Louisiana rn:report or not to report

odaat · Oct 21, 2015

In my state at least in my case, self reporting to monitoring allows my whole ordeal to be private, there is nothing on my license when you look me up online. However people who have been through an investigation, had a hearing and were ordered to monitoring have all their business on their license lookup. In 3 more years it will be like my contract never happened as far as getting employment goes but the people who have it posted on their licenses will always have to answer about that because it never goes away. That appears to be the major difference so I guess you have to weigh confidentiality/privacy in the long run vs being able to work longer now.

odaat · Oct 21, 2015

I should add that I was turned in by my job and subsequently investigated but by the time it went to the board, i had been in monitoring 6 months and I just received a letter from them saying fulfill the requirements and that will be that, no hearing or more discussion necessary.

Lilcrx · Oct 21, 2015

Okay so you reported to board and got setup in recovery program then by time board saw case they just said continue forward. I'm going to report to board. Guess my question is does board say stop working automatically or they have wait for everything. They told me if report to board and recovery program then I stop work immediately, sign agreement, start therapy. With having support family I need go back now or find labor outside nursing asap

odaat · Oct 21, 2015

In my state, it is not the board you report yourself to but directly to the monitoring program itself. Once you report, yes normally you sign a contract immediately saying you will abstain from work and enter the program. Then you are evaluated and based on the results of your evaluation they will require whatever treatment they think you need. After you've completed your treatment and been compliant with everything else you are allowed to return to work with restrictions, usually no narcotics, and possibly restrictions on your hours and such. This took 5 months for me which seems about average. Even after you return to work you may be required to continue treatment in the form of aftercare. There's also regular urine screens required, NA/AA meetings and some form of monthly reports/check ins. It is a very rough process and it will turn your life upside down at first until you get into the swing of it.

Having said all that, I live in a different state than you and although many of the programs seem similar, yours could be different both in the requirements and in the confidentiality part that I spoke of earlier. Before I did anything, I would make sure this is true in your state as well.

Also, if there had been any chance that I could continue my career without monitoring I personally would have fought for that chance if I could knowing what I know now. Monitoring honestly sucks. But for me, there was no chance and I'm lucky that I got the chance I did get after what I did. I don't know the specifics of your situation but if I were you before I did anything I would consult a lawyer. Even guilty as I was, in hindsight I still wish I had done that. When it all came about I was so frantic and so just feeling like I'd been run over by a truck that I did everything impulsively, including talking to the investigator when I shouldn't have. So I would seriously seek some legal advice because whatever you decide it's going to majorly impact you for a long time.

Also the nurses in recovery section of the board would be a good place to post for other insights, lots of experience with this there. Good luck to you and remember to breathe. It all works out eventually

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 21, 2015

Thread moved to Recovery forum where those with similar issues can reply.

Tigerlily8 · Oct 22, 2015

Hi,

I would recommend checking the website for your state's BON. Next call a couple of administrative law attorneys for an initial consultation which is generally free. I would guess that you will not be working as a nurse for at least 6 weeks or more. Self reporting saved me 500.00 but I live in Texas. There is a lot to consider so gather as much information as you can prior tomaking a decision. You could also call the BON anonymously. Good luck to you.

allnurses Guide · Oct 22, 2015

Okay so you reported to board and got setup in recovery program then by time board saw case they just said continue forward. I'm going to report to board. Guess my question is does board say stop working automatically or they have wait for everything. They told me if report to board and recovery program then I stop work immediately, sign agreement, start therapy. With having support family I need go back now or find labor outside nursing asap

Every State board is different in my own case which is vastly different than yours I self reported to beat my employer to the punch. Plus I knew I needed treatment and having the board say so too meant my husband who was a "Just use will power" kind of guy had to go along. By the time the board received my employer's report I was already in intensive out-patient and 100% compliant with my state diversion program so I did not have to go in-patient I was told that I could expect to not work for up to two years but was approved to work after 7 months due to glowing reports from my treatment team and no positive drug screens. I was volunteering in an addiction after care program at a psych facility at the time and they gave me a job. It didn't hurt that my monitor had worked for my boss. All in all it worked out great for me. I kept my license, got the monkey off my back and am alive today. The trick with these programs is to stay humble, do what your told and don't argue with them about twelve step programs - while it may not be the only way to get sober it's the only way the boards accept. Keep your head down, stay humble and this too shall pass.

Lilcrx · Oct 22, 2015

Thanks a bunch from everyone who gave input. I called board and told them the work place situation and wanted to self report. In meantime I signed an agreement with hospital to do eval with eap and come back to work under contract that is subject to random drug testing and other stuff. Will see if I can do that until board says otherwise. Told them my employer did not terminate me but instead wanted to keep me employed

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Oct 26, 2015

Thanks a bunch from everyone who gave input. I called board and told them the work place situation and wanted to self report. In meantime I signed an agreement with hospital to do eval with eap and come back to work under contract that is subject to random drug testing and other stuff. Will see if I can do that until board says otherwise. Told them my employer did not terminate me but instead wanted to keep me employed

Hi! I'm from Louisiana also - we live in north La. My hubby and I both went thru the RNP back in 99 - I'm sure a lot has changed since then. I was caught diverting at work and terminated. -

Sounds like if u can go with the EAP and contract that would be great. Do u know how long u will have to wait before hearing from the BON?

Anne, RNC