Iowa City nurse fired for using drugs at work

A nurse at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City has been suspended by state regulators for allegedly using drugs on the job.

State records show that on May 30, 2009, Stacy Wilkerson of Solon took a powerful anti-depression medicine and later took an anti-anxiety drug at work.

Records show she made several mistakes while withdrawing life-support systems for a dying patient, including withdrawing medicine intended to keep the man comfortable; failing to turn off pumps for intraveneous fluids; and failing to cap catheter tubes allowing blood to pool on the floor.

Hospital officials say Wilkerson stumbled and had slurred speech.

Wilkerson was hospitalized for two days and fired June 4.

The Iowa Board of Nursing suspended Wilkerson's license pending a drug evaluation, treatment and 12 months of sobriety.

No telephone listing for Wilkerson was found.

Hospital officials declined comment.

-- Associated Press