I recently attempted suicide at work. I used waste meds and was found in the bathroom. Everyone believed I was getting high, which I did not dispute because I was worried they would place me under a psych hold. I did consent to blood and urine drug screen (was told if I didn't, I would be sedated), and the blood screen will be positive.
I have been referred to our board of nursing. I am 100% guilty, but I did not know if I should disclose that I do not have a substance use disorder. I am in therapy, and have an amazing support system, so I am handling this surprisingly well.
I just don't know if I should disclose that it was a suicide attempt. I have not heard from the board yet, and am worried if I am honest that I will be forced into some psychiatric facility (which terrifies me).
Really? we were taught that BON is not our friend, and is there to protect the public from nurses. So I have no preconceived notions here that I am going to be treated with kindness. What happened to you?
Why is it easier to not disclose mental illness? I am kind of worried now that I have read these posts
Because they put us in even more hoops to jump and more requirements for monitoring. My friend disclosed their bipolar disorder along with their alcohol abuse, so she had to go to a substance use rehab, in addition to a PHP for psychiatry, followups for 2 types of therapists and frequent DBS (dried blood spot) tests that cost $100 every month in addition to urine etg tests. The DBS tests are to make sure she's taking her psychiatric meds since they can check for over a 100 things on there.
Because they put us in even more hoops to jump and more requirements for monitoring. My friend disclosed their bipolar disorder along with their alcohol abuse, so she had to go to a substance use rehab, in addition to a PHP for psychiatry, followups for 2 types of therapists and frequent DBS (dried blood spot) tests that cost $100 every month in addition to urine etg tests. The DBS tests are to make sure she's taking her psychiatric meds since they can check for over a 100 things on there.
Ahhh OK I don't have SUD. I don't even drink alcohol because I'm allergic. I thought you meant that they would revoke my license bc I am depressed. I didn't do inpatient hospitalization, but in my state the doh has an alternative to that. It's like 2 weeks, and I have been seeing a therapist.
My other fear is that they will make me take anti-depressants. There is an evaluation you have to do after 90 days, and I am praying to be well enough that the evaluator does not make me take any medication. Even then, the worst case scenario is that I take a medication that does absolutely nothing other than give me side effects.
The outlook for people with depression and suicidal ideation is positive, with the right treatment. A combination of psychotherapy, medication, and self-care can reduce depressive symptoms.
Allnurses members with significant health challenges that have appeared before Boards of nursing have felt one foot forward, 2 feet backwards in jumping through BON hoops BUT have come out the other side stronger ---often with an intact license.
Just like an insulin dependent diabetic or one with hypertension medication can help one have a better functioning life. Best wishes in your journey to improved health. Update us when you can with outcome before the board.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Your problem will create a difficult argument. I suggest you get an attorney familiar with license defense because these programs are pretty cookie cutter and no matter what you will likely have some sort of required abstinance with expensive UDS, Peth and UAs.
Your problem will create a difficult argument. I suggest youget any attorney failiar with liscense defense because these programs are pretty cookie cutter and no mater you will likely after some sort of required abstinance with expensive UDS, Peth and UAs.
Hppy
I spoke with an attorney who specializes in license defense. She told me that there was no reason to think severe depression would lead to suspension or any harsh punishment vs SUD.
I just wanted to give an update here for other nurses. I was sexually assaulted and suffered from depression as a result. I did go to a state sponsored wellness institute, therapy, started boxing, volunteering with survivors, and am planning to move out of state. The attorney told me I should not worry about moving to another state that is better suited for mental health vs SUD, because my home state will likely accept their contract (states do coordinate and require similiar length of time).
I could go to some lab to do this from a distance if need be. She did recommend waiting until the evaluation period (max 90d) is completed to move so I have a contract in place.
It does suck that this will follow me for almost a decade but alas nothing is better than being alive right now
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
Sam_0896 said:
Yeah I know but what am I gonna do? The thing is I know what it's like from the other side, and that people who suffer from addiction are often in denial. On top of that, working in the ER you get all walks of life and the staff is a bit more ......... tough than on the floors. So, I did what I had to do and just wanted to go home. They were refusing to discharge me despite the fact that I was sober (I think I took propofol so it wasn't anything that left me dazed for long). I just felt really ashamed and embarrassed and wanted to get out of there.
I'd feel indignant if I wasn't guilty of what they accused me of. Granted I was never impaired while caring for patients (this occurred two hours after I finished work), I was definitely guilty of being impaired period. I try not to be too attached to notions of fairness or justice because I am frankly grateful that I lived and that I won't lose my license outright. Even if the next few years suck, at least I'm alive to experience it you know? glass half full and all that
It's your choice and I'm not judging you if you decide not to pursue it. But you can report this assault if you want to. If they did not let you leave, that is also kidnapping.
I'm confident that the BON will know that you have issues with depression because happy or contented people do not use Propofol. I guess you could honestly say (if you haven't been diagnosed formally) that you have no psych diagnosis. But they aren't going to let you go through their program without psych care. You were lucky. When I was still working, we lost one anesthetist a month to Propofol. Even the president of the AANA OD's while in office.
Ahh so if you're suicidal don't divert meds because that will mean they'll give you the max stint. It isn't the worst, take good care of you and do your best to get help.
give yourself a chance and remember there is NOTHING you can't come back from
Ahh so if you're suicidal don't divert meds because that will mean they'll give you the max stint. It isn't the worst, take good care of you and do your best to get help.
give yourself a chance and remember there is NOTHING you can't come back from
I was in hospitalized so they did accept the recommendations in lieu of an evaluation from their counselors. They gave me an auto 5 year contract and honey I am glad because that saved me hundreds in evaluation costs. They have some internal criteria for automatic 5 year contract, which c'est la vie.
The great part is that you do NOT have to live in the state to do the program. You can go wherever and do whatever so long as you aren't trying to work as a nurse. I feel like giving testimony at church because a b is ecstatic at the fact that I can start my whole life over. I am literally beaming because I have a job in a field that pays appropriately, and I earn more than as a nurse, and all it takes is a drug test on my lunch break and a weekly meeting. Can I get an amen? YASSSS
I was in hospitalized so they did accept the recommendations in lieu of an evaluation from their counselors. They gave me an auto 5 year contract and honey I am glad because that saved me hundreds in evaluation costs. They have some internal criteria for automatic 5 year contract, which c'est la vie.
The great part is that you do NOT have to live in the state to do the program. You can go wherever and do whatever so long as you aren't trying to work as a nurse. I feel like giving testimony at church because a b is ecstatic at the fact that I can start my whole life over. I am literally beaming because I have a job in a field that pays appropriately, and I earn more than as a nurse, and all it takes is a drug test on my lunch break and a weekly meeting. Can I get an amen? YASSSS
I'm glad things are working out. In the olden times, most progams required only 2 years but some moved it out to 5 because that was when most relapses occurred in nurses. Other states found it two expensive to monitor people for 5 years.
I'm glad things are working out. In the olden times, most progams required only 2 years but some moved it out to 5 because that was when most relapses occurred in nurses. Other states found it two expensive to monitor people for 5 years.
I'm seeing more 5 year contracts given out now. Physicians all get a 5 year contract, no questions asked - there's a large study that showed 5 years for health professionals had the best outcomes and long-term success. So a lot of these Boards are citing those studies when handing out requirements.
I'm seeing more 5 year contracts given out now. Physicians all get a 5 year contract, no questions asked - there's a large study that showed 5 years for health professionals had the best outcomes and long-term success. So a lot of these Boards are citing those studies when handing out requirements.
And why wouldn't they? It took soooooo long for that data to be collected. I think they could probably select some people to do less time but obviously, some people need every minute of that five years. Perhaps that will be the next gist of longitudinal studies. Five years, IMHO, is excessive for the young and dumb who get a DUI but are otherwise successful in their life.
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Universe93B
171 Posts
Because they put us in even more hoops to jump and more requirements for monitoring. My friend disclosed their bipolar disorder along with their alcohol abuse, so she had to go to a substance use rehab, in addition to a PHP for psychiatry, followups for 2 types of therapists and frequent DBS (dried blood spot) tests that cost $100 every month in addition to urine etg tests. The DBS tests are to make sure she's taking her psychiatric meds since they can check for over a 100 things on there.