Diverted Fentanyl, DEA involved- has anyone ever been through this?

Nurses Recovery

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I diverted one vial of Fentanyl, was caught, and am in my state's diversion program currently. When this all happened, I was contacted by my state's DCI, but I had already retained a criminal defense attorney, along with an attorney to represent me in front of the BON. He was advised that the DEA was looking at charges, and we haven't heard anything since, but I imagine that this will amount to a federal charge since Fentanyl is a hot button issue with the DEA. My question is: Has anyone ever gone through this? What might I expect? I have no criminal history up to this point, am middle aged, and was a respected Critical Care RN in a surreally busy Covid unit until I lost my mind. I have admitted from the beginning what I did, and it seems that anyone that I know that was accused of diversion denied involvement. Believe me, there's nothing that can be said to me that I haven't already thought or experienced. I just want to know if I am going to go to federal prison, if anyone has. (I watched Orange is the New Black too!)

Thank you to anyone that answers.

Hi. I had felony charges for diversion. Had to go to my states drug court program to get them reduced to a misdemeanor. Also in the monitoring program. Try not to beat yourself up too much. There is a lot of support on these boards. Some of us know exactly what you are feeling. You’ll get through this!❤️

5 Votes

Good morning, 

I was caught diverting drugs from a Federal facility. I Was charged and convicted for felony larceny in a building. License suspended. I entered the health professional recovery program. completed it. I have two jobs, Im employed for a large national health organization and one of the magnet hospitals in my state. What ever you are going through, there is a path to redemption. 

6 Votes
Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.

Would you care to update on your situation?  I understand if you don't want to but please know that there is support here from folks who have been through all you are experiencing (and MORE) and lived to tell the tale.

Good luck!

Specializes in ER / ICU.
23 hours ago, catmom1 said:

Would you care to update on your situation?  I understand if you don't want to but please know that there is support here from folks who have been through all you are experiencing (and MORE) and lived to tell the tale.

Good luck!

It's all still pending, I haven't heard anything from any law enforcement entity yet other than the original contact. I'm sure they're investigating my entire career trying to build a case.

1 Votes

It took them about a year before they busted me and walked me out in handcuffs. 

Specializes in ER / ICU.

I have no question that charges are forthcoming, and they should, I did the crime. I just hope no prison time for first offense, one single drug. I just don't know how I can recover my nursing career from this, but perhaps this is the universe telling me that it's time for a new chapter. 

1 Votes

You will learn to let go of the shame that comes with the situation, but this does not have to be career ending. It will get better ❤️‍? 

3 Votes
Specializes in Telemetry.
6 hours ago, AbbeyR said:

You will learn to let go of the shame that comes with the situation, but this does not have to be career ending. It will get better ❤️‍? 

Very well said!

2 Votes
Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
On 10/21/2021 at 5:53 PM, PDRN said:

 Yes, just one vial. And ugh, the consequences just get better and better ? I haven't talked to anyone except those bound by confidentiality, nor will I. Thanks for the response!

They don't have the manpower to go after 1 vial of Fentanyl and you weren't selling it.  Fuggeddaboudit.  

1 Votes
Specializes in ICU.

I did the same thing except I pulled a bit from an IV bag to give to another patient cause the doctors were slacking. Someone ratted me out. For some odd reason I confessed in HR when I was questioned and resigned. I've spoken to so may lawyer and half say " my career is over" and the other half say "they can help". I'm terrified. I have lost 8 pounds in a weekend. The guilt and shame is eating me alive. I was supposed to self report to IPN today. 

It will eat at your for a bit. Lawyers say that stuff so they can make money off you, it’s all theatrics. If you get sober and go through all the required remedial work you will get back on track, it just takes time. I was convicted for felony larceny for drug diversion. I currently work for 3 different large institutions in my state. Anything is possible. 

1 Votes

Little RN - you can still keep your career. I'm in FL  and just about to complete my IPN contract.  Did I read you are also in FL? 

So did you just divert for the other patient or yourself due to addiction? 

I'm asking because I did have a nurse who got sent to IPN for stealing vials of benadryl but said she wasn't an addict. Her allergies were acting up.  They treated her the same as an addict for stealing.  She never came back to our nurses group so I"m not sure what happened. 

I believe that nurse also self reported to IPN. 

Either way you can still be a nurse.  Let me know if I can help 

If you are in addiction IPN sucks but will help you find recovery. If you truly just took it to help another patient I assume you will still have to do the same IPN 5 year contract and will also be treated as an addict.  You will have to do an evaluation either way...

 

 

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