so many questions

You need an attorney because per the TOS we can't give legal advice. I know money is tight, but how tight will it be if you lose your license? This is your future you're fighting for! Good luck!

I dont know about your state, but in mine, Alaska, I could have worked up until my lisence was sanctioned. I have stayed out of nursing for a year of my own volition because it was necessary for my recovery. It took about six months for the board to contact me, and now were coming up on a year since I was terminated from my employment. Still no sanction yet. So really I could have worked this entire last year. Keep us posted!

Hi! So sorry to hear about what they're putting u through! I'm in Louisiana and here you could keep working until you hear from the BON. Like PP said, it can be 6 months or a year or longer before u hear (or u may never hear from them.

Actually something similar to this happened to me. I had gone through our state's RNP program and completed back in 1999. After that I was always careful - but I was working on a CRAZY busy med surg unit. Had a pt with horrible wounds - the day I took care of him I gave him a Lortab for pain prior to dressing change - and I know I shouldn't have. (Never made that mistake again!)

So a coworker found out I gave it w/out him calling for it. Came back to work a few days and got called to admin. Security escorted me there - had no idea what was up. Spoke to them and then escorted to lab for the UDS (which was clean)

Had to call my hubby to pick me up - security escorted me to our freaking truck,. - he also worked as a nsg sup there.

So they fired me and told me they were reporting me to the BON. I spoke to my lawyer on my cell in front of security and admin. Per his ok, I got another nsg job and just kind of played the waiting game. Never got a call or mail from BON - either the hospital was bluffing or BON had bigger fish to fry.

That may be what happens in your case - if u can, legal advice if u can talk to one -

Not giving advice, just wanted to let u know what happened in my case. Good luck - let us know what happens. Hugs!

Anne, RNC

Thank you for the replies. I spoke to the health law firm today. $300 per hour just for the consultation. No way I can afford an attorney. I know losing my license would be much worse but I can't really create money where there is none unfortunately. The waiting game is killing me. I am in FL and have heard that FL moves pretty quickly. Something like once the complaint is received they have to take action within 45 days. I suppose I could find another job and just work until the board says I can't. I just can't believe this is happening. It is still so surreal. I'm not in recovery, have never had a substance abuse issue or anything. Just so frustrating

Did you speak with a nurse attorney? The American association of nurse attorneys has a referral service. http://www.taana.org use a credit card, cash in a 401K Maybe you can negotiate a flat consultation fee

I spoke to one attorney. $300/Hr for consultation alone. I don't have credit cards and my 403b was just started in January. After penalties and fees I wouldn't be left with much. I'm afraid an attorney is not an option. I'm thinking giving up nursing will be my best bet. After reading these posts in this forum, the IPN assessment is something I won't be able to afford either. I don't understand how, even after 2 drug screens being negative, that there's anything else I need to do to "prove myself". It just seems like once an allegation is made you are guilty and have to prove yourself innocent. I'm just so frutrated.

I spoke to one attorney. $300/Hr for consultation alone. I don't have credit cards and my 403b was just started in January. After penalties and fees I wouldn't be left with much. I'm afraid an attorney is not an option. I'm thinking giving up nursing will be my best bet. After reading these posts in this forum, the IPN assessment is something I won't be able to afford either. I don't understand how, even after 2 drug screens being negative, that there's anything else I need to do to "prove myself". It just seems like once an allegation is made you are guilty and have to prove yourself innocent. I'm just so frutrated.

That's how it seems in Louisiana too.

Anne, RNC

I hear you on this. I know that coming from a place where assessments, treatment, and monitoring are necessary parts of my recovery, it is still stressful and overwhelming at times. I couldn't imagine what it would feel like to be innocent and put through this. My heart goes out to you. I did consult with and attorney and what I did was go to my bank and take out a personal loan. Is this an option for you? You worked so hard for you license, I'd hate to see you give it up in such an early stage of the game. This just happened and stress and emotions are running high.

A good chunk of lawyers who work with nursing boards will let you make payments. PLEASE retain a lawyer if at all possible. Twoyearnurse said it perfect- you worked incredibly hard for that nursing license. Please don't give it up!