State accuses Lewis County nurse of working while impaired in Olympia

Michelle Denise Gilreath, a registered nurse in Lewis County, faces charges of unprofessional conduct from the Washington State Board of Nursing for allegedly working while impaired during her shifts at nursing facilities in Olympia. In incidents occurring in February and July 2024, her coworkers reported concerning behavior, such as bobbing her head and sweating profusely, which prompted intervention. On February 2, Gilreath was removed from her shift after admitting to being sleep-deprived, while on July 21, she was observed acting erratically and was eventually arrested for DUI following a welfare check initiated by staff. Her nursing license, first obtained in 2000, remains active but is under probation. The Board of Nursing allows her the opportunity to defend her case against these serious allegations.

The Department of Health emphasizes the importance of reporting unprofessional conduct to ensure patient safety. The legal documents related to this case can be accessed online through the state Department of Health's website. Gilreath's case highlights critical issues regarding nurse conduct and patient safety in healthcare settings.