Completed VA HPMP... Have Questions? Let me know!

Healer555 · Nov 19, 2023

What do you mean you can do things right but things still pop up? When your monitoring agreement ends, does it really end?

Recovering RN · Nov 19, 2023

What I mean by doing things right is I was completely sober, did an IOP, attended therapy, was very involved in a 12-step program, had a sponsor, and had my own sponsees I was and still am in a full-blown recovery program and working the program daily. One time I had an "under dilute" sample, so dehydrated and it was considered abnormal and a fail. They could not rationalize or explain to me how this could have been altered, and my screens were increased and were costly. Another time I was having a female medical issue and there was blood in my samples and it was considered altered. I had to increase screens, have more expensive screens, and observed. Never did I ever have a positive sample from a substance but those were all considered positive. It was very stressful, costly, and unnecessary.

Yes, when the contract its, it is over. You literally never hear another word from them again. My compact license was restored within a few months.

Healer555 · Nov 20, 2023

Recovering RN said:

What I mean by doing things right is I was completely sober, did an IOP, attended therapy, was very involved in a 12-step program, had a sponsor, and had my own sponsees I was and still am in a full-blown recovery program and working the program daily. One time I had an "under dilute" sample, so dehydrated and it was considered abnormal and a fail. They could not rationalize or explain to me how this could have been altered, and my screens were increased and were costly. Another time I was having a female medical issue and there was blood in my samples and it was considered altered. I had to increase screens, have more expensive screens, and observed. Never did I ever have a positive sample from a substance but those were all considered positive. It was very stressful, costly, and unnecessary.

Yes, when the contract its, it is over. You literally never hear another word from them again. My compact license was restored within a few months.

Thank you for replying. I'm in a different state. We were told they close our file 4 years after we are done monitoring. Do you have the same? I wonder what happens in the 4 years before our file is closed. Congratulations on finishing and your sobriety.

Recovering RN · Nov 20, 2023

Healer555 said:

Thank you for replying. I'm in a different state. We were told they close our file 4 years after we are done monitoring. Do you have the same? I wonder what happens in the 4 years before our file is closed. Congratulations on finishing and your sobriety.

I think it likely depends on how your state and board of nursing handle things. In Virginia you can be granted a "stay" which means if you comply with all the requirements and have no violations or severe infractions that are taken to the board during your contract your file or information is never made public and is basically sealed. As long as you complete the program then the case is closed. I assume likely if a relapse or event were to occur they could vacate the stay or bring the info public, but in Virginia when you successfully complete the program its over. Thank you I love being in recovery and am grateful for the life I now have. Good luck to you.

passionate RN · Feb 25

Hello, I made a one time mistake drinking the night before work and showed up to work hungover. I rarely drink, it was one horrible mistake. I am worried they will have me do the HPMP. How expensive was it per year? Were you able to travel/go on trips? Does everyone have to do an IOP? Are you able to keep the current job you had? I would really appreciate any/all advice! Thank you!

Healer555 · Feb 25

passionate RN said:

Hello, I made a one time mistake drinking the night before work and showed up to work hungover. I rarely drink, it was one horrible mistake. I am worried they will have me do the HPMP. How expensive was it per year? Were you able to travel/go on trips? Does everyone have to do an IOP? Are you able to keep the current job you had? I would really appreciate any/all advice! Thank you!

We're you reported?

passionate RN · Feb 25

Yes.

Is there anything I can do now to show the board I will never let this happen again.

Healer555 · Feb 25

passionate RN said:

Yes.

Is there anything I can do now to show the board I will never let this happen again.

In my state we have an evaluation. Lawyer up. No drugs including marijuana no alcoho until your evaluation l. Perhaps a lawyer can get you a decent evaluator and you can walk away from this. Did they test you for alcohol? How do they know you were hung over and not just sick?

passionate RN · Feb 25

Yes they drug tested me. How do I find an evaluator? Yes I do have a lawyer. I really want to show the Board I recognize my awful choice to go to work, it was wrong, I will never let it happen again, and I have learned so much from it.

Healer555 · Feb 25

passionate RN said:

Yes they drug tested me. How do I find an evaluator? Yes I do have a lawyer. I really want to show the Board I recognize my awful choice to go to work, it was wrong, I will never let it happen again, and I have learned so much from it.

It's different in different states. Contact a lawyer who specializes in medical licensing.

Recovering RN · Feb 25

passionate RN said:

Hello, I made a one time mistake drinking the night before work and showed up to work hungover. I rarely drink, it was one horrible mistake. I am worried they will have me do the HPMP. How expensive was it per year? Were you able to travel/go on trips? Does everyone have to do an IOP? Are you able to keep the current job you had? I would really appreciate any/all advice! Thank you!

What state are you in? If you tested positive while on the job you may have to enter the program. It all depends on your state and your board of nursing.