AMRI provides you with all of the tools to successfully complete your PALS recertification. Our course is fast and flexible. Renew your PALS Certification today!
After drinking 4 to 5 beers at a local casino, a Pennsylvania VA nurse showed up for work and assisted in an emergency surgery. Police say he is now facing charges for reckless endangerment, driving under the influence and public drunkenness.
According to Outpatient Surgery magazine, on the night of Feb. 4, Richard J. Pieri, RN, staggered into Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center after receiving a page at 10 p.m. to assist with emergency surgery.
Pieri, who has worked as an RN since 1979, told police that he forgot he was on-call that night when he spent the afternoon drinking and playing slots. Not wanting to leave another staff member on the hook for his forgetfulness, Pieri showed up for surgery intoxicated.
Security camera footage showed him stumbling into the hospital entrance. A physician assistant later saw him struggle to log into the hospital’s computer system. Another staffer told police he smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech.
Pieri, who has no other disciplinary actions on his record, has been removed from direct patient care while he faces criminal charges. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 29.
To learn more read the entire article.