Chemical dependency evaluation and lab drug alcohol screening?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2016

Welcome at Allnurses.com! We have decided to move your thread to our Nurses & Recovery forum so you can accrue the supportive responses you need. Good luck to you.

SandyOh1967 · Feb 2, 2016

Thank you. The cost is actually the worry. They also say I have to complete 27 hours of classes. I am not working anywhere at the moment. My son is on disability and we survive on that. 275 for evaluation. I hear hair samples can run 300. 00. Not to mention how expensive the classes will be. This was all in my probation packet. I have a settlement coming and currently trying to get a government loan for a home. Big question is do I want to go into debt and jump through these hoops. Owe 6000 on student loans already.

1sttime · Feb 2, 2016

You graduated from nursing school and are now entering the profession on probation? I have not had a hair sample taken in 4 years- tests depend on the state, mine run $64-108. They generally have a schedule- first year tested 36-48 times, second year 24-36, etc...

The rehab classes can depend on your copay- I paid $20 each session

The real question is about job prospects- can you get a job easily in your area while on probation? If you can get a job it will offset the expenses.

SandyOh1967 · Feb 2, 2016

So during the initial evaluation they take hair? I will price that for Ohio. I heard 300 dollars. I also am being told in stipulations mandatory call in daily 5 classes which total 27 hours. I am on Medicaid d/t not working and son being 27 and disabled. I have 10 days to call and schedule a appt and have to do that in 90 days. I have had a drink but drugs not a problem. Either is alcohol. I had 3 ovis before 2012 and this is why the a putting me on probation. Claim a 2 year minimum. I didn't hire a lawyer and wondering if I need too. Not sure if this is all worth it especially since I may not be able to find employment. Hate big life changes.

crazin01 · Feb 3, 2016

I'm also trying to piece together what exactly happened, that you are now receiving recommendations/requirements to comply with a monitoring/treatment program.

I'm just assuming you've received documentation in the mail, about requirements that begin with you being evaluated by a professional addiction specialist or the like, to determine if they feel you need the monitoring program. However, it sounds as though that is already a positive with you needing to be in the program by them requiring you to be tested/evaluated within 90 days. Forgive me, but is an OVI similar to a DUI/DWUI? (Driving under influence)

I'm guessing you got these offenses and are now graduating nursing school and to apply for your state board exam, you must answer questions about issues with drugs or alcohol, which there is apparently a record for you prior to 2012, that the board feels warrants further investigation.

In my experience and seeing others here, they will have you evaluated (most states will require only allow certain specialists, who usually recommend the minimum of a 3-5 year monitoring program, which is somewhat different than probation). These specialists' seem to state that you need further monitoring about 90% of the time, even if the patient does not. Seems the program and doctor have a mutual interest in increasing the number of participants in said programs and the provider being one of a very select group of 'specialists' that are 'board-approved'.

I never had to have such an evaluation, but have heard horror stories. Under most programs I've seen/heard of the participant being required to:

-undergo individual therapy/counseling as well as medical professional group sessions (usually at least 4 counseling sessions a month at a minimum)

-the first 90 days attending '90/90' being 90 meetings of AA/NA in 90 days and keep a record of this attendance with other members/sponsors signing off on attendance. As you are allowed to return to nursing work, usually the number of 12 step meetings decreases to 3 a week, but can vary.

- Also, employers must submit a quarterly evaluation of your work history, issues, etc. (not as bad as it sounds, a one page paper that takes them 2 minutes as long as there is no issue/problem to address)

-Daily call or logins (online) to be randomly selected for urine drug screens. It is a lost at first, but it becomes routine quickly.

-Monthly progress report by participany to evaluate program participation, A/NA/sponsor relationship, relationship with case manager etc. (again, sounds worse than it is)

I apologize if I am jumping the gun or assuming wrongly, but just trying to decipher what you're saying with what you've given. The items i listed are what most state nursing boards require (or something similar to it) and obviously probation or other requirements could also be in place. I think I covered most of the worst parts of the nursing monitoring program, with a few variations depending on your state, or unique factors to your case in particular. Being on probation is something I am not all that familiar with, but being compliant with a states monitoring program such as this could only help that and look better, I would imagine.

I totally understand the financial burden of such a program and wondering if it will be worth it in the end. I am at that same impasse with my situation currently. I am not sure if you have an active license that you are having trouble obtaining employment as a nurse, or employment in general. Even though pay and benefits would probably be much less than as a nurse, any job would be beneficial as far as income and benefits. And, it just looks good to well, everybody that you are being proactive and trying to work through this issue and are willing to do whatever it takes at this point, even if working as a cashier at wal-mart. (nothing wrong with that!!)

Hopefully you can offer more information about your specifics and others here (that know a LOT more than me) are able to offer better answers, or at least resources to aide you and your son in any manner at this time.

Also, in regards to the first post and asking about where to go, as far as testing or evaluation, does this paperwork (from board of nursing or probation, whoever is requiring you to jump through these hoops) state anything about who to call or limitations about where you can obtain said evaluation and testing? What credentials they must have? I would definitely ensure they will accept whomever you choose to utilize before making this appointment. Would be really crappy to have to repeat it, because they don't accept a certain place/person.

Good luck. Hoping to hear more & try to help (if I can)

:-)

SandyOh1967 · Feb 3, 2016

I graduated Jan 16 2015 passed nclex in sept on the first try.. I had 3 DUI OVI in 05 08 and 12. I have done meeting and everything else I needed to do for the courts and this is being retried and re- sentence in my eyes. DUI driving while impaired OVI is operating under the influence. It was only alcohol never got into drugs. I was on probation blow machine yellow plates the whole bit. I did AA and anything the courts told me to do.

I had no idea I would have to give away more money for a LPN license. I am proud of my accomplishments with nursing school and I will use the information learned to care for son who has seizures and other ailments.

The board said I would be on probation for minimum 2 yrs. 5 different classes equaling 27 hours plus do all the counseling check in ever morning for u/a and more. I don't feel I will become a LPN. I loved doing wound care most of all. I will find work as a home care aid because I was a PCA before school. I have seen the politics and know nurses and nursing homes are overwhelmed with the lack of employees. This is only going to become worse. It is very sad but I believe I will be moving in a new direction. God has a goal for me and he will direct me where in time. Thank you for helping. I am just not into giving my hard earned money away again. Been there done that and I see how costly it can get. God bless anyone going through this and glad I am not licensed from the treatment of our nurses. Thank you Sandy

CryssyD · Feb 10, 2016

Congratulations on getting through school and passing boards--those are awesome accomplishments! Sorry to hear you don't want to pursue nursing now--it's such a shame that past behaviors can cost you so much years later, and for no good reason. Sadly, I think you have made the right decision--you would almost certainly wind up in a monitoring program (pattern of behavior shows substance abuse issues are a problem, you need to be monitored and held accountable for your own and the public's safety, yadda yadda--I can hear the addiction specialist now, finding all kinds of worrisome evidence against you). Sorry it isn't working out, but you never know what God has in store for you. I am sure you will find your niche in just the right place--just keep trusting in God.

No more OVIs, though, OK? :)

SandyOh1967 · Feb 11, 2016

Sad thing is I am not even drinking. I won't let friends drive with any alcohol in them. All of this was before 2012 and before school. They knew I had 3 dui's and said it would cause probation but nothing about all they out of pocket expenses. Putting my money to better use and looking to purchase my first home. Thank you God Bless