Desperate for answers regarding IPN

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I have been a nurse in FL for 25 years, never a disciplinary action, never a parking ticket. A month ago I was caught taking two Tylenol 3 from the pixies, it had been a horrible day, but I really don't have an excuse and as an adult I must own my mistake. After a positive urine test, I became so stressed that I resigned, thinking that would be end of everything. Wrong, the employee health office referred me to IPN, with a letter saying that if I didn't self report with ing 5 days they would report me to the FL DOH. So I did , I was inmediatly told to stop working at my new job, which I did, and now I'm scheduled for an evaluation, 4 hours away from Miami at $850. But, that's not all, two days ago an investigator from the FL DOH shows up at my house because another entity of the hospital also reported me. So now I have two cases on me, DOH and IPN.

What to do? I really could use some help, I'm afraid that the little money I have saved will be consumed in legal fees if I hire an attorney. And I also have read that IPN can give a long contract and I would be unable to work for a while.

Im extremely stressed, can someone please tell me something positive about IPN, I think I have all of the negative comments.

Please help

What happened with the DOH investigation?? I'm surprised they showed up at your house so soon. I have heard of investigators showing up if you don't respond to IPN or you are at risk for harming patients. When did all of this happen?

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Specializes in RNC-OB,L&D,Antenatal testing, Oncology.

Gabby: I worked for a large institution, one area reported me to the DOH and another area reported me to IPN, both reports were for the same issue. DOH had no idea that IPN was involved. The investigator said she would mention it in her report.

I notified IPN that the DOH was involved and I'm yet to hear from them. For now, I have already attended to my evaluation with the IPN doctor and I'm waiting for the results.

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I just recently went before the board to rejoin IPN after leaving for personal reasons, I never had any issues the first time in , no positive tests or anything. However I missed my evaluation with the Doctor due to a very sick child and missed my deadline. I'm so scared any advice would be helpful.

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This to shall pass. I promise you both that life will get better. Keep being honest with yourself and those you love. In 6 months you will look back and see how strong you are.

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Specializes in RNC-OB,L&D,Antenatal testing, Oncology.

I'm still waiting for IPN, I know that DOH sent the results of the investigation for review (standard practice) as per the investigator.

I couldn't just seat at home doing nothing, I called around and I'm attending a support group and NA meetings. My family has been wonderful, supportive and forgiving. I thank God everyday for having them around.

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Great you are doing everything you can, the more support you have the easier to get through this. You will gate assigned a nursing support group once in IPN

Gabby

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Specializes in RNC-OB,L&D,Antenatal testing, Oncology.

I found my nurse support group through IPN. I have attending my church again, early in the morning, when I'm usually most anxious. Plus AA meetings. I have realized that the more support the better.

I'm still waiting for my contract, but I feel better about the journey ahead of me.

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Specializes in Utilization Review, Critical Care, OR, SNF.

it sucked, but saved my life and my career. Do everything they ask of you with a smile. Never volunteer anything. Answer any question posed, but don't elaborate. Dont get complacent...in my case a little paranoia was a good thing. Ask support group members what meetings they attend, having a familiar face made my shy self feel more comfortable. Breathe. Keep everything they send you, in the cloud and on paper. Moving to another state (even after you "graduate") is a nightmare. PM me if you like.

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Specializes in RNC-OB,L&D,Antenatal testing, Oncology.

Thanks Gonzo: I can't PM yet,as I'm new and haven't reach 15 posts yet. I thank you for your advice, as soon as I can I will contact you via PM. So far, I'm making it happen, with lots of support from God and others. I have a long way to travel as I haven't receive any news from my monitoring program.... Is like, waiting for my sentence. I'm positive that God will take care of me.

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Specializes in RNC-OB,L&D,Antenatal testing, Oncology.

My days are better, every where I look I find someone who wants to support me. I received a letter from my monitoring agency,they want me to go to Inpatient treatment, now I'm looking for a rehab I can afford, the choices I was given are not many. What to do? Any suggestions.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

@Rosa- In your original post, you mentioned 2 Tylenol 3s...were you leaving out other instances of diversion/using that your employer didn't "catch" you for?

The reason I ask is because one admitted instance of Tylenol #3 landing you in inpatient tx seems very harsh.

I am not saying that to minimize what you did and the struggle you have. Just trying to understand.

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Specializes in RNC-OB,L&D,Antenatal testing, Oncology.

The way it was explained to me is that diversion is taken very seriously by the BON.

I also think is a high price to pay for something I only did once, but if I hadn't been caught I would have probably done it again, because I have a problem. As an adult I must recognized my shortcomings and I now have an opportunity to fix the problem.

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