PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – An “impostor nurse” is accused of using several aliases and social security numbers, and working at multiple medical offices in different parts of the United States.
Pennsylvania State Police are now asking for the public’s help in the investigation into the woman.
Shannon Nicole Womack is accused of working as a nurse at multiple facilities in western Pennsylvania for the last five years, but investigators say she is not a licensed professional.
“The investigation showcased Womack was using the identification and nursing certifications from four different confirmed nurses from Southern states,” Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Rocco Gagliardi said.
Gagliardi says state police found that she worked as an licensed practical nurse, registered nurse and a registered nurse supervisor.
“That ranges all the way from Georgia to Connecticut,” Gagliardi added.
Womack is listed on Georgia’s Nursing Impostor Alerts.
Police in the Allegheny County area said Womack worked at Corner View Nursing, Eldercrest and Harmer Village. In Beaver County, she worked at Beaver Valley Healthcare. In Washington County, Greenery Center and Southmott were listed as workplaces. In Westmoreland County, Womack worked at Oak Hill, authorities said.
According to the criminal complaint, Womack worked anywhere from one to 10 shifts at each location and was placed on a “do not retain” list for issues like professional misconduct and poor performance.
In some cases, she was accused of stealing drugs, including oxycodone.
The investigation began when troopers pulled the 39-year-old over in Cecil Township for a routine traffic stop in April. Womack allegedly provided aliases that had numerous active warrants.
“The search warrant of the vehicle showcased multiple forms of ID,” Gagliardi said. “A lot of medical records were in the car and a bunch of prescription medications that were attached to residents in health care homes or nursing home facilities.”
State police uncovered that Womack had about 20 different aliases and seven Social Security numbers.
Gagliardi says she went to great lengths to get the nursing jobs.
“Womack obtained employment through staffing agencies and, even through that point, was able to create her own host agency,” Gagliardi said. “So, she was picking up the phone and transferring those employment jobs and careers to herself.”
The criminal complaint says she also provided fake references to agencies to clear background checks.
Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh also commented on the case.
“This is a vile act, or acts, I should say,” Walsh said. “Not only taking advantage of older citizens in this Commonwealth, but them not receiving the care that they need nor the medication that they need because of someone that puts themselves in this position to defraud them.”
Pennsylvania State Police are asking providers to call if they suspect Womack may have worked at their facility.
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