School Nurse Found Passed Out with Painkillers

MACCLENNY, Fla. -- Parents tell First Coast News they are shocked after hearing a school nurse was found passed out last week next to several prescription painkillers.

It happened October 19, at Baker County Middle School.

A report from the Baker County Sheriff said Rochelle Bennett, a registered nurse, was found passed out in the school.

The report said three practically empty bottles of liquid prescription painkillers were found next to her purse.

Holly Barnes has a daughter in seventh grade at the middle school and has not heard anything about the incident.

Most parents First Coast News spoke to also said they had not heard details in the report. Most of those parents did not want to talk on camera, but said they are shocked and concerned.

"It's kind of scary because kids can get a hold of medications if she has them with her," said Barnes.

Bennett has not been charged or arrested.

Documents said she got the powerful, liquid painkillers from the Baker Community Hospital, where she worked as an Emergency Room nurse.

Documents said it had been logged out for a patient. According to the documents, Bennett told investigators the patient refused the painkillers and she forgot she had them.

Dennis Markos, CEO for Baker Community Hospital, said the painkillers are toxic and deadly if misused.

"Ms. Bennett was terminated from our facility. It was a serious breach of professional ethics," said Dennis Markos, the hospital's CEO.

Meanwhile, the school's superintendent Sherrie Raulerson tells First Coast News Bennett turned in her resignation letter on Tuesday and no longer has contact with students.

First Coast News Reporter Monica Landeros called Rochelle Bennett at home. Bennett did want to comment on the incident but said she was "fine" when asked how she is doing after resigning from Baker County Middle School.

According to documents, Bennett told investigators she was found unconscious because she was tired and taking medication.

Raulerson said the school board will talk about Bennett's resignation at next Monday's board meeting.

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