Not sure what to do

OhioRN1234 · Mar 20, 2019

Did you go through the board program? Do have stipulations on your license? Did you answer yes to having a substance abuse issue when applying for your license?

If your license is clear great!

Testing positive can get you thrown into the mix of monitoring. Even if you don't take the job. A lot of places will/have the duty to report you.

Heres the irony.. go off your meds that keep you safe so you test negative putting you in one awful situation -OR- Do the right thing and take care of yourself and potentially get put into a situation you do not need or be able to afford.

If not, there are a lot of threads on here with folks facing the same as you. Can you consider starting in a position that there are no narcotics. Their testing policy may be more lax and have the added benefit of you not having to deal with them.

Good for you for moving forward and I wish you all the luck in the world.

Persephone Paige, ADN · Mar 20, 2019

Consult an attorney that specializes in this type thing

NewNurseInVA · Mar 21, 2019

@berdeenbird I did not tell anyone about this issue and I passed my nursing school drug tests so there are no stipulations or anything. But I'm really afraid that when I apply for a job I'm just going to open up a whole can of worms. And I really don't want people I would be working with to know because MANY people have a very negative view of this stuff. And I don't know if hospitals test for it now. I'm not sure what all is tested for on blood and hair tests but I just assumed it was everything under the sun.

OhioRN1234 · Mar 21, 2019

You have a hard choice to make for sure. I would follow the other persons suggestion and reach out to an attorney. What you do next is very important.

How sad is it that you are in this position? You health and sobriety are more important than the board interfering with your life. If you test positive at any point for being on sub they can report it. Whether they will or not is a crapshoot.

I have seen some threads discussing whether suboxone is on tests. Check those out if you are able.

Good luck!

Ipnsux, RN · Mar 26, 2019

This is a really tough position to be in.

Even if you're upfront and honest, it may end up backfiring. I'm fighting the IPN battle. You do not want to be caught up in this. They would tell you you can't be on your meds, period.

I think the suggestions of asking a lawyer are a great idea.

From there, once you apply for a position, perhaps be upfront with them before the drug screen. This may help things as far as reporting you etc. If you take a drug screen, and it pops positive for Sub, you'll get a call from the Medical Review Office (MRO). If you can submit your prescription and provider info, that may be enough for them. They may still mark it as a "Negative" result but mention that it could affect your work.

Very tough call. I would be upfront with employers, give them documentation of the program that you're in. This may help any Board involvement. I would look closely at the RN application for the state you're in. It may directly ask if you're in a program like this.

rn1965, ADN · Mar 26, 2019

"I have been in a subutex program for many years and I'm am very secure in my sobriety."

I fully understand the need for these programs and the freedom it has given people, so they may get clean and stay clean. And what I am about to ask is not in any way a judgement, but I am curious, how long does one stay on either suboxone or subutex?

Do the programs offer any tapering assistance, so that one can become completely free?

Again, only curious, as I am an ex-drunk, so do not fully understand opioid addictions.

Also, good luck to you and I sincerely hope your journey is smooth sailing! Congratulations on the continued sobriety. Celebrate that every day!

RN1965