Facing Disciplinary Action-Didn't Return for Test

[trbond007]

Dear Nurses,

I am an RN since 2010 and had worked in Cardiac Step-down Unit until 2019. I was terminated late in 2019 for failure to return for drug screen, however, I had already provided sample, they signed off, gave me my copy of sample form and released me. It was end of shift so I clocked out and left as I was in a hurry to see my daughter sing in church. After all that of being released, clocking out and driving off campus; I was on highway on my way to daughters church, they called me and asked that I return because the sample was invalid. I told them I did not have time to return because of previous plans of watching my daughter sing at church. Watching her was important because she had told me that daddy wouldn't be there because he never comes. During this period in late 2019 I was off one bereavement after loss of my father. An example of the kind of nurse leader I was, a new grad nurse asked me if I wouldn't mind working that night because she did not feel comfortable being team leader if asked. I often am the night team leader who works with new grads because I was known for my patience, kindness and knowledge in explaining required skills. I have never had any write ups of any kind. I have been nurse of the month twice, nominated for Daisy Awards twice.

So they terminated me in late 2019 for failure to return and provide specimen, thats all they told me. However they apparently processed a specimen they said was invalid and results were positive for substance never shared with me. I never received a call from a medical review officer as customary. Now 2022 arrives and board of nursing contacts me about a disciplinary action pending related to findings in this invalid specimen. They did not care that I was terminated for failure to return nor would they permit me to explain anything. They asked me if I wanted to terminate license, of course I refused to do that, I have nothing to be guilty of. They then stated they were sending me some kind of paperwork where I had to be evaluated by an addiction counselor and this person would determine how long I would be on probation. Subject to random drug screens, etc.

How do I approach this? I have never been a drug user nor ever diverted. It has been 3 years before they decide to do anything. I initially contacted an attorney at time of termination and explained what happened. I was instructed to pay for and obtain a screen from a outside accredited lab, which I did, screen was clean. Do to the pandemic the lab is no longer in business. This will tarnish my great record in a career I love and do not want to quit. I have read other blogs and its horrible how difficult it is for nurses to bounce back. What and how should I approach this? Anyone have suggestions. I would appreciate any insight from peers.