Anyone ever gotten off monitoring early?

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I am nearing completion of 2/3 years of my monitoring contract. I was placed on a monitoring probation agreement by the Lousiana BON for past criminal charges. I began the monitoring when I started clinicals (08/14) and I'll be graduating in December of this year, 2016. I've been in complete compliance. I have checked in daily with FirstLab, submitted all documents on time, and all negative UDS. Have any of you ever heard of anyone getting off of their contract early? For instance, writing a letter and requesting to the BON that one be let off for compliance with their contract and stipulations. I am tempted to do so and would love some feedback. Would that be a bad idea? Should I get a professor or my work manager to write a letter on my behalf as well? I am not being monitored for addiction issues. However, I did post in this forum because I know you guys are very familiar with the monitoring process and the frequent drug screens, monthly fees, etc. If anyone has any familiarity with a situation similar to this, I would love to hear about it!

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I am from of different state, but from my understanding you can not be released from monitoring until your time requirement is met. I asked about that and was told you have to abide by what your contract states and the time frames they give you are for a reason. I know it really stinks. Here if you mess up once the clock starts all over again. You have to have 3 continuous years of documented sobriety and even then it can be another 6 months before they get around to releasing you from your board agreement. Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC, Internal Medicine, FP.

In Florida, it states in the contract that you can basically go to a less restrictive form of monitoring after three years, I believe? I don't think there is a way to get off early in FL, but I am not sure. I am a recent signee of a 5 year contract for florida's monitoring program, and I do remember reading something in there about this after three years of compliance.

With criminal probation it is possible to be discharged early, so it would be nice if nursing monitoring would be the same!

Good luck :)

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Specializes in ICU.

They will not release you early for doing your part of the contract or else they'd have to release everyone that does well. You're suppose to be doing good, or you wouldn't still be in the program, they would've kicked you out. I'm not trying to sound harsh but I highly doubt you will be released early in any state's monitoring program.

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No, not harsh at all! Just lookin for feedback! :) That was a very good point that you made. I am glad to still be in the program, regardless of the stress it may cause! Feels good to be doing well and getting through this process.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Love this post! My experience was the earliest I could get out of my program was 2/4 years. I really believed, in my mind, I would be that special and get out at 2 years. I did everything perfect. Fees on time, no positive tests, all paper work signed and turned in on time, my Qmonthly phone call on time, etc...Of course I should get out at 2 years!!

Wrong! Total time: 4 years 3 months. I have no regrets. I put on my fake act for two years and they didn't buy it (I really was flawless in all that was expected of me). I believe had I got out at 2 years, relapse was most definitely on its way. Doing my 51 months was a blessing...I learned a lot about no getting things my way.

Good luck to you. Before you know it, your mandatory program will be in your rear view mirror and you're going to use the tools you learned to be a good human being.

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Love this post! My experience was the earliest I could get out of my program was 2/4 years. I really believed, in my mind, I would be that special and get out at 2 years. I did everything perfect. Fees on time, no positive tests, all paper work signed and turned in on time, my Qmonthly phone call on time, etc...Of course I should get out at 2 years!!

Wrong! Total time: 4 years 3 months. I have no regrets. I put on my fake act for two years and they didn't buy it (I really was flawless in all that was expected of me). I believe had I got out at 2 years, relapse was most definitely on its way. Doing my 51 months was a blessing...I learned a lot about no getting things my way.

Good luck to you. Before you know it, your mandatory program will be in your rear view mirror and you're going to use the tools you learned to be a good human being.

Yep- lasted two years until my slip up... Was a great thing to learn about myself, sobriety, and what it means to me. Now I really feel like I am recovered, but I am sure that 1 year from now I will be amazed at how I feel in 2017...

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Hi OP - my DH and I both are RNs in Louisiana and went thru outlet state's program. We never heard of anyone getting out early, but it's been a while since we got out - I finished in 2004.

Unfortunately, the case managers at the time were notorious for paperwork coming up missing in your file.

Good luck!

Anne, RNC

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Would love to chat with you sometime about all this!

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

If I can help at all, answer any questions just let me know!

Anne, RNC

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Specializes in Critical Care, Float Pool Nursing.

HAVEN, CT's monitoring program, will shorten your contract if you are doing "beautifully" as they call it -- no screw ups.

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Specializes in Post-Op, Cardiology.

I'm in LA monitoring too, until November of this year. PM me and we can talk! My CO states that I am up for making a request for decreased UDS, so I am writing that request now. I test on avg. 2x per month. It's really put me in the poor house, but that'll change soon! I start my new job in a couple weeks, but I don't think they will release me before November even though my record has been spotless in the program (I do take Benadryl & Tylenol PM sometimes, but my CO doesn't say anything about those... however I have to stay away from Nyquil, Vanilla extract, & hot chocolate!). My CO was for 18 mos... in Nov it will be 2 years exactly. So if everything goes as planned, I'm gonna celebrate by having a HUGE hot chocolate WITH vanilla in it, come the Fall. Please keep us posted on your situation!

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