Florida IPN

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Hey guys, I'd really appreciate your help especially if you are an IPN member! I'm currently in a monitoring program in another state that is similar to Florida's program and wanted to get some input from members because I'm planning to move to FL-- how is it finding jobs in south florida/ ft lauderdale area? I would prefer a hospital job, but have been doing LTC/rehab for 2 years now trying to pass my contract time. Was wondering if broward health is against IPN nurses? thanks!

I went to him recently. He suggested IOP, intensive outpatient rehab minimum of 9 hours a week. I’m waiting for my actual report from him. All in all, he seemed like a nice guy. Facility was decent. Nice people.

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Specializes in RN.

OK thanks! Sounds like I might see ya there!

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So I just got my report back from said Dr. I tested negative for urine, hair follicle, and PETH test. All negative. No mental health disorders. However due to my one time reported use, he suggesting that I exhibited substance taken in larger amounts and for longer periods then intended and cravings. I literally told him I smoked pot twice in my life, one being days before the urine test. It seems like no matter what, you’re going to get some sort of treatment/ program required.

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Specializes in OR.

That, I believe is pretty much how this works. I have never known of anyone (without a lawyer and a protracted fight in front of the board anyway, and even then) that walks into an evaluation with any of IPNs stable of tools and makes it out without being forced into some sort of treatment program and a contract. Yes, even to the point of being told that “no mental health or substance use problem is identified but the only way to confirm that is with an extended period of monitoring.” In English, a person is forced into this circus to prove a negative. Brilliant, huh?
Probably the only bright light in all the sadness of the Covid mess is the higher likelihood of dodging the unnecessary inpatient junk. It’s purely my opinion but I truly believe that these programs pack people into inpatient wayyyyyy more than necessary, because it’s such a $$$$$$ maker. Color me surprised.

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Gooooodness I wish I could afford a lawyer!! I completely see the $ money making scheme behind all of this. It’s ridiculous!!

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Specializes in RN.

Like he himself hasn’t tried pot before! Come on! Effin ridiculous. Did they recommend inpatient or just the iop?

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Specializes in OR.

Again...citing my personal experience and not referencing any specific people/places, etc. I’ve observed that frequently the operators of these things were at one time in licensing troubles themselves, ie: suspensions, revocations, previous clients of these programs, etc. , maybe rightfully, I don’t know and apparently ‘got sober/clean’ what have you, chose not to return to their previous whatever and hung out their shingle in the addictions treatment market. Apparently being manipulative and able to lie is handy when in the throes of the disease of addiction and also comes in handy when running a treatment/monitoring program.

I do maintain that there is a place for inpatient treatment and monitoring programs and there should be a method to evaluate a person who may or may not be able to practice safely, etc. etc....and maybe the original intent of these things was a noble idea at one time, but they seem to have all either sold out to the god of money or truly believe their own shtick.

I have just been witness to too many situations, mine included where too much time, money and energy was spent, careers nearly or totally destroyed and families torn apart by this sorry state of affairs. There is so much good that could be done by this sort of thing if it were not motivated by money and 12 step woo. (Don’t anyone flame me on the 12 step remark, I’m just saying I find it bizarre that medical professional monitoring programs lean so heavily on a treatment modality that’s got little to zero proven efficacy).

I will always maintain that IPN and it’s associated cronies stole 6 years of my life from me, a lot of money and did some irreparable damage to my family. That is unforgivable.
However I am not a victim. By maintaining a victim mentality, I allow them to win. I will also not forget. I will continue to advise and answer questions the best I can so that others do not make the same mistake I did, that of trusting these people.
As I have said before, the truth is irrelevant, it is only about money and checking the boxes. Play thier games, tell them what they want to hear and get through it. Whatever you need to do regarding the issue that put you in their gunsights, be it alcohol or drug use or mental health, you’ll need to find that help on your own.

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I saw something on another post about IPN doing hair follicle testing and PETH testing... is that true? Our program doesn't do these tests unless someone accuses you or something or they suspect you're up to something. is this common in FL as I understand these tests are 100 dollars and up.

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Also, do they observe your tests in FL? they do where I live now and it makes it difficult to find a site with a male that can observe me and it makes the tests more expensive going to an urgent care... was just wondering how it was there.

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Specializes in OR.
2 minutes ago, wvnurse2020 said:

I saw something on another post about IPN doing hair follicle testing and PETH testing... is that true? Our program doesn't do these tests unless someone accuses you or something or they suspect you're up to something. is this common in FL as I understand these tests are 100 dollars and up.

About a year before I was done, we all got notified that you may notice an increase in testing as it is a valuable tool in your recovery.” Whatever the heck that meant. I believe that it translated to their profits were down and they needed some means of screwing people for more money. What happened is that instead of the standard twice a month $55 pee tests (which is what it was assuming no dilutes, missed check ins or other things that could garner their attention) about every 3rd month you got an additional 3rd selection of blood testing that I think was PETH to the tune of $109. Basically, for no reason they added across the board PETH testing, even for people who were not there for drugs or alcohol. Curious that they added a test that has very questionable reliability and who’s results are not supposed to be used in isolation for discipline....and yet, they do.....

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Specializes in RN.

I heard we have to pay for weekly meetings? How much is that? Also do they put overtime restrictions on your license and for how long?

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Specializes in OR.
1 minute ago, Elisant said:

I heard we have to pay for weekly meetings? How much is that? Also do they put overtime restrictions on your license and for how long?

Ah yes, the ‘individualized contract’ whereupon the stipulations are essentially the same for everyone. Unless things have changed recently, standard stips in a 5 year sentence are no overtime, no floating, no secondary job (I interpret that to mean a second healthcare job, no matter what they claim, they cannot control what I do to make money outside of healthcare. If I want to wait tables or swing on a pole to pay for this nonsense, that’s my business). Forced attendance at 12 step meetings is usually required if there is even a remote note of substance use, though now I reckon, with all the Covid stuff they are allowing online attendance with documentation. Also have to work in nursing for a 12 month period. Can’t get a job in nursing due to their BS? Too bad, the contract will simply be extended until you do. I knew one gal that was going on 7 years, extended solely because she could not get a job.
And yes, the weekly nurse support group. Due to moving, ( I went where I could get a job. I had the luxury of being able to pick up and move easily) I was in several in my time. They ranged from dreadful whiny crap that I found beyond useless (I still can’t believe I was paying to be yelled at for not being more ‘grateful’ for being there....) to almost tolerable (a mental health focused group). Fees ranged from $50 to $80 per month and were paid directly to the moderator who was usually a monitoring program graduate or had some connection to some treatment program...not surprising.

Again in my time...Such stipulations in said 5 year contract were in place for 3 years after which if you were a good little whatever and toed the line to thier satisfaction, you get to be in transitional monitoring where those restrictions are lifted (except for the pee testing ones. They ain’t gonna let up on the ones they make bank off of, are you kidding?)
Since you get nickel and dimed to death between $ for drug tests and $ for groups and this and that.....yet they make it difficult to gain employment...how is one expected to pay for all of this???? Yes, I know, stating an obvious question.

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