Nurse accused of stealing fentanyl from Vance Co. hospital

A nurse is charged with stealing fentanyl from a hospital in Vance County.

A spokesperson for Maria Parham Healthcare confirmed Rebecca Neal is no longer employed at the hospital, and Neal herself told WRAL News on Thursday that she doesn’t believe she’ll ever be a nurse again.

On Thursday morning, Neal faced a judge in Vance County for one count of larceny by employee and seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud/forgery.

Police arrested the 40-year-old in January after Maria Parham Hospital noticed seven vials of fentanyl missing from the medication vault.

"I loved my job and I love my community," said Neal. "Any further comments can come from my lawyer."

The fentanyl citrate is a potent and highly addictive painkiller given to patients during or after surgery. Court documents show Neal, who has been a nurse for 13 years, stole it for personal use.

Neal made no official plea today. A judge continued her case until May 10.