This post was originally published on this site
May 5, 2017
LIVE OAK, Fla. (WCTV) – The Florida Department of Health is disciplining a local nurse for diverting pain medications from patients and using them herself.
Jennifer Jernigan, of Live Oak, was a nurse at Lake City Medical Center.
State health department documents say in February, she was caught changing a doctor’s order to deliver the painkiller morphine to a patient.
According to a state investigation, when confronted, Jernigan admitted ordering another painkiller, hydromorphone, then administering the drug to herself.
She further admitted to diverting hydromorphone for approximately one year in order to help her concentrate, and said it was a “problem,” state documents show.
When asked to take a drug screen, Jernigan refused and tendered her resignation.
The state has ordered that her license be restricted to prohibit Jernigan from practicing in any setting where she has access to controlled substances.
A proceeding seeking formal discipline is planned.