CA Testing Frequency

Nurses Recovery

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Specializes in ICU.

My probation for a dui started on 6/26/20. In the 45 days since I started I have had 6 urine tests and 1 blood test. This week alone I had 4 tests! Is this a normal amount everyone else has had? That is over $800 in one month spent on this. Not to mention, observed tests for a female Are near impossible to do when you work 7am-730pm. I have had to leave work 3 times in the last week to do these tests, losing even more money and putting my work relatability an issue.

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Specializes in Clinical Leadership, Staff Development, Education.

I'm not in California, but have never been tested more than twice in a week. This each time was the same week as peth test.

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That sounds excessive. Maybe it will calm down once you have been back to work for a couple of weeks. I am in VA, but they will often ramp up testing around holidays, vacations, significant events. Even still, I have never had more than 2 tests a week/more than 4 a month. I average around 175 dollars a month in tests.

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Specializes in ICU.

When I contacted my BRN monitor to inquire why was I tested 7 times in 30 days his reply was “It’s random”. Even if it is random, making us pay $800 is ridiculously excessive and down right legal criminal theft on their part. We all know this is really about $$$, but it would be nice if they could be realistic with their thievery. Also part of their restrictions is not to allow us to work overtime to help off set these costs.
I am fully in the know that I did wrong by getting a dui and punishment must be given but $800 in one month on just testing alone is Excessive.
They test me before they even know the result on a previous test given 2 days before.

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Specializes in MSN Med/Surg.

I hear ya its awful! Its excessive and ridiculous and costly but I believe it lets up. But definitely more testing around holidays be aware! usually spend $500-$800 on testing every month here in Cali--it blows. supposedly you can ask for a reduction in some stipulation to be taken off at a year mark--still have yet to find a post on that here though. you could get early term from everything at 2 years. 

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Specializes in ICU.

One of the gals in my nurse group petitioned for early termination at 2 years and she was awarded it. So I do know for a fact it is possible to get early termination at 2 years if you are 100% compliant with all 19 requirements and all urine and blood tests are negative. That is what keeps me focused - to hopefully get that early termination. ???. My testing has finally evened out to 4 a month, which is tolerable. I was told that since my probation started on June 26 and I didn’t have my first test until July 10  I had to “make up” for it and that’s why I had 7 in one month at the beginning. I can say at the beginning everything is overwhelming but things do eventually become routine and it’s not that difficult to adjust and accept the consequences and be successful. I have my days where this annoys me but overall I’ve accepted the routine and focus on the end. 

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.
On 11/10/2020 at 8:59 AM, RNCaliK said:

 I was told that since my probation started on June 26 and I didn’t have my first test until July 10  I had to “make up” for it and that’s why I had 7 in one month at the beginning.

I had to laugh out loud.  To me, this only means, "oops, we forgot to get your money in full this month!".

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Specializes in ICU.

Haha! Right?! They are definitely always out to get and squeeze any available chance for a dollar out of us. 

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