Diverted Drugs for Dad

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I'm currently an LPN going RN. In 2017 I was caught diverting narcs which I was taking to my sick dad at home. I didn't say that though but I said I took them for my self. My nursing license got suspended for 12 months and now I have it back. They made me go through rehabilitation like a real addict would finished everything they wanted me to.

Prior to that incident, I had a final clinical to graduate as an RN/BSN. Because I was so overwhelmed with all the issues of rehab no job I withdrew from the clinical. My question is I really wanted to be a nurse practitioner, should I re- register for the clinical and continue with school? In my state which is MN I'm disqualified from working in nursing homes, daycares..and all facilities licensed by department of health services., where should I apply for a job? Will I be disqualified too when I go for my clinicals in Atlanta?

Dear Diverted for Dad,

You completed your requirements but now have a stipulation on your license. If you are restricted from practicing in all facilities licensed by the DHS, your options are limited. Private duty nursing may be an alternative.

First things first. I would prioritize your three goals of working as an LPN, returning to school, and becoming an NP. Your first priority is to work as an LPN, which realistically may require an unrestricted license. Moving forward, you need an unrestricted license to pursue your RN.

It's pretty much a safe bet you would not be able to do clinicals with your restrictions. The school would not want the liability or monitoring requirements.

To explore your rights and options, see an attorney specializing in representing nurses in Minnesota. Things may have turned out differently if you had an attorney when you were initially charged.

It's always recommended to have an attorney when dealing with the Board of Nursing (BON). As Lorie Brown, our own allnurses nurse attorney columist always says, the BON protects the public, not you, whereas a skilled defense attorney can walk you through the next steps and help you make informed decisions.

Check out the Nurses in Recovery forum for support from your fellow nurses. You are not alone.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[Sassy-RN]

“I was caught diverting narcs which I was taking to my sick dad at home. I didn't say that though but I said I took them for my self”

Reeaalllyy ....???? Only a nurse on narcotics will believe that one ?? Makes it sound worse that you claim were in a not the one using - so you were diverting narcotics for someone else!?