How much power does BON have?

[Taminator, BSN]

I am in my states nurse assistance program, one year left, not one noncompliant. Part of my "recovery program" states I need to ask if I can leave the country. I asked the BON if I could go on vacation, out of the country. They will not approve my request to leave the country. I was shocked! I have asked for an explanation, no reply yet. How can they do that? I am going on vacation, not working as a nurse.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

I mean -- they aren't saying you can't leave the country. You'll just have your nursing license yanked if you do.

[rn1965, ADN]

Wow, so sorry to hear that. I have heard some nurses get to go on vacation, and "halt" their testing if they are in a place where there is no place to test. I have even heard of people leaving the country for vacation, but they get tested right when they get back.

Sorry that is happening to you. It does seem pretty strange to have to ask permission, "Mother, may I?"

[Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

Wow. I was allowed to leave the country. Plus every July for 5 years I went to my summer house that was 90 miles from any approved sites for 10 days and they didn’t test me. On CME days they didn’t test me. I asked in advance with no hickies. Some of these Casemanagers are young or inexperienced and don’t have a clue. I had restrictions taken off from the beginning. Now a days some Casemanagers aren’t even nurses. In my state it is called Peer Assistance. I always reinforced that concept when I felt the stipulations weren’t assisting me in a manner to help me. When I was issued the 4th Casemanager and she was resisting a request I asked for my request to be “staffed” during their weekly meeting. That’s where they round Robin what’s going on. The team approved my request. If your state has an advocate assigned to you they can help you navigate the nuances of the program. Unfortunately many people have difficulty standing up for their self in fear of retribution. Luckily I was not that person. To answer your question, yes they do hold power, bu if you have $ and a good atty you may have some success. Good luck.

[KatmamaRN, ADN, RN]

I wasn’t allowed to take “vacation” time until I had been in the program awhile (maybe a year at least). Since I maintained compliance and jumped thru all of their hoops, I routinely get vacation time when I ask for it, including time for international travel. If I were you, I’d speak directly to my case manager for their guidelines and expectations. Good luck!!!!

[Indiana RN, BSN]

In Indiana we need to ask to take a vacation and if it's approved we still have to check in daily and test if picked that day! Which means you have to find a testing site! it sucks