(Photo courtesy of the Iowa Board of Nursing)
The Iowa Board of Nursing has revoked the license of a Cedar Rapids hospital nurse accused of repeatedly showing up for work while intoxicated.
Roberta Ann Natvig of Cedar Rapids had worked as a registered nurse on the children’s behavioral health unit at Cedar Rapids’ St. Luke’s Hospital since 2009. In June 2022, the Board of Nursing received reports that Natvig had been exhibiting signs of intoxication during her work shifts.
Two of Natvig’s co-workers alleged she had repeatedly reported late for work and was visibly fatigued, fumbling over her words, and exhibiting abnormal behavior. Both individuals allegedly told the board Natvig had acknowledged drinking alcohol prior to her shifts.
In speaking to a board investigator, Natvig denied being intoxicated during her shifts, but allegedly acknowledged problems with alcohol abuse. Natvig continued to practice but was enrolled in the Iowa Nursing Assistance Program. Within weeks, she allegedly self-reported the use of alcohol, failed to attend treatment sessions, failed to complete a mental health evaluation, and failed to submit to drug and alcohol screening.