Newly Fired

JxoRN · Dec 13, 2017

I am in the same boat as you are. However, my work, when they dismissed me ( I admitted it, complied etc) They told me to self report as they would too. They never reported me. I reported myself. I was able to meet with the main person from the program and now in a IOP program. She told me after 2 IOP classes and 1 clean UA I can have permission to go back to work. Same restrictions, no narcotics for a year. So I had my first interview yesterday with a dialysis clinic. It went awesome. I was honest and told her... You can still do patient care, just have to look for it. I was the same way, I couldn't stop crying, I still feel like a loser because I am bored and all I do is these IOP classes and sit on my cell phone. Which mind you, these IOP classes is a joke. As I sat in the waiting room, one guy was selling coke, and 2 other men were talking about things they drink to have their urine clean. Its just crazy to me. You will get through this as we all are. I just started this program on Monday... so I have a LONG way to go.

I am in AZ btw, again your board may be different.

Workitinurfava, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2017

You may not like hearing this but you could end up killing yourself. A family member of mine started out abusing through stealing narcotics from work. At first it was pills that were crushed and then this person started injecting the drugs in their arm. You may need a job that doesn't give you access to medication. You said you couldn't stop yourself. The question now is will you ever be able to and what if you relapse. This type of work is stressful and hard. People turn to drugs to cope unfortunately. I hope the best for you.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 14, 2017

So, I made a mistake at work. I randomly started abusing narcotics about 6 months ago when I accidentally brought a vial of fentanyl home from work one day.

I say this very gently, but that's an addict talking. Your abusing narcotics was not an act of chance. I'm not saying you didn't bring the bottle home accidentally--you very well could have. But what you DID with said bottle when you got home wasn't a random act of fate.

1) How long is it going to take for me to hear from the BON?

Depends on if you were reported to the BON. If you were...could be anywhere from days to months.

2) Someone in my exit meeting told me not to even bother trying to get a job taking care of patients. Is this true? I have worked in dialysis before and they do not dispense narcotics and I feel like, after watching everyone else's posts, that there is no way in hell I can go almost a year without having a job because I'm in limbo.

That person sounds like she/he is rather prejudiced towards addiction/substance abuse, and decided to beat you up over it. Ignore that. There are plenty of jobs out there where contact with narcotics is minimal to none.

HOWEVER, the fact that you said, "I couldn't stop no matter how hard I tried" means that you may need to steer far away from ANY job where controlled substances are doled out regularly. And not just narcotics. Addicts are wonderfully talented at developing cross-addictions, so don't think you'd be 100% safe around benzos, ADHD drugs, and other drugs with abuse potential.

3) I was not arrested at the time of my firing but was told there was a possibility I could be. Wouldn't they have done so already?

Again, depends on if you were reported to the authorities and whether they decide to file charges.

I took the initiative and started outpatient drug therapy and started going to AA/NA meetings on my own. I just feel like I'm lost at sea and have no way to save myself from drowning. If anyone has any helpful tips, please share.

First, If you haven't, I would talk to a lawyer (you can find lawyers versed in nursing issues here: TAANA Executive Office - Home). DEFINITELY talk to one if either law enforcement or the BON comes a-calling. You may also want to talk to one about whether you should self-report if your BON offers a diversion program.

Second, focus on your recovery. You need to get a handle on your addiction before you can even begin to work on anything else, because if you don't control your addiction, you won't be able to control anything else. It's great you started therapy and meetings. Keep going to them. If you find AA/NA not to be your speed, also consider SMART Recovery. Pick the one that works for you, go and work the program. Do 90 in 90 (90 meetings/90 days) if you can. Get a sponsor and take your addiction seriously.

Once you start getting a handle on things, then work on the job search. Yes, it may mean taking some time away from searching while you get things under control. As far as what to say during interviews...you'll find a lot of nurses in this forum have been able to get jobs after recovery--read the threads and see what you can learn. You may also want to talk to that lawyer to get their advice as to what to disclose during interviews, and if you have any question as to how to answer interview/application questions regarding substance abuse and/or terminations.

Please don't think I'm unsympathetic or not understanding of what you are going through. Quite the opposite. But you really need to face the reality of what's going on, and it's a lot more than just being fired.

One step at a time. Recovery first.

Best of luck

rn1965, ADN · Dec 14, 2017

I just started this program on Monday... so I have a LONG way to go.
I am in AZ btw, again your board may be different.

JxoRN, may I ask how long it took the board to contact you? i am awaiting re-issuance in AZ (revoked in 203 for failing the CANDO program). Now, nearly 13 years clean and sober. Re-applied in July, no word yet.

Also, good luck to you and happy holidays!

RN1965

JxoRN · Dec 14, 2017

I contacted them and self reported myself. When I did that, they made me an appointment to come in there and sign up... they did reschedule me twice because of Thanksgiving time and Black Friday... but it was pretty immediate. I lost my job on 11/5 & I started 12/5. The reason I started then was because I was in my last week of school. So she said I could graduate and not have to inform my school with the Cando information.

wondern, ASN · Dec 14, 2017

God bless you Nursey1982. How do you accidentally take Fentanyl home?????

Don't you have to waste with a witness?

I guess it's neither here nor there how you did. You just did. Have you bought heroin off the street yet? Will that be next? Please you have to stop yourself. Go sign in to rehab for 30 days. Use your insurance from work to pay for it. Start over. You could help other nurse addicts, maybe save a life, if you can get yourself out of the downward spiral.

You worked too hard to destroy your life much less your career. Nurses can be so hard on each other. Heck people in general can be. God will help you. I'm praying for you.

Whatever you do don't get your Fentanyl mixed up with Sufenta. It's 100 times stronger. You could be found dead on the hospital property after shooting up at work. :blackalien: :inlove:

Wizard 1 · Dec 21, 2017

When you apply, do not mention investigation, as it hasn't happened yet. The BON won't confirm or deny any investigation until you get a letter from them. You aren't in limbo. You were dismissed from a job and it may be that the Board will come calling. Others on this site may have better info about self-reporting than I do, but it seems to depend on the state. You can still work with patients. Good luck.

This ^^^^ I know how it feels, as if you're walking a tightrope. As long as you don't hear otherwise, you have an unrestricted license. I'd get a job while I still had that.

mississippiRN71 · Dec 21, 2017

I agree. I havent heard a final from the BON yet , all I've done is met with an investigator, . I got a job in dialysis a year and a half ago and I'm so thankful I did because dialysis companies are known to be recovery friendly... good luck and God bless!

Nursey1982 · Dec 22, 2017

I never have even thought of heroin. I've been clean with no wants or desires for narcotics since this incident.

Nursey1982 · Dec 22, 2017

Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement! I'm definitely getting the help I need and finding my recovery to be going better than I could have expected. I don't even have any desire to take any type of drugs and I know that for a while, I'll need to steer clear of narcotics. I'm not going to give up on myself, my recovery, or nursing! I'm a damn good nurse and will be until the day I die (as a drug free old lady!). Thank you all.

mississippiRN71 · Dec 22, 2017

Amen! You got this :-). I've been drug free for 2 years now and I'm so thankful