Interpinary discipline

Nurses Criminal

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics; Sub Acute.

I just recently accepted a position per diem facility in NJ. I'm new to the state and before my transition, tested positive for marijuana on a per-employment position. I was reported to the board and had several meetings in regards to the incident and had, in turn, a disciplinary action against my still active license in that state. I've taken responsibility for my actions and now, because my old address is on my current license in New Jersey, it has raised a flag to my new employer.

I assumed they might have done some research and discovered an interdisciplinary action was taken on my license in the state on my NJ license. I don't have any other actions against any of my other licenses and my employer asked for a statement and for the documentation of the outcome of my disciplinary action in the state in question. I was honest to my current employer and I'm contemplating on whether or not to follow up to their request because of the fear they might report me to the board in the state I am currently working in now. I love being a nurse and truly would love to further my education and position in the near future. I've taken responsibility for my action and declared it was an isolated event.

My question is, why would they want the details of my case in another state which I have already complied with in regards to their final decision which included an online substance abuse course and an online course approved by BON as I was reprimanded for my unprofessional conduct. I'm in fear of losing my career and for the most part, my dream over one stupid mistake.

Any advice, please?

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Don't smoke pot.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Peds ICU.
Don't smoke pot.

That's not really helpful.

To OP, just go ahead and give your new employer the info they're requesting. It sounds like you did everything required of you by the state in which this occurred and was reported. More likely than not they just want to confirm that this is the case. Don't get yourself too worked about about all the "what if's," especially since you don't have much control over them.

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I would consult a lawyer regarding the disciplinary action and the effects on maintaining your license.

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I'm a little confused as to how you managed to get a "clean" NJ license when there was action against your license from your original state. Is there a way for you to transfer states without your new state's BON finding out about previous state's actions against your license? If you falsely answered questions on your application (or renewal app) for your NJ license (like "Have you ever been convicted of... or had action taken against your license..."), then yes, you should indeed be worried about what will happen when the NJ BON finds out. BONs regularly take action against people for falsely answering these application questions.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm going to move this to the nursing licensure with a criminal history forum.

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Specializes in Geriatric, Pediatric, Hospice,Psych.
Don't smoke pot.

The above comment made was a closed minded statement which offers no advice for the situation.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

nj bon regs require self disclosure of issues affecting practice, including disciplinary hearings against another license:

self reporting (n.j.a.c. 13:37-5.9)

each licensee has a continuing obligation to report to the board of nursing any changes in information as required by n.j.a.c. 13:37-5.9. this regulation is located on the board’s web site in subchapter 5 at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/laws/nursingregs.pdf.

peer assistance - nj state nurses association

your new employer is obligated to make sure your license is free and clear...better for you to report issues than employer.

best wishes moving forward.

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