Missed Test due to Schedule, What Will Happen?

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Hi all,

I'm back again in a bit of a crisis. I've posted before about how my random testing schedule has been awful thus far, but today I found myself in a pickle.

I was scheduled to work today from 6 am to 7 pm as is my normal schedule. This morning before leaving for work, I checked in to First Lab, and lo and behold I was selected to test. (2nd Sunday in a row) No biggie, I grabbed my COC and went to work. I live on the central coast and in my area there's only 2 sites open on Sundays, one in the town I work in, the other in Santa Barbara, about 2 hours south. On the First Lab website it said the site here in town was open til 4 and since I had gone last week I didn't think to call and confirm. I took my lunch break at 3, drove over, and imagine my surprise when they told me they stopped drug testing at 3. (Apparently only the clinic is open til 4) At this point it was 3:15 and I asked the receptionist if there was any way they could make an acception, and I was denied. I frantically went on First Labs website and found the only site that would be open for me to submit a sample by the end of my shift was all the way in LA, which is a nearly 3.5 hour drive. Aside from working today, my great aunts wake was today as she passed away earlier this week and I refuse to miss that, she played a huge part in raising me.

Long story short, I called First Labs emergency after hours number and let them know what was happening. The girl I spoke to acknowledged the hours on the website were wrong and she was really sympathetic, even agreeing that making a trip to LA was a bit extraneous. She let my case manager know as well.

My question is, realistically, what will happen to me? I've already written my board monitor a very detailed email explaining my situation. Prior to this, I've been called 4 times before to test, all on weekends or holidays, and have yet to miss one. I've also completed all my assessments on time. I fully acknowledge that I played a part in this error, not calling to verify the testing times, but I usually only call to make sure there's staff there to observe me, and since I already used this site prior, I didn't bother to call...huge lesson learned.

I havent been able to eat anything since 3 and I'm currently headed to the wake not in the mind set to mourn. I really don't want to lose my license or get time added on because of a mistake. Any words of advice or encouragement? Should I go in to test tomorrow morning even if I'm not picked?

I just don't understand why I'm getting picked so often on Sundays when my monitor knows I work and there's so few test sites open. This all stems back from a DUI I got 3 years ago. Nothing before or since. I'm really at a loss for what to do at this point

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I hope you got first labs emergency call worker's full name and noted the day and time you spoke with her and her stating the times online were wrong and driving 3.5hrs is excessive. and when you write to your caseworker about this, please include all that info. CYA!!! Realistically, nothing punitive should happen as long as you document and made reasonable attempts to test

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

I don't really have anything to add, other than I'm so sorry all this is going on. I remember you're other post about the bad timing during work etc, seemingly every time. I don't know how/why but it seems some states don't even require sign/call-in's on the weekend, which was extremely surprising to me. (My online calendar states "not required" every saturday & sunday, but I still log in.

I know they say it's all randomized, but sometimes it seems way too coincidental to believe that.

The fact you used them 7 days ago & the same day of the week etc, so far aware, called them ASAP after hours, refusal by the clinic staff, seems like it would all be in your favor. Hopefully they take all that into account & don't hold this against you.. Good luck & please let us know what they say.

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So after several emails back and forth yesterday, it looks like I'm just going to get a warning this time. I've definitely learned my lesson about weekend testing though, always call in advance.

Another issue did present itself when I contacted my monitor though. Apparently she has yet receive results for the sample I submitted on Friday 6/17. I called First Lab and they said they didn't have any results on their end either. Luckily I kept the signed COC form as proof that I went in to test but has anyone had test results go missing?

Thank you for all the advice

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Yes once I got a call from my CM I didn't test I told her yes I did gave her my confirmation number and sent her my copy of COC form they never found it and I was picked to test twice the next week worried a lot but my CM said since my paperwork was in order it was on Labcor

not me

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So after much stressing over the last three days, it seems I'm in the clear. My probation monitor said she understood why I wasn't able to test but warned me this can't happen again or I'll face suspension. I do think it helped that I wrote her an e-mail immediately after I left the clinic on Sunday with the names and contact info for everyone I spoke to. (The receptionist at the clinic probably thought I was crazy for asking her name). I do think it helps that I'm just starting probation and I've been compliant with everything they've asked of me thus far, but huge lesson learned.

In regards to the missing test results, after speaking to the First Lab rep, I found out if you use your SS# instead of your First Lab ID number on the COC form, they have to manually enter the results in your file after the fact. Until they get to it, they're pretty much just floating in a folder in their system somewhere waiting to be filed. She was able to locate the results right away, but from this point forward I'll be using the First Lab number as I don't need any more unnecessary stress.

Being in probation has definitely been an experience thus far, and the no overtime restriction on my license has definitely been felt on my wallet, but everyday I'm thankful I can still be a nurse and am one day closer to getting this DUI behind me. Glad I have all of you for support as well.

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

glad to hear it won't be held against you. Sometimes it just seems like such crap because you didn't really do anything wrong here and it could have gone either way. Anyways,

and thanks for the info about the first lab # versus SS#. I wondered why I was assigned a number a few months ago, instead of using my SS like normal. Good to know!

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

I found it benifitual, to have the current employer added as accepted collection site...

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

sally,

that is a great idea & I've often wondered how firstlab goes about adding approved collectors' &/or sites. My work schedule will be changing soon to 0800-2000. The closest approved site rite now is about 30 minutes away one way and they closer at 8PM. There is one collector listed as 24/7 whom is close to me, but as it's a male, he needs a female & there have been quite a few times we haven't been able to coordinate.

Other than asking firstlab for ideas & knowing other facilities open til 2200 (about 2.5 hours one way) I'm starting to worry about this unavoidable event.

Were there any steps you had to take to add your employer? Other than contacting firstlab & ensuring follow-up?

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