Professional Health Monitoring Programs

[RN508]

Ok I just graduated from Nursing school last month ( May) and I knew once i applied I would have to disclose all my troubles that I had ( underage drinking, disorderly conduct, falsify info) I told the board about everything and sent in the necessary papers and a personal letter of explanation, and also had my professor write me some references. So the wait was on to see what the board was going to do.

Today I get a letter saying that I have to contact the Professional Health Monitoring Program and get a drug and alcohol evaluation, and if they find I am not impaired I may be permitted to sit for boards, If they find I am impaired then I still may be licensed but I must sign up for a monitoring agreement.

Now I was wondering if anyone had any experience about this Professional Health Monitoring Programs(PHMP). What should I expect.

I have not touched alcohol in years and you better believe after being given this chance to prove this to the board that i will continue to abstain from ETOH.

I am very happy that I am getting this chance, I could have just been denied with all my childish immature troubles, but it is true if you are honest and show that you changed BON's are going to listen and give you a chance.

But again my question was has anyone had any experience with PHMP?

[gisele38]

Hello my fellow HPRP and michigain. I went through the program but never quite completed it but story sounds very similar to my own and your addictionists maybe from Flint?? ie the wait in his waiting room sounds way to familar been there done that. He needs to know my time is just as important as his. Thank for reminding me of my road to recovery

[iloveclay]

Yes Gisele I am from Flint and we ARE talking about the same individual. He is the biggest A I have ever run across. If I could PM you I would give you his name but not appropriate here. Take Care.

Debbie

I am going to go through with the HPRP rules etc but was told I could go to someone else perhaps in the Detroit area.

[gisele38]

I don't remember but I know there were a couple of addictionists in Lansing that work with the program to if that is any closer for you and I wish you the best with the program. It is not bad if you are working but it is very expensive and they are sticklers for the paperwork. You don't have to give me his name he thinks he is god and can do no wrong. I sincerely hate the man and I don't normally feel that way.

So best of luck I wish you well and I really think it would be best to find someone else.

GIsele

[KD CVICU-RN]

Is anyone familiar with the Georgia Nurse Advocate Program? I will soon be signing a contract with IPN here in Florida but am planning to relocate to Georgia. I am finishing up at a treatment facility locally and hold licenses in both states, although I have never worked in GA. I am very new to the whole process and am scared that I will never be able to find a job in nursing again. I know that IPN mandates that contracts are now five years in length which seems like the rest of my life right now. Also, any suggestions for units to work on and how to handle working with other co-workers while having a narc restriction? I have only ever worked ER and have glowing recommendations and evaluations, all that were marred by my poor judgement of my diversion. Thanks for any input!

[RN508]

Ok so I had my evaluation Last week, no treatment recomended at this time. I called my caseworker at the PHMP to see if she recieved my results yet and she said yes and we "closed your case no diagnosis no treatment". Im wondering if this means I wont have to be monitored

[RNmiami]

Ok so I had my evaluation Last week, no treatment recomended at this time. I called my caseworker at the PHMP to see if she recieved my results yet and she said yes and we "closed your case no diagnosis no treatment". Im wondering if this means I wont have to be monitored

Hello RN508, I was evaluated and also told that no diagnosis but 6 hours of chemical dependence education treatment

Did you find out anything about the monitoring process???

Any input will be appretiated.

[lunatunapup]

New to this forum. I have been in the VRP-PHMP for a little over 3 years now. My short story: got reported for diverting from work, went for the eval- which said/confirmed I had a addiction/problem. They had me go to an outpatient rehab- once cleared from the counselor they let me go back to work- with restrictions. Also do 2 NA meetings a week, call monday through friday to see if it's my day to drop a urine for drug/alcohol screens. The PHMP at least in PA is very strict- but I guess it's a good thing- kind of forced to enter the voluntary recovery program. Ultimately it's been the best thing that could've happened. With me- there's the obvious restriction of drugs and alcohol, but my program added on that we can't use any hand sanitizer, or alcohol containing items- look up ETG forums/sites(way to complex to type ). Plus I have a signature sheet that I have signed with each meeting I attend and mail it back to the PHMP at the end of the month. My total monitoring time is 3 years, (with an added year due to false etg. Back to work with restrictions: no narc access, no working as supervisor, in ER, doctor offices...

Good luck with everything.

Hope this helps with what you needed to know. A

[RNmiami]

Thank you so much for your reply and for sharing your story. The MD who did the evaluation said I will not have a diagnosis as he does not consider I have an addiction problem but that for now on I need to deal with IPN and that they may impose some monitoring. Very unfortunate for me the job of my dreams was just offered to me and I'm afraid I won't get when I tell them about this.

Thank you again and have a wonderful week.

[lunatunapup]

hopefully since the eval says you don't have a problem, the monitoring program will have no need to monitor you, Good luck in whatever happens:up:

[RNmiami]

Hello, wondering if anyone has been to IPN, no diagnosis made but contract for monitoring for up to 5 years. They give very little information. I understand this is confidential. I will not be attending any support groups or therapy, and no restrictions as far as administaring meds. Apparently I will have to provide urine samples when requested and I have no problem with that.

My question is: If I have a new job offer from a different hospital, is this something I need to let them know, I'm afraid they will not hire me after all. Thank you

[erincostella16]

I will tell you it can be very frustrating to find a new job given that you HAVE to give them a copy of the agreement at your first interview. I have gone on several interviews lately and only one job seemed to have a problem with it though. Most of the employers are familiar with it and understand what it entails. If not, just give them your caseworkers name and phone number for any questions they may have. I found that it's best to give the copy near the end of the interview when they ask if you have any questions. That way you can put your best face forward and get them to like you first before giving them the document. Also, put it in a positive light, it's all about how you present it too. I wouldn't give them your life story, as it's really not their business. Good luck!

[jennygiggle]

I was hoping someone could answer a couple questions for me...I recently signed a monitoring agreement in Indiana for a year & have to go for random urine drug screens. They are 12 panel screens and I was wondering if anyone knew the specific 12 drugs they test for. I'm very unclear on what I can and cannot take as far as sleep meds (otc and prescription) meds for anxiety, etc. I was accused of "mishandling" meds at a previous job, and they decided since I take xanax prn and pain medication--PRESCRIBED TO ME--that I need monitoring. Any help with the UDS would be greatly appreciated!!