I am an ICU RN for 8 years in CA. March 26, 2024 after my 12.5 hr shift I was asked absurd questions (if I was intoxicated, what medications I'm on, if I'm an IV drug user, etc) I voluntarily suggested to just get screened. They drew my blood alcohol, stated my level was at 0.325! I weigh 85-90lbs and I definitely wouldn't be coherent, able to walk, able to complete my 12.5hr shift, and would probably be a hot mess/close to being in a coma/blacked out. I requested to complete my urine drug screen (I hadn't used the restroom the entire shift and got taken off the floor at the end of shift doing my closing notes) and absolutely no specimens were labeled. They said I was positive for COCAINE! I've never done it in my life. I requested a retest, they said the test was accurate, made me speak with a social worker regarding addiction for cocaine and alcohol, then sent me on my way home once someone from the unit brought my belongings down. No paperwork other than rehab sources and let me just drive home. I got retested elsewhere and got all negative results. Only the alcohol test I couldn't get drawn without a requisition. I did my own home tests and recorded them (didn't show any of my goods) but through the whole process it is clear that nothing was tampered with. I also bought a breathalyzer within 50min of leaving work and showed a level of 0.00. I'm now in a situation where I know I'll be reported to the board and my wellbeing, career, and passion is now at a really high risk of being taken from me. I just got accepted into CRNA school and now I am in a situation where I'm still waiting for the BRN to contact me.
(I already got a lawyer but haven't paid to obtain counsel given I'm waiting for something to come through from the BRN.
Still is absolutely bizarre for a blood alcohol that high also. I still don't even understand how it would be possible for me to finish my shift and my coworkers not say anything. And then still just let me drive home🤦🏻♀️I mean that would be putting so many civilians at risk and unsafe because that level I would be blacked out and be severely unstable. I'm baffled. It's such a huge weight on my shoulders having to be waiting still for 1+ years. At least I can still practice. If anyone knows of the process? Also, if having proof from looking at reviews (with photos and videos) confirming them breaking chain of custody with samples unlabeled and left unattended/mixing up pt armbands etc by others and my negative repeat results since they denied my request to repeat them?
Thank you everyone for your input! I appreciate you all.
I'm curious if you remember if they used an alcohol wipe to clean your skin before they drew your blood? Where I work if we are drawing a tox screen we can only use saline. This rules out a potential contamination from the alcohol in the wipe, but 0.3 is incredibly high!
It would be ridiculous for the BRN/BON to even justify results like this without being admitted. Letting you drive home?? it is a serious breach of medical duty. EMTALA violation ( if you are in the U.S.), plus major potential negligence or patient abandonment depending on the circumstances I guess. Coming from a legal standpoint first things that should be completed—Airway protection and stabilization—IV fluids, thiamine, glucose, electrolytes—Benzodiazepines for cocaine-induced agitation, hypertension, or seizures—Continuous cardiac monitoring due to arrhythmia/MI risk—admit to ICU if unstable. Definitely not to go home let alone drive yourself. If they failed to provide that it would not only be clinically unsafe but also a legal violation (on top of EMTALA, negligence, malpractice).
this is absolutely mind blowing...it would be hard to believe those results belong to you...
YOU NEED TO REPORT THE PROVIDER AND THE FACILITY!
give updates id like to know how things turned out for you. My best wishes and hope for you to preserve your livelihood. RNs don't deserve this. The BRN I hope is more intelligent than even considering this plausible ha ha ha. But who knows
Ckahdkwo, BSN, MSN
11 Posts
Still is absolutely bizarre for a blood alcohol that high also. I still don't even understand how it would be possible for me to finish my shift and my coworkers not say anything. And then still just let me drive home🤦🏻♀️I mean that would be putting so many civilians at risk and unsafe because that level I would be blacked out and be severely unstable. I'm baffled. It's such a huge weight on my shoulders having to be waiting still for 1+ years. At least I can still practice. If anyone knows of the process? Also, if having proof from looking at reviews (with photos and videos) confirming them breaking chain of custody with samples unlabeled and left unattended/mixing up pt armbands etc by others and my negative repeat results since they denied my request to repeat them?
Thank you everyone for your input! I appreciate you all.