big problem !

[johnnyswrangler]

Hello to all , I just registered a few minutes ago so forgive if I make mistakes. I have been accused of drug diversion !! I wasted a narc. without getting a witness. My old job (8yrs) we all trusted each other, this was my new employer. I realize this was very stupid but my drug test came back pos. not for the drug in question but one I had a scrip for. I love nursing in fact i'm enrolled in an ADN program. I became very lazy in my documentation and its biting me in the butt. I went to the board first and they "suggest" their chemical depend. program . Im scared and I don't know want to do.

[snowfreeze, BSN, RN]

My guess would be they are watching you for a reason. Drug testing a nurse for wasting a narcotic without a witness is kinda overboard in my opinion.

[cantoo]

I am currently in a program for nurse addicts and I would like to give you a little bit of advice. GET AN ATTORNY.....NOW!!! I personally know several nurses who have made the mistake that you discribe and have had their lives turned up-side down because of it. It happens. Many nurses end up in dicipline because of documentation problems. Peer assistance programs can be a life saver for nurses who genuinely have a drug or alcohol problem, but many end up there simply because of documentation errors or sloppy charting....no joke. If that really is all that happened, and I believe it could have been, then you need to get some legal representation.

I am one of those that was genuinely addicted to opiates and I needed help. I turned myself in and am still, after almost five years, being monitored. For me, it was a life saver and I'm grateful to still be alive and able to practice nursing. The restrictions placed on nurses in these programs are numerous and it can be daunting at times. I needed those restrictions. No doubt about it. But for someone who is not an addict and simply winds up in a monitoring program due to documentation errors, it can be a living nightmare. Unfortunately, you are now in the position of having to prove to the board that you are not an addict and it was simply an error. You have a long road to hoe and you will need an attorny to guide you through this process. I wish you much luck. Please keep posting.

[elkpark]

I agree that you should not try to deal with the Board about this without having an experienced attorney representing you.

[johnnyswrangler]

Hello to all that helped me with my decision making process. Im seeing a lawyer tomorrow @ 1p. He has 24 yrs exp. dealing with the "board" and hopefully he can help me. If interested I will keep ya'll informed. (Im from the south).