Attorney and PNAP

Nurses Recovery

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Hello there, I just graduated nursing school, after applying to the board, I received a letter instructing me to contact PNAP to set up a drug and alcohol evaluation. I have 2 DUIs on my record, one from 2004 and one from 2011. I do not believe that I have an impairment that affects my nursing care. My question is, has anyone had experience with an attorney? I was considering hiring an attorney out of Philadelphia to represent me. Any advice for me would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

just an FYI, you aren't really supposed to/allowed to use actual persons' name like that... (so you may want to edit your post to address that)

But, I can't speak to that particular situation (the whole DUI's years ago) but have heard/read about others in that situation and just to let you know, it's their way or the highway (they being PNAP). They say they (PNAP) are there to aide & assist you, but from what I've seen, they aren't all the nicest & it seems like a few are on a royal power trip, because they can be. (again, I just speak from what I've seen or read; and like with everything, you could be assigned the best case manager and luck out. just from my experience, I see more negative than positive).

Even though your DUI's are in the past, it seems any type of positive alcohol/drug history does you in & they require you to participate in a 3 year program (random UDS, weekly therapy, letters from your immediate supervisor every 3 months, restrictions on type of floor/exposure to substances etc; and of course the UDS's and therapy are your financial responsibility).

I don't mean to scare you by sharing some of their typical requirements, but to demonstrate how smart it is of you to seek out a professional with experience dealing with the BON &/or PNAP.

That said, there are lots of super smart folks here, with much more experience & knowledge than I have to share, so you've come to a good place. Also, if you ever attended AA, or if you currently do, or have a sponsor, start getting/digging out the documentation, showing your involvement, letter from sponsor, documentation of rehab program etc. I understand it was only two events (which may have circumstances that are or are not questionable) but again, anything showing you have dealt with your substance issue is going to beneficial.

(I personally don't benefit from AA/NA stuff, but PNAP loves the 12-step process). And, I only mention that if you do AA, because every situation is unique and what works for one won't for the next.

Sorry I haven't really answered you question, but super smart of you to go about getting an attorney. Good luck! (and congrats on finishing school!!!)

Thank you! I don't know how to change my name on here (it's not my real name). Do you know how to change it? I have researched PNAP for over a week now and read everything there is to read on them and the program. I am aware of what they require. I am just hesitant on hiring this pricey attorney and still ending up in the program. That is my main concern. I'd hate to spend money I don't have for nothing. :(

Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

I'm sorry, I should have clarified, because I meant the attorney's actual name within your post and not your username. But I think the moderators fixed it for you. :-)

And I get the whole being afraid to spend the big bucks if it isn't going to benefit you, whatsoever. I know I've spoken to a lawyers, on my behalf and have found that most will usually do an initial consultation for free. Then maybe you could get some idea of what to expect (odds and such), but of course nothing is guaranteed. Especially if the first attorney doesn't have the best news for you, a second opinion never hurts. And being you mentioned Philadelphia, I'm assuming that means you are closer to many more attorneys. So, that's a plus.

Also, if & when you do speak with someone at PNAP, document everything said (date, person, what discussion entailed and so forth). Also, make copies of anything and everything you mail to them. Like I said, I've had a rough time with them and learned the hard way to not be as trusting, of either PNAP or even the USPS.

I figured it out and took his name off! Lol Thanks! I actually live close to Pittsburgh, so I'd have to drive to Harrisburg to meet with the attorney, which is a haul. I'm worried about finding employment. Do you know who hires nurses with a restricted license around here?

Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

I think I heard of holy spirit or Pinnacle health (in Harrisburg) that is more lenient and it seems as though the larger hospitals are more willing to grant a second chance. Pittsburgh, I honestly have no idea, as I'm nowhere close to that area. I've also heard dialysis is usually a safe bet, as there seems to be less exposure to controlled substances. Sorry I can't really help more, but I'm sure somebody else will know a bit more than me, in regards to employers that are more likely to give a chance quicker.

You could always google pro bono or low income attorneys as well. And, not that I've ever done it, but I know I've heard of websites, that professionals will chat online with you. Again, I never used that, but it can't hurt, right? I believe most of the sites show you the professionals' credentials, to verify they aren't just a bored person having fun with you.

Also, I'm sure they wouldn't be nearly as good as a privately hired attorney, but a public defender might be a possibility. However, I'm not sure if they are only available for certain types of cases, or if you are arrested/actually charged. But, I assume with the DUI's, that is being charged, right? If you had an attorney for either of those instances, would he/she be willing to chat with you?

If you're closer to Pittsburgh, are there not as many attorneys there, that would have expertise in this area? Or, do you have to go to the area where the DUI's occurred? (again, it seems the bigger cities seem to be swarming with them; I'm in a bit more of a rural area) Sorry, I'm asking more questions than offering answers, I'm just new to all of this stuff. I guess that's a good thing!

And, after re-reading your original post, maybe PNAP just needs you to be evaluated for a substance issue and if you can show that doctor proof of rehab, AA or whatever, maybe they would actually see you don't have an issue and PNAP would not place restrictions on your license. (I feel that's a little wishful thinking though, because they only utilize certain practitioners for those evaluations, and I'm wondering if I know who that is, if you mentioned philly...)

Thank you for all the info!

I am new to this site and new to this thread, obv. Stevie, i am in a very similar situation to you and unfortunately I am several steps behind you, so I cannot answer any of your questions, but am very curious of further information on the subject. Would you mind disclosing disclosing your age and if those past two mistakes gave you any trouble along the way thus far? -Also I am in contact with a lawyer and in the near future am going to be picking his brain on the matter (he isn't a nurse license lawyer, but should know something about it) and I will share that info with you.

Hello, I am 32. I had to explain my DUIs to my school of nursing. I haven't been employed in years, so it was never an issue with employment. I decided to hire the attorney and contacted him just a few minutes ago via email, waiting on a reply. He told me the first time that I spoke with him that he could get me an initial evaluation with a trained physician instead of the people who work for a treatment facility who obviously would say you have a problem bc they want your money. God I hope this man can help me. I've worked too hard.

Dont pay for an atty who isnt versed in your states board of nursing procedures. One size does not fit all!

Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

Stevie,

so glad to hear your attorney can get you in with someone else for your evaluation. That should tremendously tip the scales in your favor (vs. the states). Is this the person you had mentioned in philly? Even if not, as Blondie said, make sure they know the specific states BON requirements, which I'm sure he does.

I know the $$ out sucks royally, but as you've said, you have worked so hard for school, to graduate, and then not be able to completely get your license. I know I've worked my a$$ off and am doing anything I can to save my license. (plus, I love it too much, to do anything else!) It WILL be worth it in the end.

Please let us know how things progress & if you're able to get the BON to let you NCLEX, license without restrictions, etc.

I certainly hope so!!!

"God never closes a door without opening a window"Fraulein Maria (Sound of Music)

I am just beginning my dealings with PNAP.... So far, I am not sure what to think... I seriously don't want to do the VRP program as my circumstances revolve more around bad timing and luck than an actual drinking problem. That said I feel it is very invasive to have someone else dictate to me how to live my life and deal with my issues... I have been an RN 24 years and I'm sick of it anyway.... Problem being ...... I am going through a rough divorce, supporting myself and 2 minor children, legal bills, etc. I am ready to be a stripper! The union lawyer never called me back... One girl I worked with had a DUI in PA and it took the State Biard 2 months to catch up to her and she skated without having to enter the VRP. It took them 2 weeks after my "alleged" DUI and almost immediately I had to go to Gateway Rehab for an evaluation. Urine drug and alcohol was negative, but she recommended "therapy". Never explaining she apparently diagnosed me with a substance use disorder! PNAP is getting a copy of my eval as will I on my own... Debating hiring a lawyer experienced in these matters for for myself .... Apparently I can write a letter disagreeing with the eval and decline the VRP, but then they can either close my file or send me for a more in depth evaluation, at which course if I fail that I'm back at the 3 1/2 year program and disciplinary action / possible license suspension and still have to jump through all the hoops. Not worth it for the sake of being a nurse but I need a viable income. In the mean time the stress is not helping any of my prior issues with PTSD, depression or anxiety..... I read these HORROR stories and think I'm screwed and I will probably take my chance, write the letter and if so deemed, chance an eval.... I broke down in tears at my first evaluation because of the heavy stress of this all.... I'm sure I should have kept composed and lied instead of showing emotion and being honest. I'm damned if I do , damned if I don't. I'm really over it but I have responsibilities. Every situation is different and I do NOT JUDGE. I get the fact that an "impaired" RN is a liability to the hospital or whoever they work for, and the state in the event there is ever a mistake or lawsuit....the places I've worked would hang a nurse out to dry if there were ever a lawsuit! It's really all about the MONEY.... Bottom line..... I am an above average practitioner and I'm safe but nobody really gives a **** about that in reality. It's about penalization and money and cushy state jobs IMO. Don't blast me after you read and judge..... It's the stress talking and really I think I'd have better job satisfaction as a stripper( oh sorry- exotic dancer)!

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