CINCINNATI - A University of Cincinnati Medical Center nurse admitted taking fentanyl and oxycodone from hospital supplies, court documents say.
Shannon Rose, 40, also lied on medical paper work when she claimed the medication was given to patients, according to police.
Health-care professional are becoming addicted at an alarming rate, addiction specialist Nan Franks told WCPO.
"They're estimating that health-care professionals are experiencing five times the rate of abuse and addiction," said Franks, CEO of Addiction Services Council.
In many cases, hospital workers think they can get away with stealing drugs and they get hooked, Franks said.
"It's easy access, so you don't have to go out of your way to get it. You probably feel like you know what you're doing, so there's an illusion of safety. Then, of course, there is always the potential for drug abuse when you're concerned about stress on your job.," she said.
At a court hearing Monday, the defense told the judge that Rose had no prior drug charges. If convicted of drug theft and falsifying medical documents, she could face up to 18 months in prison.
We reached out to UC Medical Center for a statement to see if Rose is still an employee and we're still waiting to hear back.
