First time tested postive for THC & BON sent a potential threat

[RN8203]

I have been a nurse for almost 13 yrs now and have never been in trouble with the BON. In March I had tested positive for THC for pre-employment after working at the facility for three weeks. Needless to say I was terminated but I just got a paper in the mail today from the BOD for a potential violation threat and I have to fill this form out explaining myself. I am very scared and not sure what to expect. Does anyone have any experience with this? I am not a drug addict!! And I do not want my license to be suspended or revoked. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Any advice??

[CNASuzy]

Hopefully a lesson learned.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I didn't realize I was getting tested just to be clear because I had already been there 3 weeks but thank you for your advice I do appreciate it!

It doesn't matter to the BON. They DO NOT view this lightly. If you have malpractice insurance call them IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT! I repeat DO NOT go to the BON without a lawyer. Do not respond until you have sought legal advice.

This WILL be career changing and PLEASE DO NOT talk about this on the internet. While AN is anonymous.... it is public and can be seen by ANYONE including the BON...I may be from the BON.

If you wouldn't post it in your local paper it should be kept off social media.

[exp626]

Good advice has been given to hire a lawyer before you respond to the query sent by the BON. The BON is not your advocate; it exists to protect the public. If you want to keep your license, you will most likely have to go through some sort of BON appointed evaluation and outpatient rehab. Those of us in recovery are rarely gentle with people having legal troubles related to use of mind altering substances then cry from the rooftops that they're not addicts. If potentially losing your livelihood over smoking pot isn't a wake up call that there's a problem, I don't know what is. Own your mistake and/or problem, and learn how to make it right and ensure it never happens again. Good luck.

[wheeliesurfer]

In reality you should treat EVERYDAY like tomorrow is a pre-employment physical where you are going to have a drug tox done. If the narc count were to be off, you were to be accused of malpractice or any other number of things (including a random drug tox) you could be requested to provide a sample on the spot. Advice to all, if it is NOT LEGAL and NOT PRESCRIBED...don't use it!

[Oogie]

In my situation I stayed on the side of extreame caution. The board asked for a written detailed account. I responded with actual facts, in my case I was detained on suspension of DWI. I had no other information to share at this time and reffered the BON to contact my lawyer. Be careful of giving them the rope to hang you with. I did not believe I needed to give them a long winded narrative of events, that gives them more to hold against you. this worked in my favor. hope that helps a little.. Peace

[10yearnurse]

Get a lawyer. Now. Don't answer the board until you do.

[silverbat]

OP, you said that you weren't tested until you were there 3 weeks. Generally when someone is hired, HR notifies them of UDS and the time table. With some employers it is immediate, with my current one, they have 120 days to drug test you after you are hired. Mine was 60 days after my hire date, my friends was 2 weeks.

So unless you gave them reason to test you, IMO, you should have considered that a UDS could occur anytime and act accordingly.

That said... a UDS can occur at any time at any employment due to injury, off narc counts, etc. As you are learning, it is better to be safe than sorry.

If you do, indeed, get your license sanctioned----I cannot stress enough the fact that you should follow EVERY requirement they make exactly as they require as if your license depends on it , because it does!!!!!!!!!

Please follow the great suggestions you have been given. Best wishes!