Please help!

Krk410 · Sep 23, 2014

I already said it was positive. They did the drug screen during my stay at the hospital 5 months ago. I have not taken another one. Your comment confuses me..?

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Sep 24, 2014

I already said it was positive. They did the drug screen during my stay at the hospital 5 months ago. I have not taken another one. Your comment confuses me..?

Who - mine?

Anne, RNC

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 24, 2014

We just went over the OD. I signed the release for them to look at my medical records... I now we wait...I'm so scared :'(
i know I messed up. I'm def paying for it

There but for the grace of God.....I OD'd on Ativan a year ago after almost 22 years of perfect sobriety (I'm a recovering alcoholic), luckily I didn't have to go to the hospital so it was never reported. But losing control like that shook me up pretty badly and made me realize that I shouldn't nurse while I was still battling my psych issues and my inner demons. I would give up my license before going through a monitoring program, but then I am older and have not worked as a nurse since last year.

In your situation I would probably think very differently. I hope you don't have to go through monitoring, but if you do, try to look at it as your chance to get well and stay that way. In the meantime, know that you have support here. Please keep us posted as to how things are going.

wezzie, RN · Sep 25, 2014

I'm guessing they will eventually refer you to a state monitoring program. I think they'll be more concerned about the overdose and depression rather than the + marijuana screen, but I'd expect that would be part of the monitoring contract. Frequent, random drug screens. Possibly medication administration restrictions.

My personal experience.. depressed > hospitalized> (-) drug screen = 2 years monitoring. I was required to meet with a therapist at a minimum twice per month, meet with a psychiatrist or psych NP once per quarter for "medication management" (50 mg Zoloft daily), and have a "workplace monitor". Thankfully, drug screens were not part of the contract as I would have had to call a # every day to see if I needed to go do a test, all at my expense. Myself, the therapist, NP, and workplace monitor all had to submit quarterly reports on how things were going. Things went great. I went above and beyond expectations. I completed a partial program and 7 months of weekly DBT classes. After 1 year, I requested to have my case closed and my case manager obliged. My experience was a positive one.

The irony.. I'm a psych nurse.. :) .. and first and foremost, human.. funny thing, when I was in the partial program, 25% of the people there were nurses. Four out 12..

So glad to hear you're doing well. You just keep doing the best you can and don't sweat what you can't control.. let the chips fall where they may.. The important thing is.. you woke up breathing this morning.. *hug*

Twoyearnurse · Sep 25, 2014

Wezzie- your story is incredible! It IS amazing the gifts we receive in the process if we are open and honest. I, too, have only experienced positivity with those I have interacted with in this process. That includes a professional license investigator, board investigator, and my treatment center. I have been honest and not self deprecating. I truely believe we teach people how to interact with us. You should be more than proud of yourself and I know that your story bring hope to others. Keep it up!

wezzie, RN · Sep 25, 2014

Thanks Twoyearnurse.. :)

Oddly enough, I think the experience made me a much better psych nurse..

Twoyearnurse · Sep 26, 2014

I am sure it did! You had to accomplish moving forward in life without standing in your own way. You had to take action despite fear, gain confidence in yourself, and had to discover your true strength and ability. It is no easy task breaking though the stigma that is placed upon those with mental Heath issues (addictions or otherwise). A lot of it has to do with how we perceive ourselves. You understand these things with a depth than those who have never walked it. This allows you to intuitively know how your psych patients are feeling. And it helps that I am sure they sense it too.