I was drug tested at work, the only thing that I was positive for was my prescribed Clonazepam. However, I know benzos are abused (I truly didn’t abuse mine), so I kind of expected the BON to look into this. They did and now I have to do an eval.
I’m worried about disclosing my psych history even though I’ve been going to therapy since before this “incident.” I have a history of a voluntary hospitalization from bad PTSD from an abusive relationship and anxiety since my last license renewal. I now have to sign over my mental health records. My work has never been affected by my PTSD or anxiety. If anything, it takes my mind off of it. I have plenty of evidence to show the board that I am a great nurse. Also, I have other healthy coping skills too; exercise, yoga, etc.
I am afraid that reaching out for help is what will screw me in the end. My attorney was very optimistic until I disclosed my mental health information to him. I’m in grad school too and I’m afraid that this will ruin school for me if they decide to do something to my license.
Is disclosing a mental health record that awful of a thing to do? In this case, I’m being forced to. However, was me reaching out the thing that will mark my license forever?
Dear Mental Health Disclosure,
I am so sorry this is happening. I suggest you contact an attorney who works in the area of professional licensing defense to assist you. You can find one at TAANA.org. They can help you with the ramifications of disclosing this information.
I am sorry you made it all the way through nursing school and became a nurse and this happened, (having your mental health history brought up against your will).
Although there is no shame in having a mental health history nursing homes and hospitals are not owned by nurses ? They are owned by private corporations that seek to keep their yearly insurances at the lowest rate possible.
Although I think it is against the law in my state I believe given the nature of the job (I am a lpN so it is chiefly a med pass for my position), it is appropriate for my boss to know if I am prescribed a controlled substance or psychotropic drug and whom it is prescribed by. I believe communicating about this early on, (even though it should NEVER be asked of you, legally), is the best bet. It will cover You in the rare chance an accident happens at work that you are responsible for or even on the periphery of, which can happen to ANY nurse at ANY time. Covering yourself is key.
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
I take a controlled substance for legitimate reasons and I have had 2 pre-employment drug screens. I brought in the bottles to show employee health and that was the end of it.
I don't understand why there would be an investigation.
Forgive me if this is an old post. I came here looking for some guidance about another issue.
Wishing you positive energy that everything gets resolved in your favor. You did nothing wrong! You had challenges and responsibly sought out help. That makes you a great nurse. If that is held against you then the nursing profession does not deserve to have you.
AMEN!! Good luck to you, know that if you persevere and remain steadfast to your goals, you'll have a great likelihood of achieving them
not for prescribed medications. Half the nursing force would be reported. Many of the nurses I know have ADHD and take Ritalin.
Reporting someone to BON for a prescribed medication would ne a HIPAA violation.
The post I responded to said nothing about prescribed meds so I was responding to what I saw. Usually, people take prescribed narcs or meds that may cause false positives with them to the drug test so there's that. My point still stands though.
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
On 12/23/2020 at 8:10 PM, NurseBlaq said:
The post I responded to said nothing about prescribed meds so I was responding to what I saw. Usually, people take prescribed narcs or meds that may cause false positives with them to the drug test so there's that. My point still stands though.
you said "drug" tests. That, to me, is all inclusive.
What you are saying is confusing to me. prescribed medications result. Most opioids and illegal forms (ie heroin) result, and many are similar derivatives.
The urine extended urine tests are very detailed. They would not be false positives. whether one takes heroin or the legal form (I am sorry that I do not have the exact specific parallels) would show. Then the person would have to show proof of the medications they take, legally. I would think that the only reportable ones would be something that has no legal counterpart.
just an aside, I have chronic pain and take prescribed medications, not "narcs".
Was not trying to start anything, not sure why you reacted the way you did.
Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Community Health, HIV.
I believe it is always a good practice to bring your bottles/ prescriptions with you to the testing center and make sure they jot down the info before you submit the sample. Then they will already have the info when reading the result. That's what I do, and I've never had an issue. Good luck!
Itsjustaride
3 Posts
I am sorry you made it all the way through nursing school and became a nurse and this happened, (having your mental health history brought up against your will).
Although there is no shame in having a mental health history nursing homes and hospitals are not owned by nurses ? They are owned by private corporations that seek to keep their yearly insurances at the lowest rate possible.
Although I think it is against the law in my state I believe given the nature of the job (I am a lpN so it is chiefly a med pass for my position), it is appropriate for my boss to know if I am prescribed a controlled substance or psychotropic drug and whom it is prescribed by. I believe communicating about this early on, (even though it should NEVER be asked of you, legally), is the best bet. It will cover You in the rare chance an accident happens at work that you are responsible for or even on the periphery of, which can happen to ANY nurse at ANY time. Covering yourself is key.