Nurses fired for stealing drugs at hospital

Staff report

A few nurses at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center have been fired for stealing drugs from the hospital, according to a hospital representative.

The incident was reported to the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

This is the normal procedure, said Jon Tyler, a hospital representative, and the incident was not reported to police.

The case has not been referred to the Carson City District Attorney for prosecution, according to a representative at the office.

Neither the hospital nor the board would give details of the incident - including when it happened, what was taken and the number or names of the nurses - before there is a disciplinary hearing by the board.

The next hearing is in May. The nurses' licenses could be revoked.

The hospital gave this statement Friday regarding the matter:

"A recent investigation at CTRH revealed that a small number of nurses were involved in the theft of narcotics. The involved employees were not adhering to existing policies and have been terminated and reported to the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Although appropriate procedures were in place, additional safety measures have been implemented."