Cedar Rapids Nurse Banned After Reportedly Working While Drunk

A Cedar Rapids nurse has had her license suspended after being accused of repeatedly showing up for work while intoxicated.

Where Did the Nurse Work?

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Tera Serbousek was employed as a registered nurse at 'To The Rescue' home care agency. The group provides care and support to patients who still reside in their homes.

First Complaint Happened in November 2024

A complaint filed with the state licensing board alleges that Serbousek arrived at a patient's house under the influence of drugs or alcohol on November 14, 2024, according to the Gazette. She reportedly became unresponsive, and other staff were unable to wake her. She was taken by ambulance to a hospital and released the next day.

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The Gazette reports that Serbousek admitted that she had been drinking heavily the night before, and the agency agreed to let her work while participating in an employee assistance program.

Another Incident Less Than One Month Later

On December 3, 2024, employees contacted management with concerns that Serbousek was intoxicated at work again. The Gazette reports that a drug screen showed she tested positive for alcohol. She reportedly couldn't remember her laptop password and forgot how to chart nursing tasks.

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Nursing License Suspended

The Gazette reports that Serbousek signed an agreement on July 17th that was accepted by the Iowa Board of Nursing. She agreed to have her license suspended for one year and agreed to take part in a program designed to help nurses with substance abuse problems and mental health issues.