Broken chain of custody

[dnorman]

After working several years at a LARGE hospital with nothing but impeccable job evaluations, I was called for a drug test. I truly have never used any illegal substances. I was told I failed the test! Of course I was in total shock, but quickly went to a stand alone drug testing center. I did this because there's NO WAY anything but dehydration should have showed up. This test was negative. I was fired without being offered PEER (which wouldn't help me. I took nothing and don't have a drug problem). I have continued to pay for my own drug tests as continued proof. All are negative of course. They turned this into the BON.

Now a few months later, SHOCK!!! the company admits to breaking chain of custody in many ways including taking my specimen (and others) home.. not to the lab. No papers were signed. No seals initialed. No gloves worn. Didn't take me to the testing place (If someone is impaired, they can't drive themselves last I checked). I do have an awesome attorney. My question is now that they have admitted breaking protocol, shouldn't BON just be thrown out? Yes my attorney will advise me, but has anyone had anything similar happen to them?

[caliotter3]

How many screen names does the OP have, and why is AN allowing this? I found this story hard to follow and really wonder if all the posts are coming from the same person. Irrespective of this issue, I hope the OP (the first OP) successfully clears their name whenever this saga comes to an end.

[ettac]

The end to my long saga- I finished the "program" that was offered to keep me from going before the BON. Passed all 18 random drug tests, jumped thru all the hoops and got my letter stating that everything is complete; nothing showed up. I know most people will not agree with me, but I am really tired of all this and I'm not thrilled about proceeding with legal action against the large hospital where all this started. It could drag on for years. Through it all, I worked full time as an RN with no dings to my license. I know I am innocent. I proved I am innocent and I hope this never happens to any nurse. 

[Gabriella Barker]

I'm going through something similar. How did things turn out for you? I'm so stressed out 

[dnorman]

After my wrongful termination for this wrongful event, I got the best job in the world a few weeks later with CVS. I was never going to go to Peer because you have to admit you're guilty. I am not guilty. I have never taken any illegal drugs. And I would choose to lose my RN license before I would plead guilty to something I didn't do. My attorney highly recommended that I seek legal action and even gave me the name of an attorney who could help me. My parents have pushed me and pushed me to sue, but it's all behind me now and my license remained intact. I don't know your situation, but if you are 100%, not guilty, do not choose to go to peer and plead guilty.  

[Ckahdkwo, BSN, MSN]

Who was your lawyer? I am in the same exact situation and it's so distressing 

[dnorman]

My advice is to find an attorney in your state that has experience working with your state's board of nursing. I Googled and checked reviews and found mine. It took about 2 years to jump thru all the required hoops but while this is going on, your license can remain intact. I continued to work full time thru the ordeal. Stressful, but worth it in the end. 

[Gabriella Barker]

How long do you have to wait to know if you were reported? Can you ask the board if you've been reported? Or being investigated? How much did you spend for your attorney all together? It's ridiculous that they didn't follow chain of custody, made major mistakes and broke protocols, and are jeopardizing my license, well-being, and already defamed my character. On top of that, they had the audacity to BILL ME FOR THE TESTING! They didn't even give me any results, discuss the termination, or give me any written explanation. I played phone tag with HR and kept leaving voicemails, but they stopped calling me.