California Nurses

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

Helen jaure said:

I hope someone can help I noticed this thread is older Im here in CA as well. I did my interview and I did admit during it that I did divert.. now fast forward today the AG called me but when I asked for a settlement he stated at this time there is nothing to offer no probation or anything. This is my first offense.. I have since done MAT  along side consoling. The AG stated I have until Monday to go ahead and surrender my license, or I can go to trial. If I go to trial would I have any chance of probation? I can not proof that I did not divert as I stated I even admitted it during the interview and it is on my accusation. Would my prescriptions show that I have made an attempt at this time. I am so confused and stressed. Im not sure what to do. 

Get a lawyer. I used (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME - PLEASE DO NOT NAME NAMES PER THE TERMS OF SERVICE). Her retainer isn't that bad. I understand you may not be able to afford it, but if I was in your position I would take a loan out or something as this could potentially ruin your career. Is it too late to join the diversion program? Why don't you give Maximus a call and see. But start with the attorney. Even if you can't afford it you absolutely need legal advice with lawyer familiar with BRN. Regardless, hang in there. Your sobriety / recovery is #1. Stressful situations can trigger us and our addiction can trick us into thinking relapsing will help us. It won't. I hope it works out for you. 

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

Yes, call Maximus and ask  if you are eligible to be in the program. Y

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If you diverted the best thing to have done would have been to go into the boards diversion program (Maximum). You only have a limited amount of time to do that after your initial contact from the department of consumer affairs. Sounds like you didn't do that and you ended up talking to an investigator from the department of consumer affairs. Now you'll probably end up going to a hearing. It's possible that the Attorney General could take up your case, if they believe it may be a criminal trial. If it's criminal trial that's a worse issue(possibly jail time). You should contact a lawyer. (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME - PLEASE DO NOT POST NAMES PER TERMS OF SERVICE) is an excellent attorney. He may even tell you your options before hiring him. You need a lawyer. Put it on a credit card. Increase your credit limit if you have to.

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djpioneer said:

If you diverted the best thing to have done would have been to go into the boards diversion program (Maximum). You only have a limited amount of time to do that after your initial contact from the department of consumer affairs. Sounds like you didn't do that and you ended up talking to an investigator from the department of consumer affairs. Now you'll probably end up going to a hearing. It's possible that the Attorney General could take up your case, if they believe it may be a criminal trial. If it's criminal trial that's a worse issue(possibly jail time). You should contact a lawyer. (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME - PLEASE DO NOT POST NAMES PER TERMS OF SERVICE) is an excellent attorney. He may even tell you your options before hiring him. You need a lawyer. Put it on a credit card. Increase your credit limit if you have to.

If it helps, I didn't join Maximus until about 18 months after the hospital filed the complaint against me. But, I retained a lawyer immediately and never spoke to the investigator at the DCA. Definitely, get a lawyer and call Maximus to see if you qualify. 

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Specializes in Home Health/Hospice, Public Health, Case Mgmt.
Hnh1993 said:

Get a lawyer. I used (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME - PLEASE DO NOT NAME NAMES PER THE TERMS OF SERVICE). Her retainer isn't that bad. I understand you may not be able to afford it, but if I was in your position I would take a loan out or something as this could potentially ruin your career. Is it too late to join the diversion program? Why don't you give Maximus a call and see. But start with the attorney. Even if you can't afford it you absolutely need legal advice with lawyer familiar with BRN. Regardless, hang in there. Your sobriety / recovery is #1. Stressful situations can trigger us and our addiction can trick us into thinking relapsing will help us. It won't. I hope it works out for you. 

I used (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME) as well. She is fantastic, does not sugarcoat, and does not make you/charge you for unnecessary things (we ended up not going to trial because she didn't recommend it). She could have easily made money off of us going to trial but told me it would not have a different outcome, so we did not go. She also listened to me cry on the phone multiple times. ❤️

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Specializes in Home Health/Hospice, Public Health, Case Mgmt.
djpioneer said:

If you diverted the best thing to have done would have been to go into the boards diversion program (Maximum). You only have a limited amount of time to do that after your initial contact from the department of consumer affairs. Sounds like you didn't do that and you ended up talking to an investigator from the department of consumer affairs. Now you'll probably end up going to a hearing. It's possible that the Attorney General could take up your case, if they believe it may be a criminal trial. If it's criminal trial that's a worse issue(possibly jail time). You should contact a lawyer. (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME - PLEASE DO NOT POST NAMES PER TERMS OF SERVICE) is an excellent attorney. He may even tell you your options before hiring him. You need a lawyer. Put it on a credit card. Increase your credit limit if you have to.

I have heard great things about (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME - PLEASE DO NOT POST NAMES PER TERMS OF SERVICE) is an excellent attorney. as well!

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

Yes, call Maximus and ask them if you are eligible to join the intervention program. You most likely will be placed on probation but do not surrender your license.  DO NOT do this. You could hire (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME - PLEASE DO NOT POST NAMES PER TERMS OF SERVICE) or another lawyer but you can go to trial and represent yourself. Just be honest and open and get into an IOP program, start seeing a therapist and get letters from everyone you've seen regarding your addiction because you will want to submit this to the judge during trial.  

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Hey I'm in diversion and live in California.

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Hi everyone, I've been fired from my job and reported to the CA BON as of 2 weeks ago in CA. The past year my nursing judgement &  practice has been impaired, & I didn't seek help. It wasn't until getting fired that I've realized I need help and desperately want to improve myself, be a safer nurse and save my career.

I received an email from the CA BON regarding their their Intervention program. Does everyone who has a complaint to the BON get this email? Are there people in the nurse intervention program who's issue aren't primarily drugs/ diversion but mental illness affecting their ability to practice safely?


I do drink alcohol as a form of relief a few times a week, but I don't have a formal SUD Diagnosis or anything documented about that as I've coped in silence with my struggles since late last year. I realize I do lack good coping mechanism :/.


I've had a major depressive disorder and ADHD diagnosis for several years now which does affect my cognition and how I function daily. Unfortunately, I stopped taking my meds for both around September of 2022 thinking I could overcome my issues by myself. Unsurprisingly, my performance and unsafe practice issues began afterwards into 2023 & with the recent termination in 2024 - 2 weeks ago.  I thought I could pull through without therapy, medication or help, and now here I am with a complaint from the board. I got fired for performance and manager said I was a a safety risk. I was also getting bullied at work around the time all my issues started last year which didn't help my depression (had to get compliance department involved at the hospital for the bullying).

I see this intervention program the possible  only way to save my career as a nurse without having the mark of discipline on my RN License.

I just hope I am eligible. I consulted a nurse- lawyer and she believes I will probably get probation for my situation regarding unsafe practices and weak performance history such as a couple of medical errors which were very concerning but no harm, Pyxis documentation waste errors (never accused of diverting), etc. She didn't think I would be eligible for her intervention program, but I have to see and try. 

 I have not yet received any formal letter or communication from the BON, just the nurse intervention program email.

Would appreciate any comments on my matter on how to go about this process or if you think there's a chance for me to be eligible for the program.

Best, 

 

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Specializes in Dialysis.
bayarea123 said:

Hi everyone, I've been fired from my job and reported to the CA BON as of 2 weeks ago in CA. The past year my nursing judgement &  practice has been impaired, & I didn't seek help. It wasn't until getting fired that I've realized I need help and desperately want to improve myself, be a safer nurse and save my career.

I received an email from the CA BON regarding their their Intervention program. Does everyone who has a complaint to the BON get this email? Are there people in the nurse intervention program who's issue aren't primarily drugs/ diversion but mental illness affecting their ability to practice safely?


I do drink alcohol as a form of relief a few times a week, but I don't have a formal SUD Diagnosis or anything documented about that as I've coped in silence with my struggles since late last year. I realize I do lack good coping mechanism :/.


I've had a major depressive disorder and ADHD diagnosis for several years now which does affect my cognition and how I function daily. Unfortunately, I stopped taking my meds for both around September of 2022 thinking I could overcome my issues by myself. Unsurprisingly, my performance and unsafe practice issues began afterwards into 2023 & with the recent termination in 2024 - 2 weeks ago.  I thought I could pull through without therapy, medication or help, and now here I am with a complaint from the board. I got fired for performance and manager said I was a a safety risk. I was also getting bullied at work around the time all my issues started last year which didn't help my depression (had to get compliance department involved at the hospital for the bullying).

I see this intervention program the possible  only way to save my career as a nurse without having the mark of discipline on my RN License.

I just hope I am eligible. I consulted a nurse- lawyer and she believes I will probably get probation for my situation regarding unsafe practices and weak performance history such as a couple of medical errors which were very concerning but no harm, Pyxis documentation waste errors (never accused of diverting), etc. She didn't think I would be eligible for her intervention program, but I have to see and try. 

 I have not yet received any formal letter or communication from the BON, just the nurse intervention program email.

Would appreciate any comments on my matter on how to go about this process or if you think there's a chance for me to be eligible for the program.

Best, 

 

Hi there, yes, mental health also qualifies you for the Maximus program, the alternative to discipline program, in CA. But you have a deadline to call them.. call them, they will let you know themselves whether you are eligible.. best of luck to you! 

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bayarea123 said:

Hi everyone, I've been fired from my job and reported to the CA BON as of 2 weeks ago in CA. The past year my nursing judgement &  practice has been impaired, & I didn't seek help. It wasn't until getting fired that I've realized I need help and desperately want to improve myself, be a safer nurse and save my career.

I received an email from the CA BON regarding their their Intervention program. Does everyone who has a complaint to the BON get this email? Are there people in the nurse intervention program who's issue aren't primarily drugs/ diversion but mental illness affecting their ability to practice safely?


I do drink alcohol as a form of relief a few times a week, but I don't have a formal SUD Diagnosis or anything documented about that as I've coped in silence with my struggles since late last year. I realize I do lack good coping mechanism :/.


I've had a major depressive disorder and ADHD diagnosis for several years now which does affect my cognition and how I function daily. Unfortunately, I stopped taking my meds for both around September of 2022 thinking I could overcome my issues by myself. Unsurprisingly, my performance and unsafe practice issues began afterwards into 2023 & with the recent termination in 2024 - 2 weeks ago.  I thought I could pull through without therapy, medication or help, and now here I am with a complaint from the board. I got fired for performance and manager said I was a a safety risk. I was also getting bullied at work around the time all my issues started last year which didn't help my depression (had to get compliance department involved at the hospital for the bullying).

I see this intervention program the possible  only way to save my career as a nurse without having the mark of discipline on my RN License.

I just hope I am eligible. I consulted a nurse- lawyer and she believes I will probably get probation for my situation regarding unsafe practices and weak performance history such as a couple of medical errors which were very concerning but no harm, Pyxis documentation waste errors (never accused of diverting), etc. She didn't think I would be eligible for her intervention program, but I have to see and try. 

 I have not yet received any formal letter or communication from the BON, just the nurse intervention program email.

Would appreciate any comments on my matter on how to go about this process or if you think there's a chance for me to be eligible for the program.

Best, 

 

Stop drinking now.  No CBD nothing with poppy seeds.

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@Healer555 I will, and thank you for your response.  Did you go through a recovery program? I really hope that I can qualify 😕 . If I am accepted and start, and the BON gets a complaint,  from what I understood from the website "In the event there is a complaint filed against your license (and an investigation reveals you violated the NPA), the enforcement case will NOT be referred for disciplinary action as long as you continue to participate and complete BRN's Intervention Program." I hope this is true

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