Experience with NC alternative program?

[xenocidezero]

Does anyone have any experience with the NC alternative program? Long story short, I got roped into a 2 year contract with IPN because I made a drunken bad call on a work night and failed a UA the next day at work. After work year of torment, jumping through hoops, and spending a bunch of cash, I'm allowed to work again assuming I can find a job. Due to getting engaged, I'm moving to NC and wondering what the transfer process is like. If possible I'd like to be reevaluated by NC to see what they think since all the non-IPN evaluators, therapists, and counselors I've seen, (They mandated I go through an IOP and stuff), think I have no need for continued monitoring and have stated that a one time lapse of judgement doesn't make you an addict. They're even willing to write statements for me. To top it off I was reported to the board since I couldn't afford IPN evaluation in what they determined was an appropriate amount of time, so after my hearing today my license will probably be encumbered. Am I screwed because I've already signed a contract? The only things they have on me is the one positive UA from work and a positive peth from my first of two evaluations because no one told me I couldn't drink or shouldn't drink leading up to the evaluation. Went through all the hoops without a hitch. Just lost and kind of wanting to vent. Nursing is something I enjoyed, but this whole deal is getting to be too much. It's bad enough I had to drop out of NP school with a year left and at the rate this is going I won't be able to go back, but it's starting to look like I might just have to give up my career and find something else.

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

From my experience, IPN does not put much stock in statements that are not from thier stable of evaluators. Please correct me if I am wrong but you made a bad judgement call, got UA’d at work and fell into the clutches of IPN. Drinking prior to the evaluation, in my opinion was probably not the best move, but I am not judging you. Wether or not you feel you have an issue with alcohol is for you to decide and act accordingly. With all of this, getting out with a 2 year contract, you were extremely fortunate. Most people seem to get 5 for breathing funny.

I don’t know about the NC program but a good start would be to contact them and ask. You’ve got nothing to lose. If you want to transfer your license to there, you would have to enroll anyway. Asking for a new evaluation might be a crapshoot. You risk winding up with more time in hades. It sounds stupid, but then a lot of this is stupid. If NC isn’t run as shady as Florida is, you could be okay.

whatever may be, don’t give up. This does not last forever. I know people in NP school that are inmates of these programs and still make it through. Deep breath. Call the NC program and get some information. It will be okay. You enjoyed nursing. You will enjoy it again....

[Persephone Paige, ADN]

I don't understand what a 'drunken bad call' is?

The way I interpreted what you wrote was that you went to work after a few drinks, did something wrong and got popped for a UA in the AM?

I don't know a lot about those forms of infractions. I got intervened on because I liked to play doctor and pharmacist, all rolled into one. And, I wasn't working directly with patients.

[Quickstepper, MSN, RN]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but NC is probably one of the worst states in terms of their disciplinary practices. In addition, they are no longer allowing anyone from out of state to enter into their program. I am leaving NC because I cannot find a job with restrictions on my license. This is not a friendly state for nurses who are facing disciplinary charges. If you can finish your requirements where you are. You said you are in an IPN? NC does not have anything like an IPN. It is all handled by the board.

[chadprepton, ADN]

So how did the hearing go?

[xenocidezero]

Public reprimand and a fine. If what you say is true I guess I'm just going to have to give up nursing then since I move in two weeks. Disappointing I guess.

[SHlpn50, LPN]

Some states allow you to move but must remain on the orig states IP program. In my case NC is where my program is but i live in NJ. The only way i’m able to do that is my consent is a non disciplinary, i do the drug testing here in NJ. NC is one of the few states that has various levels of programs, from mine -1 year monitoring. with no restrictions. To inpatient. NC BON has been good to me so far , it could’ve been worse . Transferring in not sure how that works, every state is different. Best of luck !