NPs disciplined same as RNs? Experience with EAP?

[Jcrb123]

Hello everyone! I have been reading this forum for a few weeks and had a couple of questions I would love some feedback on.

I was an RN for 11 years before becoming an NP a year ago. I have worked at the same hospital the entire 12 years. Never been in trouble and always had outstanding evaluations. Well, 2 weeks ago I had a random drug test that was positive for lortab because I took 2 the night before that my mom had given me for a pulled muscle. I do not take them on a regular basis. All my past random drug test have been negative.

I was just wondering if anyone knew if NPs were disciplined by the board the same as RNs? I am assuming my employer is going to turn this over to the BON!

Also, my employer as a policy that your 1st positive drug screen they will turn it over to the employee assistance program which will refer you to a treatment center, but they will not fire you & give you a job when treatment is completed! I have worked with nurses in the past who have gotten caught diverting & this is what happened to them. They were able to return to work as an RN just had narcotic restrictions like the ones discussed here.

I have not heard anyone discuss programs such as this and I am terrified they will fire me & turn me over to the BON. Reading some of you guys post, it seems as though it is very difficult to get a job after bring reported to the BON!

Thanks in advance of any insight!

[MichelleRN34, ADN, RN]

I was fired after one failed drug test and reported directly to the BON and fired. I was offered a recovery program but was never an addict. I did however make some poor choices that messed up my life pretty bad. I couldn't go through inpatient rehab nor did I need to. I took the option of surrendering my license for one year.. I went through a six month long process to go in front of the BON where the reinstated my license under probationary terms. If you can keep your job and go through a program and it's right for you I would. It really depends on your situation. As far as the BON ruling over NP concerns I have no idea. Good luck and we are here to listen and talk.

[Jcrb123]

Thanks for your reply! What did you do for the year and half you didn't have a licisence? What were the terms of your probation and how long did it last? I am not an addict either, so I'm not sure a recovery program is best for me either!

[MichelleRN34, ADN, RN]

Thanks for your reply! What did you do for the year and half you didn't have a licisence? What were the terms of your probation and how long did it last? I am not an addict either so I'm not sure a recovery program is best for me either![/quote']

My probation is done after I turn in 4 three month evals from my Don and pass all UDS during that time...during the year I lost everything.....thank god for my family who helped me out

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Please dont discuss this with anyone!

Contact your malpractice carrier and have them put you in touch with an administrative law attorney.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

To the OP. Find out if your state has an alternative to discipline program. They can guide you through the process of protecting your license and refer you to an attorney who has experience in this area.