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Dear Cindy – Coworker Drunk on the Job
By Cynthia M. Piccolo (Career Questions)
dearCPDrunkOnJob image

Dear Cindy: 

I'm new to nursing, and during a shift the other night, I think my coworker was drunk. She wasn't falling down drunk, or anything, but she did have a smell of alcohol on her and didn't quite seem "all there." Should I report her?

Sincerely,

Very, Very Concerned!

Dear VVC: 

This is an easy answer: For patient safety reasons, she has to be reported. She has to be reported ASAP before someone is harmed or killed.

Hopefully it was a one-time thing that will never happen again, but if she has a problem, she's definitely not alone in her addiction. Research by one of our writers found that 10 to 15% of all healthcare professionals misuse drugs at some time in their careers. And help is available: Hospitals and/or licensing bodies have voluntary recovery programs in place to help people with addiction problems.
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