Complaint on my cna license about alleged marijuana abuse from state board. Help!

[Mistake1234]

So I made the huge mistake of smoking marijuana. I'm a cna. Someone called the state board and complained about me. I received a letter in the mail. Saying they think I'm abusing. I tried it a couple of times at my house and never went to work under the influence. So I have until April 1st to reply. Obviously i won't pass a drug test. I was wondering if anyone had gone through anything similar? Will the board make me do a drug test? If I fail will they suspend me or revoke my license? If I lose my license will I still be able to go to school for my RN license? I'm so lost and scared. I know I'm stupid. Any input or any advice from anyone that has been in a similar position would be greatly appreciated. I know I messed up. I'm stupid, more than anything I'm freaking out!

[mrsboots87]

I have never been in this situation but used to smoke MJ A LOT. lol. Its been quite a few years since I quit because I decided to move forward with wanting to be a nurse. But know I am not judging. You made a poor choice based on you now working in healthcare, so doing any drugs is a major risk. However, stupid? No. Just human.

Do you know who reported you? If you never went to work intoxicated, I can only assume it was someone who either was smoking with you, or someone who just doesnt like you and is trying to get you in trouble. This is just a very terrible way to do that. Yes, if you are found positive with MJ in your system, it very well could cost you your CNA cert and could possibly affect you even getting admitted to a nursing program and later during licensing. However, the good news is that you have until April 1st to respond. That doesnt mean to go take a drug test now. That is just the time to send a written reply to the board. They will then likely send you a date to appear and may request a drug test at that time. Right now, they have no proof. Only a report. In your reply, deny any recent drug use. If you abstain from MJ from now on, you will most likely be clear by then. If the board tests you, you will come up negative for drugs and that should be it. The only time they can pursue you is for a positive drug test or from being reported from your employer. But, if it was your employer, they would have drug tested you at work first.

Also, it may be good to consult with a lawyer familiar with the BON. They can give you better advice on the actual process because what each person goes through will be different. A lawyer could save you your CNA cert which will in turn protect you from not being able to get your RN later. GL

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

To be fair, I don't believe that in AZ CNA's hold a license--it's a certificate, no? So it's not like there would be a record of an action against any license you currently have. I'm going to bite my tongue on the decision made to smoke an illegal substance, but the law is the law and you have to own what you did, and if that means getting your certification pulled, well.

I do find it incredibly odd that they would send such a letter based on a disgruntled "friend" instead of someone with some board "cred", like your employer.