Need advice and direction

[Jaydan]

Hello,

I'm reaching out because I truly don't know what else to do. My nursing career—the profession I have poured my heart and soul into—is slipping away over something I did not do, and I feel completely helpless. I've been a nurse for six years, working in high-acuity settings like the ER, ICU, and Level 1 Trauma Centers. I've always gone above and beyond, even getting place every time I'm contracted in leadership roles as a travel nurse, which is almost unheard of. But now, due to a probation order I agreed to under fear and bad legal advice, I've lost my ability to work in my field. My multistate license is gone, my travel contract was terminated, and I'm stranded in another state with no income. Even though I was told by my case manager since it wasn't in the order I would be able to keep multi state but he was just uneducated with that and can only give me an apology.

The worst part? I never did anything wrong. I have never abused substances. I have never put a patient at risk. I  self reported a positive drug test I had from a preemployment drug screen I scheduled for a contract I had 2 months before I even had to. I work in a profession as a travel nurse for several years taking more drug test than any other profession passing them without problem. I somehow had a positive 1 time and FOR METHAMPHETAMINE. It's crazy to me and I have no words or thoughts on how this could happen other than it obviously being a false positive from something I was medicating with for a sinus infection the weekend prior. At first I agreed to the probation simply trusted the wrong advice and signed an agreement I didn't fully understand, thinking it was my only option because I was told if I try and fight it they could suspend my license or revoke it. Also didn't know they would take multi state license away which is why I asked case manager prior to coming to North Carolina for contract and signing a lease.  Now, I'm left fighting to undo a decision that never should have happened in the first place.

I am in the process of asking for the board to appeal to the Board of Nursing, but I am running out of options. I don't know where else to turn, and I feel like I'm watching my career disappear in front of me. You've helped so many nurses navigate impossible situations—I'm praying you might have some guidance and advocacy to fight this wrongful action. If you have any resources or advocacy contacts that can assist me in overturning this decision, I would deeply appreciate you're help.

If you're willing to hear more, I would be forever grateful. I have been stuck here in North Carolina not able to get a job worth enough money to even survive. Bills keep coming and honestly I've never felt so depressed and desperate in my life. Please help me if you can ❤️❤️