First lab

1sttime · Oct 8, 2014

I agree- this can be very stressful. I find myself checking in multiple times a day certain days. Do they have an option to check in online? I started doing this and taking a screenshot so I can pull it up.

Studentnursedgm · Oct 8, 2014

Yes, I don't call in because I've read various people saying how at times their call hadn't been registered so I didn't want to take a chance. I check in on their website and take a picture of it and store it in a folder for personal record.

Earthmama · Oct 8, 2014

I have a tip for you. On days that your routine will be different, get yourself an extra reminder of some sort. We fall into routines with the times we check in and it's very easy to forget if those routines differ. Last week I had to go in for a day shift for training and I normally work 2nd shift. The alarm on my phone went off while I was in training and I couldn't check in right then - so of course I forgot until 8:30 that night when all the labs were closed. I have a good drug screen record, so there was no punishment this time. However, I've had to test four out of the last eight days since then. At $47.50 for each screen, I made a very costly mistake.

Twoyearnurse · Oct 8, 2014

The nightmares are totally normal, I wouldn't expect them to let up for a while. In times of high intensity stress I have dreams almost nightly about using or drinking. Then I wake up terrified I broke my sobriety. After I calm myself down I tell myself two things: the terror reminds me how much I want this and at least the dream was proof I was sleeping deeply!

Studentnursedgm · Oct 8, 2014

@earthmama, were there any consequences for you not checking in? And yes, I have nightmares about using too!

Earthmama · Oct 9, 2014

No, because I've been totally compliant with everything they didn't cause any trouble for me. I basically just keep under the radar, I've spoken to my case manager maybe three times total.

dekyrn · Oct 9, 2014

Im not familiar with first lab but i have to check in daily with RBH monitoring. I second what Earthmama said. I had an issue once where i forgot to call and check in until after available check in times. Luckily, i had not had any issues with my testing and was not penialized, except requiring additional tests. In my case i pay $60-100 for each test. That month i paid more in drug screens then i did for rent I imagine all of us who are required to call for check ins have that nightmare on occasion.

Tigerlily8 · Oct 10, 2014

I also have to check in daily and was anxious about forgetting in the beginning. I set an alarm on my phone to remind me but it has become automatic to log in first thing in the morning. I recommend setting a special alarm for just that purpose and set it for early morning when you will still be at home because if you are at work you could easily get too busy and forget.

nowim clean · Oct 14, 2014

I check before I get out of bed now just need to keep it up til Jan. then I'll be done.

skinnedknee · Oct 25, 2014

I think it's normal to feel this way. Perhaps always calling at the exact same time every day will help build a solid routine for you and let up some of the anxiety you have about it! Good Luck and keep us posted!

Studentnursedgm · Nov 12, 2014

Thank you all. I love the positivity of this website. Things are going well! I haven't missed a check in and I've remained clean. My only concern is, I haven't been tested in 28 days! I'm starting to worry if somethig is wrong? Or is that normal? I've been monitored for 4 months, and they usually test me every 2 or so weeks. This 28 day gap has me a little concerned.....should I be?