California Nurses

[Sanfranjflo]

I would love to connect with some fellow nurses in probation or diversion. I am in diversion and live in the Bay Area. 

[LMRN2003, MSN, RN]

2 hours ago, Lurbens said:

I'm in a similar position as you. I made some charting mistakes that involved narcotics and falsy accused of diverting. I feel it was blown out of proportion and to know that I may have that mark on my license for some simple mistakes that didn't hurt anyone is disheartening. 

If you do diversion instead of probation, it doesn't stay on your record? What if you have already denied taking drugs?

It's nice to come across people going through the same thing but also so sad that this happens so much. It's like we cannot make mistakes. 

If you are denying drug abuse or having an issue with drugs/alcohol, they may not let you do/offer you diversion, just FYI. It is meant for nurses who will/have admitted they have a problem and need help with drugs/alcohol. Honestly, though, who knows? If they think you are diverting drugs and conclude in their investigation that you have diverted drugs, then they may assume you have a problem and offer diversion to you. Gotta just see how it unfolds. Maybe speak to some lawyers and they may be able to give you some appropriate guidance/advice. 

[Chuckles]

Anyone know of any reform coming to the BRN in Cali? Extreme shortages, people burned out, seems cruel to keep qualified nurses from working for minor infarctions done outside of work. 

[meena123]

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 someone email me? My email is [email protected]

[budgetbowler]

@Hnh1993 How has everything been since your post? Did you join the diversion program? What city are you in and did you hire a lawyer? Im in san diego and considering hiring a lawyer that specializes with nurses but is way more expensive that traditional DUI lawyers. Please let me know. Thanks!

[Hnh1993]

My lawyer is through RN Guardian. Things are stagnant but hoping for a good outcome. Check it out. Best of luck! 

[LMRN2003, MSN, RN]

34 minutes ago, Hnh1993 said:

My lawyer is through RN Guardian. Things are stagnant but hoping for a good outcome. Check it out. Best of luck! 

RN Guardian is great. I love my lawyer, Nicole. 

[budgetbowler]

How much is RN Guardian? Is anyone in San Diego?

[LMRN2003, MSN, RN]

45 minutes ago, budgetbowler said:

How much is RN Guardian? Is anyone in San Diego?

They are located in Sacramento, where the CA BRN is also located. Cost varies depending on what you need done. A lot of people will recommend not getting a lawyer because of it not making much of a difference in the result you get in terms of BRN punishment. I was arrested but had no charges. My case was not even sent to the DA because the arrest was so ridiculous. But the BRN was notified anyway because they are automatically notified for all arrests in CA and they decided to file an accusation. I did but think that would happen. I thought that since no charges were being filed, I would be fine. Especially since it had zero to do with me being a nurse. My lawyer helped me reduce my fees I owed the BRN for their "investigation" by about 2k. She also spent hours with me on the phone, listening to me and helping me, among other things. I would suggest doing some research because you very well may not need one but I personally do not regret hiring my lawyer. 

[DayshiftRN]

On 12/24/2021 at 1:22 PM, LMRN2003 said:

They are located in Sacramento, where the CA BRN is also located. Cost varies depending on what you need done. A lot of people will recommend not getting a lawyer because of it not making much of a difference in the result you get in terms of BRN punishment. I was arrested but had no charges. My case was not even sent to the DA because the arrest was so ridiculous. But the BRN was notified anyway because they are automatically notified for all arrests in CA and they decided to file an accusation. I did but think that would happen. I thought that since no charges were being filed, I would be fine. Especially since it had zero to do with me being a nurse. My lawyer helped me reduce my fees I owed the BRN for their "investigation" by about 2k. She also spent hours with me on the phone, listening to me and helping me, among other things. I would suggest doing some research because you very well may not need one but I personally do not regret hiring my lawyer. 

Wow. I thought that the BRN wouldn't file an accusation until the arrest led to a conviction. 

How long after your arrest did you received you accusation from the board? 

[LMRN2003, MSN, RN]

7 hours ago, DayshiftRN said:

Wow. I thought that the BRN wouldn't file an accusation until the arrest led to a conviction. 

How long after your arrest did you received you accusation from the board? 

Yeah, they don't seem to care if you've been convicted of something or not. They essentially want to cover themselves if there's any indication that you're unsafe to practice, and if they believe you may have an alcohol problem, the logistics do not matter. I was arrested 10/2019, received an offer for the diversion program 11/2019, and the declination of Diversion resulted in me receiving an accusation, which came 1/2020.

[DayshiftRN]

25 minutes ago, LMRN2003 said:

Yeah, they don't seem to care if you've been convicted of something or not. They essentially want to cover themselves if there's any indication that you're unsafe to practice, and if they believe you may have an alcohol problem, the logistics do not matter. I was arrested 10/2019, received an offer for the diversion program 11/2019, and the declination of Diversion resulted in me receiving an accusation, which came 1/2020.

Can you still practice as an RN while the accusation is under investigation? 

[LMRN2003, MSN, RN]

18 minutes ago, DayshiftRN said:

Can you still practice as an RN while the accusation is under investigation? 

Yes. But I imagine if iit is something extreme, they may notify you to "cease practice" while investigating. I have not heard of that actually happening, though.