fallen into the trap

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in everything.

OK...this is dicey...I have been a nurse for 35 years. I have had 4 neck surgeries. Problems started in 2005 when after 15 years of cervical health, I ruptured another disc at work. I could not even raise my head off the pillow. Had surgery #3 and was off work longer than FMLA allowed. I was terminated from that job. I was medically released and got another job and was fine for about a year. Pain medication was prescribed appropriately and I quit them about 6 months after surgery #3. Was medically released in Feb 2006 and was fine until Nov 2006, when symptoms began again on opposite side. Went back on pain pills and had surgery #4 in March 2007. I returned to work 3 weeks after (too soon). Remained on pain pills prn and was drug tested randomly...positive of course - the employer thought I was acting weird and they had no record of me being on this medication. The employer told me I had to contact our State drug advocacy organization before they would let me return to work. I self-reported myself and my life has been a living hell since then. I was sent to an addiction counselor (7 monthe post op) and he advised me to go into an inpt recovery program, have my license suspended for 3 years. I could not afford the recovery program and advised the advocacy organization that I could not meet their recommendations. I now have a hearing in September and my license can be revoked, suspended or put on probation. I am frustrated and can't believe where I have ended up. The State advocacy groups are all extremely punitive and paint you into the corner. These were legally prescribed drugs for a legitimate problems. Any thoughts?

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

you should see a lawyer ... i'm sorry you are going through this..i send prayers your way !!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Lawyer up.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I'd think you should get a letter from the doctor who prescribed the medications....

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Specializes in everything.

Got a nurse/attorney

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Specializes in everything.

Got letters from prescribing physicians. Bottom line: BON doesn't give a hoot about anything but pt safety. Don't get me wrong...I live for pt care. Benn off drugs for about a year...and I still will have a monitoring agreement? There is no advocacy for nurses.

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Specializes in jack of all trades.

Definitely lawyer up and also contact the ADA also. Also did you disclose this medical condition on hire? I disagree that we are expected to disclose all our medications to an employer. If medications are prescribed you shouldnt be penalized. This happens more frequent than not and its down right pitiful!!! Also do you have private ? If so they should help, as keep in mind the BON is not your friend. They are concerned with public safety and not concerned if you work or not, have a roof over your head or food on your table.

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you should see a lawyer ... i'm sorry you are going through this..i send prayers your way !!

Totally agree. Far as I can see, you did nothing wrong. Find an attorney experienced in these matters and don't give up hope! I imagine you will come out of this just fine. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

My thoughts are that I am disgusted it came to this point. Nurses work hard to the bone and is very physically draining. I sincerely wish the best for you. Keep us posted, please!

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Specializes in everything.

I too am disgusted with the whole process. By making that phone call, everything that I've worked for for 35 years is in jeopardy because I had 2 major surgeries in 2 years and had to take narcotics to function. I have disclosed all of my injuries and surgeries. Not one employer has asked for a letter from my neurosurgeon of my ability. Every healthcare facility wants a list of your meds and some want the bottles at preemployment physicals. I wasn't on the drug at that time. Also some facilities will respond to a positive drug screen, and you haven't listed the drug,they accuse you of taking illegal drugs. The whole thing is a scam, blackmail, and expensive beyond belief. I will do what I have to do, but I am becoming militant about the so-called "protection" received from these professional help svcs. Your license is hanging right within your reach but you cannot have it until you sign a contract, which should protect you from the BON, but not necessarily. I'm not as negative as I sound. I have always been outspoken when wrong is wrong. And this whole system should be a nurturing haven for peolpe who are ill. NO...haven't seen a glimpse of compassion.

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Got letters from prescribing physicians. Bottom line: BON doesn't give a hoot about anything but pt safety. Don't get me wrong...I live for pt care. Benn off drugs for about a year...and I still will have a monitoring agreement? There is no advocacy for nurses.

It is pretty much DIY for advocacy, which means hiring a lawyer with expertise in working before the BON.

Given what's at risk, your license and livelihood, the cost of an attorney is small potatoes. :twocents:

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Specializes in LTC.

(((hugs)))) i am sorry you are having such a horrible experience :(

since when are nurses not allowed to take pain medication? you had surgery, your surgeon prescribed you medication to control the pain..i don't see where exactly the need is for rehab/recovery/suspension. it's not like you took more than prescribed, went to work loaded, and stumbled around slurring speech and compromising care. i'd get letters from coworkers and people who know you personally who can attest to you not acting like someone who is abusing drugs and to your character. what a horrible injustice..the bon really doesn't care about the nurses...it's like they found you guilty before you even showed them your face..

i really hope this resolves favorably for you...

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