Narcotic Diversion in Illinois

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I am a Registered Nurse and I was caught diverting narcotics. Since I immediately came clean about taking the meds, I was not turned in to the BON, but I was suspended and had to enroll in a 30 day rehabilitation program in order to keep the hospital from turning me in to the BON. My organization has been very supportive throughout this whole mess.

I completed the program and have been attending regular AA and NA meetings. HR is working with me to find a "safe" job within the organization as long as I pass monthly random drug tests, and a few other requirements that should be easy to comply with. However, I have heard through the grapevine that it may take up to a year for the organization to find a position for me. Financially speaking, that will be very difficult for myself and my family.

Is anyone clear on Illinois law... am I required to stay with my current organization? What would happen if I decided to apply for another position, for example, at a physician's office? Would they report me to the board? What type of reference should I expect to receive from the hospital I am currently with?

I would love to stay with the hospital I work for now, however, I don't think my family could survive on one income if it takes a year to find me a "safe" position. (I guess I should have thought of that before I began taking the narcotics, huh?) )':

Thank you...any advice you have for me would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Hi Jacobs! Wanted to say hi, and welcome to the recovering forum! I am an addict, diverted meds at work. I got terminated from my job at work, but didn't face legal trouble since I self reported. I joined our state's RNP.

I don't have anything that would help u since I live in La, but wanted to wish u luck! Hugs to u!

Anne, RNC

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I'm sorry I can't answer your question but I wanted to say I'm totally jealous of your hospital!! That's awesome that they have a program like that set up!! I wish I got that instead of being caught by drug control and put into our states program. Although I should be happy I at least have that to go to instead of losing my license and having everything public. Great job getting and staying sober!! Remember you can do anything you put your mind to. Your WILL will keep you sober!

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Lucky for you, I'm not sure of Ill laws with BoN but I am familiar with NC BoN laws. My manager was bound by NC BoN to report me or face trouble herself. It's due diligence to report an impaired nurse to the BON, glad for you it didn't go that way! Be mindful that they can still report you and an investigation might occur if you do cross them. Best if luck to you and congrats on your sobriety!

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I do not know the requirements. I would personally begin looking at cutting out excessive expenses and trimming the budget down as much as possible. If it does take a year, look at it as an opportunity to spend more time with the kids. If you can, eliminate as much excess as you can and start comparing food prices, clipping coupons, and brushing up on cooking. Begin developing a food menu and buying only those items necessary.

If you can, get rid of the cellphone plan or see if you can remove a few lines. Find out if there is any discount by working at the hospital.

Look at the Internet and see if you can cut back to a slower plan. If you have cable but cannot go without anything, consider netflix. We have a slow internet and still can watch netflix (but can't do much else).

Can you trim back by using only one car? Or by having one person bike most of the time?

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I believe if you leave the current prganization that is 'monitoring' you basically the organization is then required to report. Please correct me if I am wrong.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Hospice, Management.

Read all the posts about how difficult it is for nurses in recovery to find ANY job. The hope of a job at your current hospital, with their full knowledge of your situation, is something many nurses would be happy to have. Trust me, I understand the financial pressures; see if you can find a supplemental job to help you with expenses and STICK with this hospital! They sound like good people to me. Although they make take a resignation as an indicator you do not wish to participate in recovery and will then report you to the BoN.

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