Blog

By: Michael de Yoanna

Category: Panorama

Posted: November 24, 2009 11:09 AM

Tags: shopping, Crime

How Many Drug-Addicted Nurses Are Working in Colorado Hospitals?

It turns out Kristen Diane Parker was just the first of many drug-addicted nurses to get busted lurking in the hallways of Colorado's hospitals, stealing medications from their patients. The latest (that we know of) is Ashton Paul Daigle of Boulder Community Hospital, who earlier this year pleaded guilty to six charges in a case eerily similar to Parker's. He admitted to stealing the same drug as Parker---fentanyl---and refilling vials with useless saline solution, and he reportedly even used dirty needles on patients. Now, Geri Oliveira, one of Daigle's alleged victims, has filed a lawsuit recounting the horrible consequences of Daigle's actions. She claims she underwent an operation at the hospital and suffered "extreme pain" after being administered what was supposed to be fentanyl, writes the Daily Camera. She did not notice "any decreased sense of awareness" on the surgical table, according to the suit. Daigle is slated to be sentenced in coming months, but that probably won't help you rest any easier, considering CBS4's recent investigation. Experts in Colorado say there could be thousands of nurses with addiction or substance abuse problems working every day in health-care facilities. The Nursing Peer Health Assistance Program has treated about 500 nursing professionals in the last 15 months. Program Director Rebecca Heck adds, "There are people out there who need help who are not receiving treatment."

Facebook Comments Box

Denver Real Estate 2013 - Get In The Game

Here’s why it’s finally time to get back in the Denver real estate market.

Spin Cities

We’ve highlighted some of the best road cycling routes along the Front Range and in the high...

Risky Business

Colorado’s labor market has more than its share of occupational hazards.

Escape

Each year, more than 18,000 victims of domestic violence call SafeHouse Denver’s hot line. Meet...

Get Well

From obesity to food allergies, we break down five issues facing Colorado’s kids.