Any nurse who has gone through RAMP/is going through RAMP I have a question...

Sadala, ADN, RN · Mar 17, 2013

I don't know anything about RAMP specifically. I do know that most drug testing is monitored. Even to get into nursing school or drug testing was monitored.

cardiacrocks, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2013

What is the RAMP program? I've never heard of this.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Mar 19, 2013

RAMP is the impaired nurses program in NJ.

MichelleRN34, ADN, RN · Mar 20, 2013

I had a shy bladder once...you learn to pee in front of everyone.....IMO

njnursenessa · Mar 20, 2013

can anyone answer this question? i know all drug testing is somehow monitored, this is not my first time taking a drug test. but pre-employment tests you go in a private bathroom in a lab with someone standing with their ear against the door at most. im under the impression that someone will be watching me through the cracks of a stall, or in a mirror, or my nightmare standing right in front of me while i'm on the bowl.

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2013

I do not know about NJ--I am in VA. But, I know my first drug test was observed and it was not through the cracks of a stall. I had to leave the door open with someone (another female) watching me.

NYCRN82 · Mar 21, 2013

Im in California and considered moving back to NJ and doing ramp....but I can tell you that in the paperwork there usually is something about policies if the participant has a shy bladder. Up to and including self-cath in some cases. They simply arent going to let you not be observed. Sorry.

njnursenessa · Mar 21, 2013

thanks for the answers ladies, I'll handle this the best way I can think of. New question though- Can my employer fire me for being in RAMP? I was going to try and avoid telling them anything but I re-read my private letter agreement and I'm required to tell them. I guess to answer that it would help if you knew the situation, so here goes...

Two years ago('11), I let a friend borrow my car to take another friend home. They were pulled over, and friend A was caught with marijuana. Since friend A had a prior drug arrest, and friend B was an innocent bystander, I decided to be noble and take the fall since I owned the car. Note: I was NOT in the car during the traffic stop. Now I am not denying that BEFORE I was licensed I smoked weed occasionally, but I haven't at all since I got my license in '09. I am willing to submit to any kind of drug test they ask for, all I care about is whether or not I get to keep my job.

jwmwinter, ASN, RN · Mar 22, 2013

As well as I understand it, you are required to inform your employer of the program. However, to the best of my knowledge, NJ employers are not going to fire you unless you were diverting. I'm enrolled in PNAP, PA's program and was in rehab with a few nurses in RAMP. One was fired for diverting, the other one was not fired based on the fact that she was not diverting. NJ is very forgiving and given the circumstances of your situation, you should be fine. My question to you would be, why would you take the fall for drug possession knowing you were a nurse and you weren't in the car. I hope your friend is gracious for what you did. As far as your urine tests are concerned, they will ALL be monitored and frequent in the beginning. I wish you luck in the next five years with RAMP.

lovinlife11 · Mar 22, 2013

That doesn't make sense to take the fall, knowing you're a nurse, for someone else. You're a bigger person than I would be, ever!! Good luck!

njnursenessa · Mar 22, 2013

That's what my attorney said. At the time I was more concerned about keeping friend A out of jail (he had a newborn at the time) and friend B was about to apply for her cosmotology license and I knew her chances would be hurt by a drug arrest. Now that I've gone through the experience I wish I would have kept my mouth shut and let them figure their way out of it.