Accused of being impaired, fired, now told I can't practice

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · Jan 24, 2016

What is you drug screening going to show???? Are there any truths to the allegations? Sorry but I have to ask. When you were accused of being under influence did you submit a test?

mrsjonesRN · Jan 24, 2016

I believe we need more information. What made the manager believe you were impaired? Why were you meeting with the manager on your day off? To explain frequent call ins? Did something happen to compromise patient safety or did another employee express concerns about you? If the manager thought you were impaired, did you take a drug screen right then to prove that you were not impaired?

And why did the BON deem you unfit to practice?

Sorry for all of the questions I am asking. I am just trying to understand exactly what happened in order to help answer your questions effectively.

If the BON is the one who deemed you unsafe, the board is the best place to get your questions answered in regards to what you need to do to get your license back, treatment plan, etc.

Some BONs allow you to be on probation but keep your license if you meet certain terms and conditions.

Like I said, I don't really have enough information about what happened to really answer the question as to what happens next.

%D#2 · Jan 24, 2016

Yes we would need more info to answer your post or give input. For example if you are taking prescription medication for an illness, that's a very grey subject, not black and white. They may think your prescription med impairs your ability to do your job.

It's another thing If you're taking illegal substances. But I have seen nurses who take more of their prescription Meds which would be considered sbuse and may be treated just as strictly as taking something that is not prescribed.

IsabellaRN2 · Jan 25, 2016

Thank you everyone for replying.

To answer your questions...

The drug screen will be negative. I don't do any illegal drugs and rarely have wine, but that's been weeks.

I showed up to work on my day off to talk to my mgr about the absences (3 shifts and one I didn't respond when I was called in after being put on call) for illness. I didn't know about the impairment accusation until I received a letter from knap, (2wks later) so I was not asked to submit a drug test. I then went to the counsellor they recommended, and she's the one telling knap I'm unsafe to practice due to the accusations and absences.

IsabellaRN2 · Jan 25, 2016

Nothing with patient safety, no previous problems,

IsabellaRN2 · Jan 25, 2016

I was honest with her, said I drank wine occasionally, never been in trouble before. Had been on xanax before, never an issue. I called in because of an illness. I've never done illegal substances. I have struggled with depression and an eating disorder and was just really having a hard time. I don't have a good excuse for the absences and not going in when I was called back. (admittedly a huge f up) this all happened about 6 weeks ago. At the time I was prescribed ambien, and may have still had it in my system when I met with my mgr, also hadn't slept in about 48hrs.

I haven't so much taken a benadryl since then.

I understand knap is recommending I do a 3yr monitoring program (fine) but as of last week also said I could t practice. I'm currently working in NC on a travel assignment, so I can't miss anymore days, or contract will be cancelled (understandably so). The person at knap told me pending the uds I took on Friday weather I could go back to work this week.

I literally have $15, staying in a hotel and if I can't work, I'm finished. I've been applying for other jobs, but no way I can get hired immediately and make enough money to live on.

I appreciate all the feedback, just have to sit here and wait, hopefully will hear something tmrw.

%D#2 · Jan 25, 2016

I was honest with her, said I drank wine occasionally, never been in trouble before. Had been on xanax before, never an issue. I called in because of an illness. I've never done illegal substances. I have struggled with depression and an eating disorder and was just really having a hard time. I don't have a good excuse for the absences and not going in when I was called back. (admittedly a huge f up) this all happened about 6 weeks ago. At the time I was prescribed ambien, and may have still had it in my system when I met with my mgr, also hadn't slept in about 48hrs.
I haven't so much taken a benadryl since then.
I understand knap is recommending I do a 3yr monitoring program (fine) but as of last week also said I could t practice. I'm currently working in NC on a travel assignment, so I can't miss anymore days, or contract will be cancelled (understandably so). The person at knap told me pending the uds I took on Friday weather I could go back to work this week.
I literally have $15, staying in a hotel and if I can't work, I'm finished. I've been applying for other jobs, but no way I can get hired immediately and make enough money to live on.
I appreciate all the feedback, just have to sit here and wait, hopefully will hear something tmrw.

It probably more so had to do with your lack of sleep than the absences. I'm sorry you're going through this. Hopefully when the tests come back clean you can return to work.

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2016

I am in KNAP and am kind of surprised that they haven't told NC that you are under contract. Or made you tell them. The contract I signed two years ago mentions having to tell any out of state BON about KNAP within a certain time frame. You also have to notify your job within a certain timeframe as well. I honestly can't imagine any scenario where you are going to be allowed to complete your contract...

Crappy way to wind up in a monitoring program. I'm sorry.

allnurses Guide · Jan 25, 2016

I just want to say that in my experience Ambian is the worst possible drug anyone can take for sleep. If you are thinking of taking it don't. If you are taking it stop.

Hppy

IsabellaRN2 · Jan 25, 2016

The guy at knap did tell me I was reported to NC Bon, (this all happened wed). I've not started the actual monitoring or agreed to the knap contract, yet. I only didn't go to work because he said of I did, I'd be in violation against their recommendations.

He said if I complied with the testing he would then agree I'd be safe to practice. Of course I have no idea what NC board is gonna say.

How long will it take for them to contact me? Should I call them myself?

I was just informed about the monitoring recommendation on Wednesday, which is why I hadn't told the NC board anything yet.

mrsjonesRN · Jan 25, 2016

So if/when the UDS comes back clean, will you still have to do a monitoring program? Are they deeming you incompetent simply because they suspect drug use? Or is the monitoring program more of a mental health program? I am not familiar with knap. This may be a dumb question, but what does knap stand for?

I would contact the board myself, if i were you. You may be in violation because you are working now. The board may have suspended your license and you may be practicing on suspension right now due to the allegations brought against you.