Received my final board order with loads of requirements and restrictions and at this point I’m ready to call it quits after calculating the cost. The initial requirements itself will cost well over $1000. I just don’t have a grand laying around. The drug tests will be almost $100 each time. I’m unemployed at this time and it’s already tight with just my husbands income so I won’t be starting for a little while. Thank goodness I have 180 days to complete the initial requirements. It’s all so overwhelming. 

It is kind of amazing that you have to pay for the program. I read somewhere a post about how it’s set up in a way to keep nurses from working more than to help. Because it seems backwards to force someone to get help and also heap all this financial stress onto them at the same time.
 

Sorry for what you’re going through. I was thinking I may just get a part time job to pay for this that is outside of nursing. It is also good distraction 

I am sorry for your situation. My situation is very similar. I am not permitted to work as a nurse right now; however, I am getting drug tested 3 x a month. The cost ranges from $110-$160. I don't know how long I can do this. I understand the stipulations and drug testing; however, it has become a sadistic practice for the BON to continue. I currently have just tried eating dog food mixed with milk. I am running out of money that I have saved in my bank account, and I have no idea what to do. 

santi_05 said:

It is kind of amazing that you have to pay for the program. I read somewhere a post about how it's set up in a way to keep nurses from working more than to help. Because it seems backwards to force someone to get help and also heap all this financial stress onto them at the same time.
 

Sorry for what you're going through. I was thinking I may just get a part time job to pay for this that is outside of nursing. It is also good distraction 

Absolutely take a part-time job to pay for testing.  Now is NOT the time to make a decision that might haunt you in the future.  That nursing salary might look pretty good someday when you are making half as much for the same hours.  I don't know what it's like in your state, but you may be permitted after a short period of testing to work in an area of nursing where mood-altering drugs aren't available.  You can do this while still in the diversion program.  Most of the nurses in the group I facilitated were allowed to work within a month and almost every one of them got a job.  They may have taken a cut in salary but it meant more than just financial security to be back in a nursing position again.  Thousands of people have proceeded you through this process with success.  Just making the decision that a part time job would be good for you is a healthy start.

KellySltr said:

I currently have just tried eating dog food mixed with milk.

Look for food banks in your community. Also when Covid happened the social service agencies like "Boys and Girls Clubs" had scheduled food giveaways and still do. Tap into your social service agencies...you have supported them for years with your state and local taxes. You do not have to be elderly or have children for these services.

Find your local food bank

I've had family that signed up with 2 food banks- one had meats, other breads, canned goods and produce.

Find Free Food and Groceries  Your local food bank can walk you through the application process and help you learn if you may be eligible for monthly SNAP assistance.