Help what is regulation of drug screen???

gabby3 · May 31, 2017

Any use of drugs, small or large is referred to Florida IPN. You said you "slipped", you are lucky if they give you 2 years. Most get 5 years contracts now. It sucks and I don't think everyone deserved IPN. This is how most states deal with any complaints regarding nurses. I know of nurses who got 2 year contract with a negative drug screen, but had appeared impaired at work.

It will go quick, most 2 year contracts can get out within 1 year if they are 100% compliant.

Good Luck

Gabby

1sttime · May 31, 2017

Sounds like the hospital is sidestepping the BON- in Oregon the BON has a policy for marijuana as it is a legal drug in this state- so if you are not impaired while practicing you will likely not be on probation. Can you consult with an attorney to see what the likely outcomes would be in your state?

Lisacar130 · May 31, 2017

I get what you're saying, but unfortunately no lawyer is going to be able to get you out of doing this monitoring program. You must start acting like a recovering addict and do this 2 year program, even just for pot, even if you don't feel you are an addict. The board considers a positive a positive, whether it's pot or heroin. It's not fair, but if you try fighting this you will look very bad and this can get much worse for you. I've seen people, with a more minor infraction such as yourself, try to get out of it or fighting it and end up with a suspended nursing license and/or a reprimand on their license that never goes away. Meanwhile I've seen more severe addicts who diverted and used IV dilaudid embrace the program and complete it don't even have a mark on their license (depending on the circumstance and the state). It might not be fair, but you're going to have to do it to save your license. By the way... if you don't have a problem with alcohol, then not drinking for 2 years shouldn't be THAT big of a deal.

malamud69, BSN, RN · May 31, 2017

Consider: "Kafka"

jfox01, BSN · May 31, 2017

thanks gabby what happened was i was at a party and someone had "brownies" didnt have a clue until later. i am still thinking of hiring a lawyer. 5 years of having their finger on me is crazy. I have never been impaired or diverted. Never done drugs . I just think giving a blanket program for everyone from true addicts to my situation is not right.

jfox01, BSN · May 31, 2017

thanks for your honesty and your response.

Lisacar130 · Jun 1, 2017

I'm sorry to keep bothering you about this but I've seen this scenario before (in my real life support group) and feel compelled to warn you again. The board is not going to believe your story about not knowing what was in the brownie, even if that is actually true. If you fight it and lose, which I'm certain you will, then you will face even harsher consequences. It isn't fair but what is even more unfair is that you are going to end up getting much harsher punishment for a little pot than others who did much worse. I wish you luck though if you are going to pursue fighting it.

1jewel, ADN · Jun 1, 2017

What's the policy number? I find it hard to believe that an RN who tests positive for THC, legal or not wouldn't be terminated and/or reported! Been there, done that.

gnurse2089 · Jun 1, 2017

As everyone else said, any kind of substance abuse is equal in the eyes of the BON. You're not the only one who would be caught up in a monitoring program without being an addict. In fact in my nurse support group of 10, only 1 meets the criteria of being an addict. The others, myself included, are in for either a single DUI or something involving pot.

It is what it is, I've spent a lot of wasted time being angry at the unfairness of this system but there's absolutely nothing you or I can do to change it. At this point, I've begun searching for other career opportunities outside of nursing as I've been put completely through the ringer through this whole thing.

Lisacar130 · Jun 1, 2017

Believe it or not, there are some hospitals that do have a policy where instead of reporting you they offer to monitor you themselves. It is legal and included in the nurse practice act in my state and likely others as well. It's not fair really that some people are offered this while others are fired and reported, but that's how it is and it depends on the hospital. My old hospital called it a "last chance agreement." My story is I signed it but ended up reporting myself to the board because my job didn't offer me a new job fast enough and part of the agreement was I had to apply for and obtain a different position not dealing with meds. Because I self reported to the board, I got a deal where nothing shows up on my license as long as I meet the requirements. Every state is different and mine allows this. This allowed me to get a job outside of the hospital system that I used to work for. Meanwhile, one of my support group friends was arrested, fired, and reported for doing pretty much what I did. She worked for a different hospital.

jfox01, BSN · Jun 1, 2017

thanks for the advise and this is what im afraid of. After doing what they tell me ,paying all this money out of pocket they will still find a way to take my license?