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

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I completed VA-HPMP 5 year monitoring program. If anyone has any questions or just need to talk or vent let me know. It is a tedious program and often times you can do everything right and things still pop up and you just gotta keep on the course and get to the end. Good luck and give a shout if you need any advice or info!!

passionate RN said:

My lawyer and the board investigator we met up with are aware I got a new job. There are no investigations showing on my license on the public page. I'm afraid if it will change. I saw on the BON site that it's almost like point system too, I'd alcohol is involved that's 40 points and a minimum of a reprimand. I would be appreciative if I get a reprimand. I really will do whatever it takes to show the Board I do not have a problem. I don't want to sound like I'm in denial though either. I don't want to drink, the thought of it reminds me of the horrible mistake and I never want that to happen again. I don't know what to do in the meantime, I feel like there's something I could do to show the Board.

What is considered a testing area? So if I'm in Virginia could I go to any state as long as I travel near a testing area? I'm sorry for all my questions and I can't thank you enough for all of your advice!!

It's hard to say, but with this much time and the BON knowing you are practicing, I think it's likely a probation or reprimand but not the program. I would just pray on it and I think it will turn out OK.  Testing, I believe, is within 250 miles of Virginia. I used to be able to go as far as PA or MD regularly. No worries. I'm glad to help. It's a hard area to navigate and people don't advertise this sort of thing. 

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I'm still not sure what a reprimand or probation may entail, they could still take my license away for X amount of time. And the new ICU job I just got I might lose. It's a dream job for me, I can't wait to start! I really want to do everything I can to show them I have learned my lesson. I know I made a big mistake and I will never ever let it happen again. I am a huge traveler and I could not imagine being limited to 250miles for 5 years. I will pray the BON sees me for who I am. I really appreciate all of your advice and experience and not sugar coating.

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passionate RN said:

I'm still not sure what a reprimand or probation may entail, they could still take my license away for X amount of time. And the new ICU job I just got I might lose. It's a dream job for me, I can't wait to start! I really want to do everything I can to show them I have learned my lesson. I know I made a big mistake and I will never ever let it happen again. I am a huge traveler and I could not imagine being limiIted to 250miles for 5 years. I will pray the BON sees me for who I am. I really appreciate all of your advice and experience and not sugar coating.

I would just keep living life and praying it all works out. An informal meeting sounds like a slap on the wrist and possibly a written warning. I don't think your license will be affected if it hasn't thus far. As far as the travel with HPMP its only the first year. Then you can have permission beyond that. I'll be praying for you. 

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Thank you so much Recovering RN. I will keep living life and pray it all works out. I am not so sure how the process works and if it's different for everyone individually and if an informal hearing goes to a formal hearing or if it recommends hpmp. Now I really hope to find a place that can do a substance or alcohol disorder eval and hope who I am shows through the eval. I also ordered a bunch of continuing education to do through ANA. I want to do the 30 ceu I'm supposed to for VA but I also want to do a lot more to show, I'm doing the modules because I want to show I am serious and I absolutely will never let this happen again. I have learned so much from this mistake and if you have any continuing ED recommendations or any other recommendations I am all ears! I really appreciate you!

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Now when I look up my license it says "yes" to additional information. Is there any chance I can still get the ICU job or the background check showing that will be a red flag and keep me from it? It would be a dream to get the job but my biggest concern is having to do the hpmp. I don't drink anymore so being drug tested isn't my concern, but losing my job would be awful and not being able to travel would hurt. Any advice is appreciated!

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passionate RN said:

Now when I look up my license it says "yes" to additional information. Is there any chance I can still get the ICU job or the background check showing that will be a red flag and keep me from it? It would be a dream to get the job but my biggest concern is having to do the hpmp. I don't drink anymore so being drug tested isn't my concern, but losing my job would be awful and not being able to travel would hurt. Any advice is appreciated!

Usually, when it says yes, then there is another "something" to click on that shows what it is. Typically it is an order, or what probation or restrictions if any are. If your license is unencumbered meaning no restrictions etc. As far as being placed in HPMP and a job, if you and the board decide you must do HPMP you will have to stop working for a period of time as an RN usually a few months. Some jobs will allow you to participate with HPMP, some will not. It would be unlikely an ICU and most hospital positions would be allowed due to the access to controlled substances regardless if you drink or are using. It's pretty much a no no in the program. With that being said based on what you had revealed to me and the timelines I still will find it very odd if they force you to do the program. You would have had to stop working by now and the process would have already been moving along. Unfortunately, you'll just have to wait to see what your hearing reveals. Also you need to find our what the "yes" is and if there is further public information available. 

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There is a "yes" but no other information yet. Although it's not for weeks, I am very nervous for the informal hearing. I'm nervous because I care and I take my job and life seriously. I hope the Board sees that and I can keep my job. I think the unknown of what could happens makes me very anxious. I asked for character references and have been doing continuing education and hopefully the board takes those into consideration too. I know I made a bad mistake and I want the board to know I will not let it happen again. I don't know how this process usually works and the waiting time leaves me with many questions.

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Do you have a lawyer? If not get one.  You can always get another job. You want to avoid a monitoring agreement 

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Yes I have a lawyer. I stopped drinking since the mistake I made and I hope the Board sees I have learned so much from this and do not need to do the HPMP. 

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What if they think I have a mental health illness? I will be getting an evaluation done soon and hopefully it shows I am okay and it really was a one time isolated incident. I love my family, boyfriend, cat, job, traveling, life, I'm very grateful. The last job I used to work soo much but now I've saved up and been traveling and want to continue traveling. I realize I made a huge mistake, I know how to not let that happen again and I do not ever want it to happen again. I take my job and life seriously and I keep trying to think of everything I can to show the board I am actively trying to do better every day. I am doing a lot of continuing education. If you have any ideas I would appreciate it! I have never been to court in my life ever. I am very nervous for the informal hearing and I hope they see I am genuinely sorry for the mistake and I am actively trying to do better. Any suggestions advice appreciated!

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passionate RN said:

What if they think I have a mental health illness? I will be getting an evaluation done soon and hopefully it shows I am okay and it really was a one time isolated incident. I love my family, boyfriend, cat, job, traveling, life, I'm very grateful. The last job I used to work soo much but now I've saved up and been traveling and want to continue traveling. I realize I made a huge mistake, I know how to not let that happen again and I do not ever want it to happen again. I take my job and life seriously and I keep trying to think of everything I can to show the board I am actively trying to do better every day. I am doing a lot of continuing education. If you have any ideas I would appreciate it! I have never been to court in my life ever. I am very nervous for the informal hearing and I hope they see I am genuinely sorry for the mistake and I am actively trying to do better. Any suggestions advice appreciated!

You're clearly anxious.  You don't want to let them see that.  You're also too apologetic.  Talk to your lawyer. If it were me I think I wouldn't make it seem like you made a giant error, just something you shouldn't have done,regret and won't do again  wouldn't they need to make you get evaluated for a mental illness?  Take one thing at a time.  Just focus on getting your anxiety under control for now. Hopefully your lawyer can provide guidance. 

So many people have done what you did, the unfortunate difference is that you got reported.

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Hello, yes I am anxious about it all. I don't want to come across like it's not a big deal but you're right, I should not seem so overwhelmed by it. I should show them I am going about life okay, which I am, doing things as I normally would, going to work, spending time with family and friends.

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