Adena ICU nurse accused of stealing fentanyl from patients

CHILLICOTHE, OHO — Adena Health System finds itself in the midst of another controversy as allegations surface that a seasoned nurse with 26 years of experience was involved in the theft of fentanyl from ICU patients. The incident has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community, raising concerns about patient safety and professional ethics.

In late March, a Critical Care Clinical Educator with an extensive history at Adena spanning over two decades, was reportedly apprehended while attempting to steal intravenous fentanyl from patients under her care. The incident resulted in her immediate dismissal from the hospital premises.

Sources within the hospital’s administration revealed that the Ohio Board of Nursing swiftly intervened by issuing subpoenas, requesting comprehensive information regarding the incident. While Adena Health System complied with the majority of the demands by the state, they refrained from releasing the “Kelly Hill files,” tied to allegations Hill — who is a nurse practitioner — has sexually assaulted patients, including minors.

Amid growing concerns, Adena’s administration has attempted to mitigate the theft situation by issuing an internal email communication from the Director of Critical Care Services. The email, which acknowledges the embarrassing nature of the stealing of drugs, outlined the director’s reluctance to discuss or comment on the matter involving the theft publicly. Additionally, the email conveyed expectation that other employees should maintain a similar stance of discretion.

The memo implores all staff members to refrain from discussing or disseminating any information related to the incident. The directive appears to be a part of the hospital’s strategy to contain the fallout and maintain a semblance of normalcy.

This is the second time in recently that a provider at adena has been caught stealing medication. Reports say another nurse removed drugs from an automated pill dispenser for personal use on multiple occasions in September of 2021.