False positive urine

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An hpmp participant for almost 4 years. Recently a urine showed positive nitrites and I was asked if I had adulterated. Of course, no. And the split sample was repeated. I didn't hear anything, didn't have anything to hide, assumed all was good. 2.5 months go by and "BAM!" A CALL AT WORK STATING IVE ADULTERATED MY URINE. Stop practice. States nitrites were too high. Awaiting "staffing"

Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

Well the covid virus has put everything on hold. Thought I'd get a financial gift with the stimulus package going out, but "nope", based the amount given on 2018 income taxes.

Making to the end of this year without having to sell my house is looking questionable. And well, property is probably going to tank as well.

Still sober, but 2020 SUCKS

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I went through HPMP in Virginia as well. I'm sorry you're have such a hard time.

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

Well the covid virus has put everything on hold. Thought I'd get a financial gift with the stimulus package going out, but "nope", based the amount given on 2018 income taxes.

Making to the end of this year without having to sell my house is looking questionable. And well, property is probably going to tank as well.

Still sober, but 2020 SUCKS

You know my life does not suck. I am sober, I've managed to keep all my Bill's paid (even student loans), I'm fed, my family is healthy (besides mentally), I'm healthy (ditto to mentally), I am working, I have people who love and care about me, and I have hope. I truly appreciate this platform. It's a place I can share my struggles, and hopefully my triumphs. And being sober today, thru all of this is victory.

I've a long term solution to my short term problems. And in 1 or 2 years, if I have the daily victory of staying sober, I'll be better for it.

I sure wish I could help out my state though. Maybe I'll call Monday and ask if they can give me something short term. "Crying baby gets the milk"

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That is such a bummer about them using 2018 taxes and not 2019 to make a determination on the "stimulus." I don't have anything great to say about the entire way our government has handled this situation, but I'm sure that's for another forum LOL.

You've survived 100% of the worst days you've ever experienced, and you will survive this too. You've got a lot of courage to be doing what you are doing and fighting through every day. Being sober through all of this is definitely a blessing and a triumph!

I am curious if you ever did find a lawyer? They might be able to help you leverage this COVID-19 situation to your favor too. Nursing shortage and all.

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

I've not contacted another lawyer. I've got one in mind from the taana website. The world situation has put everything on hold for me.

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

Still no board hearing. Things are not going well. Not working at all anymore. I've talked to many attorneys and all state a win for me is being allowed back into VAHPMP. Just so I can live in fear that this will happen again?!

When will this nightmare end. I don't even know where to start looking for another career path.

I did relapse, but have struggled to get back to some solid recovery ground. Though, it's very very shaky. A couple of months left of finances. I need a miracle

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On 2/2/2020 at 5:06 PM, TESSIENP said:

Its been almost 3 months since I was accused of adulterating a urine. I have active licenses, but unable to get credentialed, or get a job as an RN. My savings are running out. I haven't been given a date for a board hearing. I don't know what to do. Lawyer says we need to have hearing before doing anything else.

Still sober!!

Hi.  I have a question.  Did u have a dilute urine?  I’m freaking out! I’ve been on probation a  little over year and now I have an abnormal dilute urine!!  I didn’t take anything so I’m just worried! I drink coffee and water a lot so guess I need to back off . Plus I take a bp pill with small amt hctz in it.   What will the BON do I wonder?? Retest?  Hair follicle?   I emailed my board monitor person and I’m calling her first thing in the morning.  I’m just scared!!

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
3 hours ago, mississippiRN71 said:

Hi.  I have a question.  Did u have a dilute urine?  I’m freaking out! I’ve been on probation a  little over year and now I have an abnormal dilute urine!!  I didn’t take anything so I’m just worried! I drink coffee and water a lot so guess I need to back off . Plus I take a bp pill with small amt hctz in it.   What will the BON do I wonder?? Retest?  Hair follicle?   I emailed my board monitor person and I’m calling her first thing in the morning.  I’m just scared!!

Been there done that. I had 1 dilute urine and 2 + etg tests right at the cut-off.

The funny thing about the dilute is I knew it would be. When I got to my test site I couldn't pee and since leaving with testing was a presumtive positve. I sat in the reception area and drank a whole bunch of water and when I did pee it's looked so clear I could see myself. My DEC supervisor was able to confirm the circumstances so I got off on that one. 

The two positive ETG test were eventually ruled "Incidental Exposure" and I was kept in the program. till very stressful times.

Hppy

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Ridiculous 

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Specializes in Nurse practitioner.

OK, I finally had a BON and hearing, and found to have not violated any laws or regulations governing the field of nursing or NP.  But, I still don't have a job, and now I've not worked for over a year as an NP and numerous years as an RN.  I've contacted agencies, and no one really wants to give me the time of day.  Even though I've the orders of dismissal for all charges and complaints from my state's HPMP.

So, I tried to get into my state's MRC (medical reserve corp), and at first they accepted me, now they've pulled all my information out of  their database.  

Is there discrimination against the alcoholic or addict?  Hmmph?!  All I know, is I feel I'm a competent RN and NP, and I feel I can't be hired because of my actions while in active disease.  Maybe, I'm just being resentful, or feeling sorry for myself.  IDK

Still doing zoom meetings and routine contact with my sponsor.  Sobriety is the number one thing, but I can't but feel jaded.  I can't hold my state's HPMP accountable for falsely accusing me of adulterating a urine, or sending a complaint to the NADB, or sending letters of credentialling stating I had adulterated urine.  This really, really, REALLY upsets me.  I'm glad I was vindicated, I still have all of my licenses.  But, I am still suffering from their accusations.

What do I do?

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
3 hours ago, TESSIENP said:

OK, I finally had a BON and hearing, and found to have not violated any laws or regulations governing the field of nursing or NP.  But, I still don't have a job, and now I've not worked for over a year as an NP and numerous years as an RN.  I've contacted agencies, and no one really wants to give me the time of day.  Even though I've the orders of dismissal for all charges and complaints from my state's HPMP.

So, I tried to get into my state's MRC (medical reserve corp), and at first they accepted me, now they've pulled all my information out of  their database.  

Is there discrimination against the alcoholic or addict?  Hmmph?!  All I know, is I feel I'm a competent RN and NP, and I feel I can't be hired because of my actions while in active disease.  Maybe, I'm just being resentful, or feeling sorry for myself.  IDK

Still doing zoom meetings and routine contact with my sponsor.  Sobriety is the number one thing, but I can't but feel jaded.  I can't hold my state's HPMP accountable for falsely accusing me of adulterating a urine, or sending a complaint to the NADB, or sending letters of credentialling stating I had adulterated urine.  This really, really, REALLY upsets me.  I'm glad I was vindicated, I still have all of my licenses.  But, I am still suffering from their accusations.

What do I do?

Have you tried getting work at a dialysis clinic or Psych facility. You would be working at a RN with little to no access to controlled meds and from there you could start looking for more options with your NP. It's always easier to find a job when you have a job!

Hppy

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Wow, this has been a difficult read as I am newly in the VAHPMP. I drink 1 - 1.25 gallons of water a day and I’m terrified of a dilute test, now I have false positives to worry about?!?! I hope I have half as much grace as you have shown here dealing with this. 

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