Messed up bad.....

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So I've only had my nursing license since 2011, and I love what I do. Unfortunately, I messed up really bad and now I'm worried about what's next. I tested positive for meth about a week ago. My problem started about a year ago when I hurt my back lifting a patient because I work home health and had no one to as for help. I didn't want to take too much time off work so my doctor prescribed me Norco just for a short time. Problem is my back kept hurting but I didn't want to go back and ask for more because I'm a nurse and thought it was a conflict. So I started skimming them off patients. I'm from a small town and a I ran into a former friend who was into street drugs and said it was cheap. I reasoned it that at least I wasn't stealing from my patients. It got to where I was doing it daily to get through the day....I don't know how I got here. My supervisor got suspicious and called me into HR and I took a UA hoping that I would be clean because it had been a day or two. I wasn't and now I'm terrified of what's going to happen next. I've been looking online at the procedures but honestly I can't think straight. I worked so hard to get my degree and now it's all gone. Can someone please shed some light on what's next?? I've got an OH license. I looked at the BON site for insight for the program regarding drug abuse and chemically dependent nurses. It says something about rehab being an option to save my license along with some very stiff restrictions. Where would I go?? Thank you all in advance.

Good advice Pixie!!!

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No! I mean diversion or nurse programs that protect you anonymity and are separate from the board that monitor you during your 'agreement' Many states have these separate programs. In Ohio the board reviews your case, you are given a consent agreement, and you do the time.

Rehab facilities are all over the place. Make sure your insurance is accepted there!

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Oh....I completely misunderstood. Thank you for clarifying.

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OHRN2011, there is light out the other side. I too am in Ohio, and I have worked with two nurses who have completed the program. Both were still under restriction, but able to work. One was able to work in a NH but not pass any controlled meds while under restriction, the other worked as an STNA in a facility while under restriction, so at least both were able to work. You did it, so you will have to "do your time," so to speak, but you can do this!

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That's encouraging actually. I know my license may never be the same but after everything I'm willing to work under any restrictions necessary.

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Do you know how long the Ohio program is?

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I don't know spankedinpittsburgh... I'm not sure I would present recovery in such a negative way to a nurse who is addicted to meth. And this is coming from someone who used to shoot up dilaudid in the bathroom at work.

I would agree with your approach if this was a nurse who maybe got a DUI once or got busted for a one time thing. The program kind of sucks for these people. But I don't know... it is meth and maybe this person could use a few years of monitoring and meetings? You know, so he/she doesn't die? It's kind of hard to stop doing hard drugs without any monitoring or help.

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It was just a question. I've heard Ohio had a 2 year program on-line here. I'm hoping for his sake that this is true.

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I have scoured everything I could for years now until they got to me. I have heard anything from 1-5 years.

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Thank you. At least there is some hope he won't be in there for 5 years

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Specializes in Stepdown . Telemetry.

Hi OP, I sorry to hear your story. Just curious though, you said you tested positive for "meth". If you diverted narcs wouldnt that show up as the metabolite morphine or some opiate? Were you taking any other drugs that would test positive for meth?

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Awesome advice! No one is exempt. It can happen to anyone and will actually make you a better person and NURSE after you complete your steps and re-enter the nursing world! Good luck to ALL! No judgement ever this way. LIFE has a way of kicking you to wake you up. We LEARN and do better!! God Bless

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