fallen into the trap

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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?

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?
the bold...what did they mean acting weird? the italics, this is when you should have gotten the lawyer.....why did providing the script from the doc not work? i am wondering if this isnt a way to get rid of you because of your injury/work history?
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Specializes in ER, ICU, anticoagulation mgmt.

Sadly, how true, how true, about the possibility of getting rid of you because of your surgical history. They're thinking, hey, we don't want an employee who may be out on disability for awhile. Right to do, no, of course not, but I am sure it happens. Crappy thing to do to someone, but I'm sure it happens.

Definitely worth at least a consult with an attorney. Perhaps a nurse attorney.

Good luck,

Jeanne

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OK, I guess I'm going to be the devil's advocate on this one. The OP's employer noticed she was acting strangely. The OP admits she was on prescribed narcotic medications. We all know that narcotic medications impare our mental abilities, which is why we are not supposed to drive while on narcotic medication. Yet, from what I gather, the OP went to work after taking narcotics, then attempted to take care of pts.? That's like going to work drunk.

I'm not trying to flame the OP. Chronic pain is a real problem, and unfortunately there don't seem to be many good options for treating it. But I'm not seeing where the BON is in the wrong for punishing a nurse who showed up to work on narcotic medications.

To the OP- I'm very sorry you keep getting injured on the job. Years of a physically demanding job can take a toll on the body. I wish you a speedy recovery from your injury. It may be time to start looking for a less physically demanding position, so that you don't have to face this trouble again.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, anticoagulation mgmt.

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. And even if you didn't take any narcs at work, with people saying you were acting strangely, well that's gonna be enough "evidence" for the Board.

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I think you can test positive three or four days after taking a narc. Not sure if she took it at work or not.

My question is, are we supposed to disclose a new prescription?

Also, is info disclosed to employee health confidential?

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geesh, she was alledgedly acting weird ( read, excuse to test/fire) and no, driving and workin on narcs is not impossible; the time for caution is with a dose adjustment/beginning of therapy. it is certainly NOT the same as going to work drunk!!!!

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Specializes in everything.

My point exactly...I'd love to know how many nurses take some kind of moodaltering drug while working. My pharmacy records show no narcs before surgery and no narcs for last year (took the board almost 2 years to bring this to hearing). Dosing is the key...this was not a "chronic pain" issue. I had worked for this employer for 2 months...they had no idea how weird I am normally. This is a major issue...understanding that some nurses are impaired, steal drugs, save pts drugs for themselves...I've done this for a long time. No withdrawals, no narcs=no license. Thanks to all for supporting me and let me vent. Lots of anger here.

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I have no experience or advice to offer. But I'm sure many other nurses face the question of what to do professionally if they are prescribed a narcotic. Clearly, it will show positive in a drug test even if you only take it on days off. I'm wondering what a nurse is supposed to do to prevent being in your situation.

I'm wondering why addictions treatment was recommened. By self-reporting, does that mean you were reporting yourself as having a drug problem? I suppose that would be a problem even if the only reason you called was because your employer told you to.

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. Hopefully, the court will be reasonable. Best wishes in this difficult time.

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Specializes in everything.

Interesting thought re contacting the ADA. What could they possibly do?

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