My probation begins Nov 26. Advice?

Hey all,

My probationary license begins November 26th. I got the letter in the mail just a couple days ago. I was placed on probation for a first-time DUI two years ago, while I was in nursing school. It was a mistake I'll never make again, and am adamant on showing the board that I am a capable of being a nurse. It's cost me a lot; its taken me over a year to finally get my license, and prevented me from finishing my BSN (I only have my ASN as of right now).

I have terms 1-19. I was hoping that the Board would have explained my terms in further detail at this point, but instead only sent my stipulated agreement (which I've already read and agreed to) and the date my license will be officially enacted. It's left me with more questions than answers. If any of you have been placed on probation and gone through the steps, would you mind answering some questions that I have? I can't find the specifics anywhere, and this process has been so confusing and draining.

1.) When did you find out who your probation monitor was? I thought they'd assign me to someone when they sent my letter for approval, but I guess not. Will I be anticipating another letter with further direction sometime?

2.) How do you get a MD/psych eval approved by the BRN? How can I find an MD that is board approved? I know they have specific criteria, like having to work in professional addictions for three years. I am also aware that there is a time constraint involved here (45 days to complete from November 26th). Was this difficult to pull off given these time constraints?

3.) How do you like your nurse support groups? Do you think it helps you throughout your probation?

4.) Have you ever had a false positive for testing? I don't have a problem abstaining from alcohol or drugs, but I'm worried about all foods/cosmetics that could potentially result in false positive. The list is huge! Is it that easy to test positive?

5.) How long were you drug tested for? Again, it's not that I have an issue not drinking or doing drugs. It's just so, so, so expensive. I have bills to pay.. and now stuff for my probation! The BON says the length of time for testing to be "determine by the board", yet I haven't been told anything.

6.) How long did it take to get your job approved by the BON? Do they decide on my "level of supervision" AFTER they approve my form? I'm worried about my potential employer asking me what level I supervision I need, but I can't give them an answer ?

7.) How did you cope with all of this??!

If any of you could run me through what to expect at the beginning of probation, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm in the middle of moving and I feel that the timing here might prevent all that. I'm so stressed and exhausted from this - I want some notion of peace. I know I made a mistake, but it's so challenging to conquer all of this in the dark with no direction. I'm sure you felt the same at one point.

Thank you so much for reading this and I appreciate your time. I really need help.

4 Answers

1.) I'm in Pa, and my state works with PNAP. You should find out what your state's monitoring program is and give them a call as a new referral. They can assign you a case manager from there. They may send you a letter, but I recommend being proactive, because the board and the programs take forever to get things done.

2.) This is weird, because the board ordered me to go to a specific psychiatrist of their choosing, but honestly I would call the board and ask them where you need to go. If you don't have an attorney you may want to get one to help you extend the timeline you have to be evaluated.

3.) I haven't actually gone to any nurse support groups. Only AA. I have to do 3/week based off my "remission" status. It's just required, and I don't look much into it than that.

4.) I'm not actually sure about false positives. I haven't had one being in the program for 2 months, but I don't worry much about it.

5.) As far as I know, they test you for the entirety of your program. I've heard 2-3 times a month average. I've had 5 in 2 months so far.

6.) Your case manager will help you with the job aspect. They have to clear you for work, which is extremely annoying, so you can't work as a nurse until that happens. I haven't gotten a job yet so I don't know much about that.

7.) How did you cope with all of this??!

Ugh. It's very frustrating. I go to the AA meetings, and I check in with my RecoveryTrek app M-F. I'm not back to work yet, so I'm relying on my boyfriend and family for money. It's hard. I also had a first time DUI 2 years ago, but I was already a nurse. The best way I handle it is to just face it head on. Best to just do what they want and then one day you'll be free. I try to help others going through the same stuff. There's a facebook group I joined for support called "Nurses in Assistance Programs." You can find it by adding Valerie Arens. Talking to people on here and on there is helpful. Otherwise I try not to think about it too much. Hope this helped! Best of luck! ?

Hey. I’m note sure I can be of any help but I can tell you about my story. I’m in Mississippi. I just received my board order in October . I’m on probation for 2 years with urine drug screens for 2 yrs, 3 AA/NA meetings a week, paid 500 dollar fine, took 2 online addiction courses , and have a class to go to in December.

1) I found out the day I went to my meeting at the nursing board. And I had to meet with her within 14 days

2) I have to get a chemical dependency evaluation soon and it will cost out of my pocket, the cheapest I could find is 350.00. There’s a list of assessors in the nursing board site under compliance

3) no support groups, just AA or NA

4) I’ve had 1 urine drug screen so far and of course it was negative. I will get at least 2 per month and they are $60.00 . Yes! Stay away from items in that no no list. I’ve heard Benadryl can cause a false positive

5) mine will be for 2 years

6) luckily I already had a nursing job as an infection control nurse when the board got to my case. And my DON is very understanding. She will to fill out an evaluation sheet on my every month. I don’t require supervision or narcotic restrictions. I just can’t get over 88 hours a pay period

7) I cope with it by leaving on God! I was addicted to alcohol and pain pills. I’m blessed to still have my license

hope this helps! Good luck

Specializes in Correctional nurse hospice.

When I first started nursing there was no alternative and many nurses lost their license for life. I'm glad this is an alternative

I’m about to enter PNAP nervous wreck thanks for your input

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