New to IPN??? What is it?

Published

Hello everyone, I recently tried applying for a PRN job and tested positive for narcotics. Unfortunately It was the biggest mistake in my life because I don't do drugs and had a procedure done the day before the test. I tried explaining to them but they don't want to listen. Now I just received a certified mail stating to call IPN within 3 days. I am currently working and wondering if I have to leave my job! I've been working there for 12 years and I can't believe this is happening to me! Please help and explain what this IPN is, how long is this program, do they have early termination, will this stay in your file for ever??

Thank you,

Tuts00RN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unless you are leaving out critical details. Why are you worried about testing positive for a prescribed meds

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Did you take medications that were prescribed for you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I tested for positive for narcotics and I had a procedure done which they gave me fentanyl propofol, and lidocaine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
I tested for positive for narcotics and I had a procedure done which they gave me fentanyl propofol, and lidocaine.

and? Don't you have proof that they gave you those meds? Who is "they don't want to listen"?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Get documentation of those meds being legit and you should be fine. NEVER get rid of that documentation either.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have sent them the documentation and they are saying is more than that which I'm not aware of. I'm even thinking of doing a hair test to prove them wrong and even getting a lawyer. I'm just concerned that now I'm getting this IPN notice and I'm afraid of not calling until I get to a lawyer because it states if not it will go to the board of nursing which it becomes public record. Has anyone done the program??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

The BoN is to protect the public not nurses.

Nurse attorney referral: TAANA Executive Office - Home

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR.

Something smells bad about this story. If there is proof (medical record/anesthesia record) that OP was given these meds, there should be no problem. If this documentation is "unavailable" then yes, there could be an issue. At least in my minimal experience, if you have a questionable result on a pre-employment test, they don't just magically tell you to call IPN. You generally get a call from the MRO and you can then explain the reason and provide the documentation. After that it is deemed negative and you move on. Also, I can't see any place reporting you to IPN/threatening board action solely on the basis of a pre-employment drug test.

Also OP had a procedure that involved propofol and fentanyl the day before this incident? OP is a nurse and for one, felt like even going to do job stuff and two, did not consider that anesthesia drugs may still be in the system???

So yeah, there's got to be more to this story....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, I figured out that it wasn't the procedure by the diet pills that I was taking phentramine! I'm so stupid and didn't realize that it was an amphetamine! I had no Rx and therefore here I am in this bind all because I took the easy way out to loose way. Wow big mistake and a big lesson learned here. Does anyone know how long is this IPN for? How early do they give you an evaluation appointment for?

Thank you?

Tuts00RN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

I think the OP tested positive for something beyond what was given during the procedure.

Edit - I was right and we posted at the same time. That sucks, OP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in BSN, RN-BC, NREMT, EMT-P, TCRN.

Stop talking online now. get a lawyer and let him/her do the talking. You've just publicly admitted to illicit use of amphetamines.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion