CA RN probation drug testing blood?

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Specializes in ER, Dialysis, Triage, Charge, Sub-acute.

I have been on probation through the CA BRN since 7/2024. I have 2 DUIs. One from 2019 which I never got an accusation for ( I was unemployed at the time) and the other from 2/2023 (also unemployed) I got my accusation from AG in June 2023. Went to rehab for 2 months in September and got an attorney. Docusigned my agreement for probation in April 2024 and started in July. 

I have a 3 year probation term. I have applied for one small town local job at a SNF and got denied. I can't drive until July so employment opportunities will open up (I live an hour from the Bay Area). I have had 3-4 urine tests a month. I had one blood test in October and one last month. I'm curious about how often the blood tests are selected. The last time the place I was designated to had NO PHLEBOTOMIST. I live in a town where the closest testing facility is 45 mins away. I called Vault to get a new testing site and was on hold for 2 hours and 6 mins!! Then they sent me to a lab an hour away and I had an hour and a half before they closed and mind you I am finding transportation for this. 
It was hellish and stressful and really urine tells more than blood as far as drug use so I'm wondering how often I should expect to do it? And if anyone has any questions about the process please ask! 

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Can you request to do an observed urine instead of blood? We can do that if the phlebotomist can't get a vein. I'd call in advance before going in the future.  The peth test is a blood test nit urine. I'm in another state but we do them monthly. 

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I'm in not for alcohol, and I still get random Peth tests. Urine only goes so far back, your peth test is up to 20 something days.

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As the one poster said, call your case manager and explain your situation and try to get observed urines. You are in for alcohol. PETH tests are going to be a regular thing and being in for alcohol, I would expect one per month

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I've been on probation for two years. I probably got two blood tests a year. 
one time they could not get my vein after 6 tries... I called vault and my probation monitor immediately. There was no penalty. But I did get chosen for hair test a week or two later. 
(side note, the hair test is like $240!!$
let me know if you have any more questions. I'm kind of a probation professional Ahhaha.  
[email protected]

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If all else fails to push for more urine testing, you can advocate for Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing that tests for the Peth molecule along with many other drugs.  It's a finger prick and then 5 drops of blood on a card and send it off to testing.  You can do it at home.  Many in my program do this method when they are traveling for work or vacation (do it on video).

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Specializes in ER, Dialysis, Triage, Charge, Sub-acute.

I didn't even know the at home PETH test could be an option. Thanks for the info and advice ladies!

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Hi does anyone know of any approved doctors  in the LA or Orange country area that has been approved by the BRN to do physical and mental health exams for those on probation . Thanks 

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Hey, I'm also currently on probation for DUI. How often do they drug test you, and if so what method? Is it usually urine? I haven't started my probation yet but it's starting in August. I'm in California, just seeing if you guys had any experience with it. I still work full time at my 2 jobs and I'm concerned I have to go to a lab to go tested....within a time frame....

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Kathy0805

Hi from what I was told the drug testing is random and I was told by my probation office that testing occurs on average 4 times a month but could be more and less over time . You have to log on to a website each day and see if you are required  to  take a test . For me the check in occurs from 5 am to 5pm. But I was told that I had until 11:59 pm to complete the exam . However each testing  site varies on the hours that they are open and can test. I have only had one urine  test so far and it occurred on the weekend. All the testing sites that were close to me were closed and I had to drive far to find one that was open . So I suggest once you have access to the list provided make sure to call on a weekday  to locate a site that offers testing on the weekends and what hours they offer . I am also in CA, not sure if you will have the same rules or use the same website . But your probation officer will go

into detail what is required of you. This was just my experience . 

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Oh I see, do you still occasionally have a glass of wine? Or going cold turkey? I'm in LA area! Not sure what to expect. Did the BRN require you to seek counseling or anything? For my case, it was my first dui as a nurse, they are allowing me to work, but again with the testing..randomly 

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I currently do not drink anymore since my DUI  . But as far as my case was concerned they mentioned that I am to abstain  from any alcohol or mood altering drugs  . I do have to have a physical and mental health exam performed by a medical doctor that's approve by the BRN, but I am still trying I find one. They said it would be up to the doctors recommendation if I need to get therapy but I have mandatory rehab for 6 month . I am also allowed to work but I need my position approved by BRN . Not sure if that is how it is with you. 

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