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STAFFING
• frequent medication errors
• discrepancies between narcotic
sign-outs and time documentation
• excessive use of mouthwash
and mints
• defensive when questioned
about medication errors
Behavioral:
• DWI
Time and attendance:
• personality changes
• calls in sick before or after
• irritability, extreme and rapid
mood swings
weekends
• frequent use of restroom
• volatile temper
• mysterious disappearances,
• social withdrawal
long lunch hours
• elaborate excuses for behavior
• arrives early to work or stays late
• unkempt appearance
• frequent "no-show" status
Last chance
If drug tests come back positive, follow your policies and procedures
in enforcing the consequences. Keep in mind, however, that addicts
are often unable to adequately perform their duties. By documenting
their problem behaviors or failed job performances, you'll likely have
more than enough evidence to take appropriate action long before
resorting to messy confrontations or drug tests that can be contested
in court. OSM
Ms. Moschkau (lisa.moschk au@scasurgery.com) is the QI/risk management team leader at St. Cloud (Minn.) Surgical Center.
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | F E B R U A R Y 2013
