A Carbon County nurse who they believe stole pills meant for residents of a nursing home has been charged with theft and drug charges.

Keri McArdle, 29, of Palmerton was arrested on Thursday after Weatherly police say she was caught last month with prescription drugs in her backpack. The drugs were prescribed to residents at Weatherwood Nursing Home, in Weatherly.McArdle was arraigned before District Judge Joseph D. Homanko Sr.'s office in Weatherly on Thursday.She is accused of stealing prescription drugs like Oxycodone and Percocet from the patients at the nursing home.Weatherly Police Sgt. Michael Bogart said McArdle signed out medications that she was supposed to give to other residents that needed it and she would not give it to them and she would keep it for herself. Police say McArdle was caught with the drugs after she was stopped for a traffic stop in Jim Thorpe.A co-worker at the nursing home had also noticed a pack of pills in McArdle's bag. Police say they searched the backpack and found the drugs and a syringe.Investigators say the nurse then admitted to taking medication since November from five patients at the nursing home.Administrators from Weatherwood Nursing Home said that the facility has taken additional steps to ensure the health and safety of its residents.McArdle is no longer working at the nursing home. If police find the missing medication did affect the patients medically, McArdle could face more charges.McArdle could not post bail. She is in the Carbon County Correctional Facility.