Diversion

[Nosnce]

Anyone ever have someone sign off on a waste and then accused you of trying to divert days/a week later after the waste? 
 

Company did their own interviews with me and other RN and fired me based on another nurse’s speculation that I wanted/tried to divert—but didn’t and reported me to BON. Accusing nurse says med was wasted in proper bin, but reported based on the fact that in their opinion it seemed like I was “trying to divert” the med. But they signed off on the waste with their ID and fingerprint.  

Company refused to let me take a drug test— just straight canned me based on one new nurse’s word against mine. Never had a write-up or anything ever… no unaccounted for wastes or anything. I went and took several drug tests on my own and hired an attorney. Apparently someone’s word against yours can be used as “evidence” and from reading all these posts, I see that the DCA and BON aren’t your friends and their only job is to try and find anything to charge you with until something sticks. 
 

1 attorney says “he said, she said” isn’t enough to file an accusation, the other attorney I spoke to said “maybe it’ll be enough for the BON to file”. 
 

Company’s reason for believing the other RN over me was, “Well, why would they lie? There’s no reason for it.” 

 

I can’t afford to quit working and join diversion. You have to quit your nursing job right in order to do it, right? But I’m afraid if I don’t, I’ll have this horrible accusation haunting me the rest of my career. I don’t even want to work in a hospital and plan to never to return to the bedside. I do not like bedside nursing and enjoy working in a clinic M-F with weekends and holidays off. 
 

If the worst happens, what are some things we can do with a nursing degree and an encumbered license that doesn’t involve nursing? I’m trying to come up with a back up plan now because it feels like my world is ending. I have a family to take care of. 
 

If diversion program is the only option, do you automatically lose your job? How is in anonymous of you have to have a supervisor to check in with and need reports from your boss?? 
 

If I get probation, do I automatically lose my job too?

[Totheendandback, ASN, RN]

Unfortunately I think this happens alot.  Some employees start gossip and it spreads. Sorry this is happening to you.  I was falsely accused also and once those accusations are out there it spreads like a wildfire.  If you have found a new job stay there until you are notified from the board. Keep working  and try to save as much money as you can. If there is a time where you can not work as a nurse I recommend try getting a job with a medical device company or medical supplies.  They will appreciate your knowledge and they pay great. The benefits are better then when I was working as a nurse.  Please know you are not alone. This site offers great support

[southern rn]

if you don't have your own malpractice insurance, get it now. it an be used for attorney fees if you have to use them to fight a BON complaint.

[AbbeyR, ADN, BSN]

Keep working. Smart to get a drug test. Do not self report to a monitoring program. The BON isn’t definitely not your friend. Also, do let your lawyer scare you into keep paying them. I ended firing my lawyer b/c they weren’t willing to fight my diversion charge. I contacted the assistant attorney general myself and had my charges dropped. Every case is unique but you can do a lot on your own as well. I’d keep getting drug test every 3 months to show you’re not under the influence. Ultimately you have to prove to the BON you’re safe to practice. You can even do additional CE’s on proper waste/documentation to submit you took the intuitive to continue your knowledge. That’s the type of stuff the BON wants to see. And as far as your former employer.  let it be a lesson learned they will throw you under the bus to protect themselves so will your co-workers

[KathyMomRN, RN]

I’d consider suing them, they fired you based on a rumor. If this was reported to the BON the BON might do absolutely nothing about it because it’s he said, she said and there’s no evidence. The goal of the BON is to protect the public and if they feel you are not a threat they will drop it. Do not join Diversion if you did nothing wrong.

[Lust4life, BSN]

Do not join diversion if you are innocent of any wrong doing.