fixed the count' before the other one noticed. The DON is shooting herself in the foot being punitive about it b/c next time you are going to try to cover it up. How come you and the other nurse didn't get drug tested? That is what should have happened.

you have to go by the policy...

What happened to the nurse who "fixed" the count?

So why did I get written up ? I got written up for not getting the DON involved DURING the count. My DON was very nice about it and I learned from it. NExt time that happens I'm going to contact the DON right away. Still feel terrible about this

yeah. how did she "fix the count"?

Do not get too upset mate.You tried to do the right thing. I'd be more worried about the nurse who insisted on counting when you asked to stop.This is where your assertiveness training comes in. You need to state IMMEDIATELY that the count must stop and senior nursing staff informed, in a firm, polite and professional manner. PHYSICALLY WALK AWAY from the scene and tell your seniors everything. Do not get involved in counting any narcs that may be missing. You have to report this by law anyway. Remember; you are accountable for your practice at ALL times. And if you don't report it you begin to look suspicious.Did anything happen to the other nurse? Ask why you were written up - was it due to the delay in reporting? You have a right to have a copy of that report, and to have a meeting with the senior person who wrote it up with a witness present.But well, you learned didn't you.I think you will be OK