CA Diversion

sharklady · Oct 10, 2021

As a person in CA Diversion I can tell you it is intense and not cheap, but, in time it becomes totally livable. Part of being in this program requires attending a board assigned weekly nurse support group and mine includes nurses both in Diversion and on Probation. It seems both have areas where things are more restrictive or complicated than the other. I am glad to know that at the end of this, I will have no strike on my license and even now while in the program, nothing comes up on it. Both programs require worksite monitors at your place of employment. Both require daily random drug screen check in. Probation seems a bit more permissive in respect to travel but the drug testing in itself is always part of things to consider when leaving your home area. Diversion seems like less of a headache in regard to asking for changes and lesser restriction after you have some time in or for asking for early release at the 2 year mark from what I have seen so far. I'd definitely read up on both CA programs too, just so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. I will send you a pm if you want to talk further OK? Hang in there you will get through this.

NenaRN · Oct 11, 2021

Hi there.. I am new to the CA diversion program.. I am 6 months in.. I can give you my email address if you’d like to email me questions you might have that I can help with..

Hnh1993 · Oct 11, 2021

Please. I’d love that

RecoveredRN · Oct 13, 2021

Did you complete the investigation and they offered Diversion or probation? I'm still in the investigation phase and I am scared and not sure if I should just go forward with diversion. I thought you lose your nursing job when you're in diversion? How are people still keeping their jobs while in the program?

meena123 · Dec 21, 2021

Hi I need some advice I’m stuck whether or not I should do this program as well. I am a new member so I can’t send a private message yet. Can you email me? My email is [email protected]

moonchildRN333 · Feb 19, 2022

Hi all,

I started the diversion program in late 2017. For several reasons I was not successful. I was placed on medical leave from my job ( I am a case manager), I had just ended a 18 year marriage and a horrible divorce ( very costly), and I used drugs for the first time in my life at the age of 40, was up for several days and when I went to work the next day I was acting "funny" (from lack of sleep), my manager called me in and asked what was going on? I broke down and just unloaded all that had been going on in my personal life. My employer never reported me but did a drug screen and I was completely honest and upfront about what they would find, so I was sent on medical leave and took disability for six months. I had no idea where to turn so I looked on the CA BRN site and saw the diversion program. As someone who never drank, took drugs I had no idea where to turn. The diversion program was the solution the BRN had on their website so I called, and called, and called. Finally about three weeks later I got a call back, was told to go to AA meetings and Co-dependent meetings and I would be scheduled a hearing in LA to be formally accepted into the diversion program. At my first UA ( $125 to the testing site and $65 to the diversion program) I popped positive and was ordered to go to outpatient treatment. I complied and found it to be an amazing place for me to be as I was finally able to open up and work through issues. Two weeks later I had the hearing and I was told that I had "fallen too hard, too fast" and I needed a 30 inpatient treatment, and if I didn't go I would be turned over to the board and risk losing my license. Well, at $7000 a week for a treatment facility and other issues at home going on, I left after 10 days. This was in January. I returned to my place of employment in May, when my six months of medical leave was complete and my first day back I returned home to find a legal accusation from the diversion board in my mailbox and they said I was unsafe to practice because I didn't finish the program.

My hearing was set for August 15th. I was upfront about my accusation with my employer and was doing great back at work and on August 1st, I was told I was being fired or I could "forcefully resign" which would look better if I ever wanted to return to nursing. I had to go to the hearing without any character witnesses, I was too ashamed to ask any friends or family to speak on my behalf. The decision came back in October and my license was revoked for three years. I never put any patient in danger, or coworkers, family or friends. I was only on a self destruction path. I was not met with ANY compassion, guidance, advice or reassurance from the board, the diversion program, my former employer nor any of my co-workers for the past six years. I was ghosted.

This past August, I successfully petitioned the BRN to have my license reinstated and attended my hearing on 12/21/21. I was present, represented myself, had documentation of my treatment, character witnesses and was able to be coherent. To this day I am still awaiting the outcome. The waiting part is the hardest. If anyone has also had their license revoked and successfully had it reinstated, I would love to hear and hopefully lessen some of the stress about the unknown.

I loved being a nurse and I was great at my field of case management. It has been four years since I have practiced and this whole experience has been life changing, for the best.

Thank you

Aliyah 5507 · Sep 18, 2022

Could someone please clarify if these diversion situations were for controlled substances? In Dec. I took a zofran and antacid that were designated to be destructed (patient no longer taking). It was a VERY short staffed day and only one out of 7 med passers showed up and there was no back up nurse for me to be able to go home sick. We were always told if we leave without a replacement, it's patient abandonment. Well... it was found out I did this, I was terminated and I just received a letter from MN BON I am being investigated for drug diversion. Additionally, I didn't report a past DUI. Do any of you know someone that I could personally get in touch with on what to expect...someone that has experienced a similar situation or has board affiliation? I've been reading alot and am a wreck. I haven't slept a full night's sleep since December.

Emma 7, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2022

send me an IM if further questions. I may be able to answer some of your questions.....not sure which state you're in.

I'm sorry you're going through this

Debbie J · Oct 14, 2022

Hi..I'm new to the website. Have been reading your posts..I am a CA NP that got a DUI in Arizona (alcohol). I have yet to be charged despite the incident occurred in mid February. What was your experience with the BRN? I have not reported yet since I'm still waiting for court to finalize.

Thanks for responding to my text...

Emma 7, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2022

Hi Debbie

is your nursing license in CA or AZ?

CA is amongst the strictest in terms of putting license on probation/diversion for ANY substance related charge. AZ not so much.

for a DUI related charge there’s a good chance they will put your license on probation or offer you diversion

diversion is very tough but the good thing is it doesn’t go on your license

I have networked with TONS of nurses over the years and I guess I’m becoming a bit of a resource for anyone that has questions about the program. If you need more questions answered you’re welcome to contact me. I was good friends with a nurse NP who’s license was on probation for a DUI

she got off after two years as she terminated for early probation and she’s doing great

you’re welcome to email me for more info: [email protected]

Lilyjoon · Dec 27, 2022

Would someone be willing to talk… I am facing the same decision and not sure what I will do…. I can’t message anyone on here bc I’m new… please email me?
[email protected]

thank you