ipn

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Nov 2021 I informally complained about ratios and was targeted for reasonable suspicion drug testing which came back negative, including BAC. At that time I got my own testing include follicle. My employer (LH) ran a chart audit and I had to meet with drug diversion specialists. I had no inventory issues, nothing missing, no undocumented wastes. LH still had me go to the ipn.

Intake with case manager includes being informed to refrain from substances. BE AWARE ALCOHOL IS CONSIDERED A SUBSTANCE.

I had my evaluation with an ipn approved addiction psychiatrist at a facility in Tampa. Additional drug testing: follicle, urine, blood, breathalyzer. It took 1 day short of a month for the Dr to send his report to ipn case manager.

My recommendation was 4 weeks inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient treatment, 3-5 years of monitoring... for alcohol. Evaluators test for an enzyme which is only formed in the presence of alcohol. I had no idea I wasn't allowed to have drinks. My time span covered Christmas and new years eve. The timespan a Peth covers is a few weeks. I'm not a DRINKER but I do drink alcohol. I've never been in any type of trouble with any substance. Also, as a reason to support his treatment recommendation the Dr included PPD from 1998. 1998. 24 years ago.

I refused the treatment recommendation and ipn has reported me to DOH. I got an amazing attorney. I immediately got my own Peth test which was negative and my attorney has me take a Peth test every 30 days which are all negative. DOH investigator has made contact, 2 months ago, and no emergency action was taken on my nursing license and I was permitted to renew my license. Attorney responded to the investigator and he is who my negative peth tests go to. And now I wait. An undisclosed amount of time this will take. I hear "the Summer."

DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL NOT A SINGLE DROP. 1 drink (or about 5 in my case) isn't OK. It has to be absolutely negative. 

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Specializes in Home Health/Hospice, Public Health, Case Mgmt.

I'm wondering why they didn't explain to you that alcohol is considered a substance. That should have been very clear and apparent. I'm sorry you're going through that stress. It is a terrible feeling. Just know that you've done everything you possibly can and that you have to just let things happen and trust that things will turn out how they are meant to. It's hard, but you have to let go of control with this stuff. 

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During ipn intake/initial phone interview, case manager asked me if I drink. I said yes. That would have been a good time to tell me alcohol is considered a substance and would be part of testing. The ipn perpetuates the need for their existence and the evaluators generate their own clientele. 

Also of mention, I withdrew consent for the ipn to share my information with the DOH. Ipn sent my entire file to DOH. There's nothing for me to hide from DOH. But the ipn case manager did break the law. Not sure what/if anything will come of that.

I have done both, nothing wrong, and all I can. Thank you.

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So you tested positive for alcohol before starting IPN? Like during their intake testing? That should not count against you. I drank the night before I started since I knew I would be going without for a few years. No one ever said anything since it was before I signed the contract. 

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Just my Peth through the evaluator's testing was positive. Since then, I refused inpatient rehab and I'm waiting to hear from DOH. There was no emergency action, so that's positive. I go every 30 days on my own accord for a Peth that gets sent to the DOH investigator. As once I knew I couldn't drink any alcohol I stopped.

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Hi, I am potentially facing IPN very soon for alcohol.  I've been a nurse in Florida for over 20 years and have never had any issues before and have never even had a speeding ticket. I just had a bad week last week where unfortunately I was impaired at work. I am not a bedside nurse and do not provide direct patient care. My employer is telling me if the test comes back positive for alcohol--it will be back in  a few days--that I need to volunarily report to IPN.  I have so many questions and would like to speak to someone on here if possible.  What are the chances they will recommend inpatient rehab? Also, my work has put me on leave but they say I will not lose my job if I cooperate (I'm not sure I trust that answer; have any of you lost your job?).  Thank you. 

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I don't know how you and I can privately communicate? But I'm willing.

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Thank you. Here is my email address: [email protected].  THank you for reaching out.  If you are available maybe we can talk later today or tomorrow. 

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I wish you all would be brave enough to share your stories! Lets get them.written out, send the whole thing to Desantis, and get this corrupt organization investigated!!  I have heard all different stories of IPN,whether nurses actually have addiction issues or not, 95 percent of these nurses have had a terrible experience with IPN.  Nurses with addiction issues get SUBPAR help from rehabs they are forced into. Nurses that get forced into IPN for BS reasons don't have any recourse except to sign the contract or not work and wait for a board hearing. ( and then.are referred back to IPN! 

This "program" shouldnt be punitive,and other states have MUCH  better programs that actually treat nurses like human beings, not "bad nurses".  

Lets change this together! 

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Specializes in Med surg.

@Leah2020hello
How can I be in touch with you? I really need a good lawyer. Thank you! 

 

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Leah2020 said:

Nov 2021 I informally complained about ratios and was targeted for reasonable suspicion drug testing which came back negative, including BAC. At that time I got my own testing include follicle. My employer (LH) ran a chart audit and I had to meet with drug diversion specialists. I had no inventory issues, nothing missing, no undocumented wastes. LH still had me go to the ipn.

Intake with case manager includes being informed to refrain from substances. BE AWARE ALCOHOL IS CONSIDERED A SUBSTANCE.

I had my evaluation with an ipn approved addiction psychiatrist at a facility in Tampa. Additional drug testing: follicle, urine, blood, breathalyzer. It took 1 day short of a month for the Dr to send his report to ipn case manager.

My recommendation was 4 weeks inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient treatment, 3-5 years of monitoring... for alcohol. Evaluators test for an enzyme which is only formed in the presence of alcohol. I had no idea I wasn't allowed to have drinks. My time span covered Christmas and new years eve. The timespan a Peth covers is a few weeks. I'm not a DRINKER but I do drink alcohol. I've never been in any type of trouble with any substance. Also, as a reason to support his treatment recommendation the Dr included PPD from 1998. 1998. 24 years ago.

I refused the treatment recommendation and ipn has reported me to DOH. I got an amazing attorney. I immediately got my own Peth test which was negative and my attorney has me take a Peth test every 30 days which are all negative. DOH investigator has made contact, 2 months ago, and no emergency action was taken on my nursing license and I was permitted to renew my license. Attorney responded to the investigator and he is who my negative peth tests go to. And now I wait. An undisclosed amount of time this will take. I hear "the Summer."

DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL NOT A SINGLE DROP. 1 drink (or about 5 in my case) isn't OK. It has to be absolutely negative. 

This story is just unreal and a testament to the way an employer can get rid of you if they choose.  I hope you keep fighting and keep your good un restricted  license.. I hope they understand that this is another reason they have a  nursing shortage.   

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I have 10 yrs worth of research, nurse stories, and other things that show the unethical practices of IPN.  Im.pretty much an expert on all things PEth!! It should never be used as a stand alone test nor at levels less than 200ngs! This is how they get nurses with no issues!!  

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