help

Cherybaby · Oct 17, 2009

Maybe get a note from your doctor stating what is going on with you medically? If you are showing up to work sedated, however, your boss has all the right in the world to question your capabilities to work, regardless if the medication is prescribed or not. You can't be an effective and safe nurse if you are working under the influence of a drug that makes you sleepy. It's dangerous for you and dangerous for the patients.

Take care of yourself first and foremost. Good luck with your situation.

ellakate · Oct 18, 2009

Hi, flygirl 43. This is a really tough problem. Do you have access to disability benefits? Considering that you are pursuing treatment and have already been off work for 10 weeks, it is a legitimate transition. Treatment for hep C is hard. :twocents:

lamazeteacher · Oct 19, 2009

There are 3 modes of transmission of Hep C. One is sharing syringes to use "street" drugs, another is a needlestick HCW occupational exposure, and the third way is sexual.

Since the disease has progressed, taking some time to do the damage it has, try to remember other possibilities for getting it. Can you prove exposure by means other than street drug use. It's less likely that you'd share a dirty needle, as you have occupational access to syringes.

exnursie · Oct 19, 2009

I am a "social" drinker and take prescribed immovane to sleep when I work nights. (took) Unknown to me (recently diagnosed in the last 4 weeks) I have Hep C with severe liver involvement. Was recently hospitalized x2 for acute liver failure. My employer states I came to work "sedated". I agree. I believe the immovane didn't clear my system due to my liver failure. Since hospitalization, I have quit taking all my prescribed meds and abstain from alcohol. I did not know about my status, but now that I do, I am taking appropriate measures to take care of myself. I have been off work for 10 weeks. I am attending drug/alcohol education on my own volition (I know they will require it later) My physician has cleared me to return to work. I see a specialist late next yr and am looking at $$$$$$$$ in treatment and sick time. Have cleared all drug tests (negative for everything but immovane, which was perscibed) I am constantly being accused of using street drugs. My boss is eluding that this is the reason for daignosis (not true, and I believe I've proved them wrong) What do I do? What next?????

I have several questions here:

1, Did you get written up or reported for the alleged shifts you worked when appearing to be "sedated"?

2, is there any cocern or proof that you have taken IV drugs from work?

3, Who is involved with this accusation? ie HR, nursing administration , manager...

4. What validation is being used for the idea of IV drug use besides your Hep C??

5, How did your employer even find out that you have Hep C??

6. Ask them to provide written docs to backup their concerns??

7. Inform them that they are violating your labor rights, and you will call the EOE and ADA boards as well as the state labor board, and your state attorney about this

flygirl43 · Oct 23, 2009

1) Came on shift "sedated" 7.5 mg immovane od x 6 yrs...who knew? If I did, sould have called in sick..Impaired liver fx

2) Cleared all drug tests and other screens

3) Nursing administration (I was in acute liver failure, bleeding, Bili 1400)

4) Albeit they are ******....I am negative fr drugs as per hair scan

5) No written doc....just verbal thru my union

6) No written back up....Addiction asessment is negative for treatment, drug tests negative

7) Just played the human rights/lawyer card. Back on full pay pending reinstatement....LOL. Make me hard and bitter! Anyone in Canada know a good labour lawyer (ontario!)

armytruck · Oct 31, 2009

I don't know what privacy rules re enforced in Canada, but you could pursue the "nursing administration" who informed anyone/everyone about your condition/admission/lab values, etc. That is totally unethical! Believe me, they wouldn't hesitate to fire you or a coworker for doing that exact thing.

CASTLEGATES · Oct 31, 2009

Don't be hard and bitter; may have saved your life!

Q= 2, is there any cocern or proof that you have taken IV drugs from work?

A= 2) Cleared all drug tests and other screens

Is there any concern or proof (paperwise, suspicion, narc statistics) which they're all using stats programs to see who gives, how often and why against non diversion stats and that's being enough in some places....anything? If not solid, then they have to keep you based on what you say.

Some hospitals here have diversion positions full time! They run the stats on every staff, docs, NPs and everyone and make it their job to crunch numbers and compare with the rest of the facility, system, state, even region and use for evidence. It's circumstantial but enough if you've got other circumstantial evidence when boarded to see what they do license wise.

Just sayin!

You're doing all the right things though...so I guess the past doesn't matter other than to learn from it. Great job addressing your issues. Of course they'll think you're a junkie...why not? Don't sweat the small stuff, just concentrate on what you'll do well now.