Diversion/license surrender

Nurses Recovery

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am most concerned with the criminal aspects that can happen from diversion. Do people acquire separate criminal and license attorneys?

If this is first time offense criminally, what can I even expect in regards to charges /jail time. How will I know if I'm criminally charged/have a warrant for arrest?

If I surrender my license I will be getting help on my own with addiction since I will hardly be able to afford the boards treatments and urines and will likely not get the help that I need.

Have you ever heard of anyone just surrendering their nursing license and solely dealing with the criminal aspects? Any input would be greatly appreciated. I know this was a long time ago but I am on the throws of the beginning anxiety and sadness and would appreciate anyone who understands what I'm going through to comment.

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Do not just surrender your license. You arent clear on your offense. In the beginning all of this is overwhelming. Most of us thought about throwing in the towel. I dont advise that. Can you give a little info on your case? Its gonna be ok. Take a breath. Youve come to the right place.

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There are nurses here ago have gone through criminal cases and through the board at the same time.

The beginning is so frightening and we've been there ! Stick close!

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

Purely ancedotal but a few of the nurses in my monitoring program had their criminal charges reduced and their sentences deferred because they chose to work with the BON's monitoring program.

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Upon being searched they found a vial of opened narcotic medication in my pocket, along with other vials of non narcotic medications. I turned on my resignation but was actually essentially terminated for refusal of UDS.

Report filed to board of nursing and they had to contact the DEA. My attorney says it's not likely they will file criminal charges .. most likely just a fine. Still scared though.

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Were you searched because of your refusal to submit at UDS? Sorry, but more info would be helpful.

I don't want to sound preachy, but you DO need to face or accept if you have an addiction....that is where your priority needs to be. Like many others on this site, I have been there and admit the beginning is overwhelming and terrifying.....but you WILL get through this. Welcome to this site, you will find a lot of suport here.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Addiction, Peer Support.

Okay, so unfortunately, I have been down this road not once, but twice. Typically, criminal charges are in fact pursued, at least in my case and many others I know. I received a Felony 4 Theft of Drugs for my diversion of a specific opiate. If this occurs with you, I would HIGHLY recommend retaining legal counsel. An attorney knows the system and is able to work that system, we as nurses know NOTHING about the legal system!

As others will and have attested, you will get through this, I promise you, just take a deep breath, and do the next right thing. Reach out, develop a support network, stay clean......it will all work out! I know that sounds like a clique/blanket/empty statement, but believe me, this too shall pass. Best, Tara

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Specializes in Med/surg/ortho.

Don't surrender your license. You likely won't even have your license suspended or placed on probation. As long as you comply with your states monitoring agreement they will protect your license and advocate for you.You may or may not have any criminal charges but you'll just have to wait and see unfortunately. Every case is different but I did not receive any criminal charges wht so ever; I diverted from my hospital. I had a friend that was reported to the DEA but this was not her first time getting in trouble and the amount of drugs she took was significant I guess.

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