drug diversion vs practicing without a license?

whodatme · Nov 25, 2015

I would NOT surrender your license. It actually is much more difficult to be reinstated. I mean if you are ok with not ever doing nursing, maybe it's an option. But legally, they do report it to DEA and talk to the state in regards to possible prosecution. So, showing humility and going through either impatient/outpatient rehab, AA/NA, and self reporting are things that will help you in the long road, and i'm not talking about just your job. Remember, wherever you go or do, you are still you. It didn't matter the job, situation, place..I couldn't stop using. I have to finally admit to myself that I was powerless over ___, and that my life had become unmanageable. Sure, I'm a great guy, have a wonderful wife, two beautiful little girls, a house, two cars, etc,. But apparently I didn't know how to cope and manage being me, and the alcohol/drugs slowly took over. So, maybe try to just let go and try something that might be hard to do at first. It does take work. But, somewhere in the middle of all that mess, guilt, shame, doubt, fear, and struggle, that's where you find God. But you must absolutely believe Step 1. God bless and keep on fighting.

meloo1969 · Nov 26, 2015

thank you so much for great advice and support! you're right, at first I wanted to be angry at the hospital and everybody but myself . but now I'm trying to practice humility and admit to my mistakes. and yes, I do realize that I am powerless and cannot control many things, not just my addiction! so much shame and embarrassment to have it all put out there for the community to see, but there's worse things I guess. on the StateBON they even attached copies of all the pharmacy records of the drugs I took! I've never seen them do that?! is anyone in the monitoring program and how how difficult will it be to go on vacation as my husband has 7 weeks a year that we take? and does anyone have advice about whether I should do a hearing or just sign their stipulations?

verybadkitty · Nov 27, 2015

it did show up even after three days?! what happened to you and your license?

I actually had an active script in the previous six months, so my UA was reported as "negative." None of the opiates or amphetamines I had been taking showed up, miraculously, even though I had taken those less than 48 hours before testing. However, I had been diverting and knew it was all over and knew that I had a terrible problem. I admitted I had been stealing and I was terminated. I am currently in TPAPN and am in good standing with almost two years clean.

verybadkitty · Nov 27, 2015

Don't just surrender your license. Not sure what state you are in but there is probably a recovery monitoring program you can enroll in. I am in Texas, I entered TPAPN and my license is in good standing. If you look up my license I don't even have any disciplinary action on it. That's not true in all cases but you should see what your options are before you just give it all up.

allnurses Guide · Nov 28, 2015

thank you all for your concern and advice. they did terminate me and reporting to BON. will they automatically do an investigation or can I just surrender my license without it going further?

Why would you surrender your license? Trust me this not the end of the world! Addict or not you stole controlled substances from your facility when you could have just gone to your doctor and gotten a script and quiet possibly for something that would have helped better than Tramadol. That my dear is addict behavior. I was caught diverting in 2004 and went through a 5 year monitoring program. I learned to be honest with myself and others, stop making excuses and get well. In AA parlance I don't regret the past or wish to close the door on it. 10 years later I am a better sober nurse for it.

Hppy

Psychcns · Nov 28, 2015

There are worse things. People do get through all this. You might want to see if there are any support groups for recovering health professionals in your state. Also AA/NA might have meetings for health professionals. It can only help. Best wishes.

meloo1969 · Nov 29, 2015

so were you reported to the BON or if you do TPAN does that replace disciplinary board? I'm trying to decide if I just want to relinquish my license or do monitoring. I don't know if I want to be stuck in that monitoring program for three years, esp when we typically go on vacation 6 times a year. I've read about so many nightmarish senarios in the monitoring program and some who just decide to give it up. thank you and congrats on 2 years!

meloo1969 · Nov 29, 2015

the only monitoring program where I live is through the BON, so there will always be the disciplinary action on it. they have suspended my license for now

Twoyearnurse · Nov 29, 2015

I'm also from a state that does not have an alternative program, straight to the BON! But, I will tell you, that I've been in their monitoring program for almost a year now. And it's not too bad. The first few months were stressful but now it is routine.

I think it is normal to feel "trapped" at first. My contract is 5 years. I am still allowed to go on vacation. I still do amazingly fun things. And I got over the desire to run from this thing rather than face it.

Whether or not you surrender your license the action will remain visible. Don't surrender your license, they are tricky to get back if you do that. I promised myself in the begining that I could do anything for a year. So can you :). If at that year you are hating this process you can leave it behind, with a much clearer head, and with fear not attached to the decision.

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · Nov 29, 2015

You definitely don't want to surrender. I had asked my attorney the same exact question and she had said a surrender is still a very Negative mark in your record. She has advised me to go forward with there probation agreement and then inactivate my license. when I decide to go back I basically will pick back up where I left off. I plan on going inactive in a few months for an extended maternity leave. I will be about 5 months into probation agreement. When I decide to reactivate my license I basically will have 3 years and 6 months to go. It is certainly a better option than a surrender. Good luck to you.

meloo1969 · Nov 29, 2015

wow , I thought 3 years was the maximum?! five years seems like quite an awful sentence! this is my first offense so hoping not more than three years? we have tickets to go to Hawaii in mid January.....I hope this process doesn't affect that because we've spent a lot of money to go on this vacation! thank you all for your great advice, so appreciated!!

meloo1969 · Nov 29, 2015

one other question for anyone who may know....If I hire an attorney, does that automatically mean to the BON that I am "fighting the accusations" or can I still cooperate and agree to their terms but have an attorney represent me in this?