In recent years, cases in which medical staff has diverted and stole drugs from hospitals have gained national media attention. One such case that illustrates the dangers of nursing negligence revolves around the actions of a nurse who stole IV narcotics intended for patients and replaced them with saline solution.

A 42-year-old nurse recently pled guilty to diverting narcotic painkillers intended for patients. The nurse had worked at the same hospital for 17 years and was entrusted with the care of hundreds of patients during his career.

The nurse's negligent and criminal actions were discovered when several of the patients he had cared for developed suspicious infections. An investigation by the hospital pointed to the nurse who ultimately admitted to stealing the narcotics from patients.

In all, an estimated 25 patients developed infections as a direct result of the 42-year-old nurse's actions. These patients experienced adverse symptoms including fever, pain and vomiting that negatively impacted their health and wellbeing. Nine of the patients impacted required critical medical care and one patient ended up dying.

In an effort to avoid further legal action, hospital administrators have refused to admit the nurse's actions were the direct cause for the patients' serious health problems and even death. They admit the nurse's actions harmed patients, but assert other factors played into the more serious cases.

Regardless, it's likely that in addition to criminal charges both the nurse and hospital will face additional legal action by those patients adversely impacted as well as family members of the patient who died.

Source: Star Tribune, "Death linked to IV bags contaminated by St. Cloud nurse," Maura Lerner, Oct. 2, 2012