I know a few cranky nurses where I work, but this nurse is a NUT!

Alberta nurse admits drugging co-workers

Updated Mon. Sep. 11 2006 2:36 PM ET

Canadian Press

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. -- The mystery of who was drugging nurses at a northern Alberta hospital was resolved Monday when a former co-worker pleaded guilty to secretly plying them with sedatives.

Sarah Christine Bowes originally faced 56 charges covering eight offences, including administering a noxious substance and mischief endangering life.

The 27-year-old nurse, who worked at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie, was to face a preliminary hearing Monday. But she instead pleaded guilty to 12 charges, including administering the drug, using credit cards obtained through crime and public mischief for trying to implicate someone else.

Victim impact statements, followed by her sentencing, are expected Wednesday.

Police charged Bowes after investigating complaints by staff members who experienced flu-like symptoms, memory loss and extreme sleepiness.

Staff also tested positive for a tranquillizer-type drug they couldn't remember taking.

Bowes had been released on bail into the custody of her father in Little Current, Ont., who vociferously defended his daughter's innocence at the time of her arrest.

Suspicion and uncertainty shrouded the hospital in the spring of 2004 when staff began complaining of stomach aches, nausea, short-term memory loss and having to go home and sleep for hours.

The hospital initially ran tests, clearing out the fourth floor twice to check air quality.

Medical tests on staff showed at least three nurses tested positive for a Benzodiazepine-type of sedative used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Staff were warned never to leave food or drink unattended, and tensions rose as people began to suspect each other.

Some also reported thefts of personal identification, prescription drugs and credit card information.

Patients were never affected and the episodes stopped abruptly in June 2004.

Police charged Bowes after an investigation that included obtaining a warrant to search her home.