Nurse experiences with lawyers, IPN, BON

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Has anyone refused IPN and hired an attorney to fight the board of nursing. If so, what was your situation and outcome?

I was fired and reported to IPN for using a coworkers urine during a random drug test. Before being terminated, I was drug tested again- those results were negative. I spoke with my IPN case manger and stated that I used someone else's urine because I had smoked marijuana 2 weeks prior. I have not signed any contracts or seen the IPN psychiatrist for my eval yet. I've read a lot about how hard IPN can be and am considering declining the program and going to the BON with an attorney. My fear is they will revoke my license or send me back to IPN. I would love to hear from someone that has been through anything similar.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and what was your outcome?

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I would always recommend a lawyer. It sounds like they have a real good case against you but either way you need to consult a lawyer. Nursing board isn't always fair and hiring an attorney will hopefully keep all parties honest and fair. Gods luck!

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

If you can afford it, an experienced lawyer is always a good thing. However, as you were caught faking a UA, I doubt it will do much good. Just from having read various case files on the internet, the cases that win have reasonable doubt as to the veracity of a positive UA. False positives, improper handling or processing of a specimen, etc.

Whatever you decide to do, it probably shouldn't involve any more confessions to your IPN monitor.

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I am in Ipn. There is probably 99.9% chance the BON will say you need and evaluation by IPN. Which if you admit to smoking marijuana, you will get a IPN contract. Hopefully only a 2 year instead of the usual 5 year. If you do everything correct in 1 year you can be released. But you have to be working in an RN position during that 1 year.

I went from a Ca program to Florida. If you admit to any type of history of substance abuse in the past they can give you a 5 year.

The states have become increasingly more strict with nurses with any history of dui, drug use (including a 1 time mistake) and drug and alcohol abuse/mental health issues

You are just another nurse that they want to make sure you are safe to practice so they will (drug tests etc) to make sure the public is safe

I went in front of the board and almost any case like yours was referred to ipn to make the descion , if you are board refered to ipn it will be on your record. If you voluntary enter into a contract it will be confidential.

It sucks but that is was happens.

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I consulted with a lawyer and they were honest and told me that couldn't help and it would just be best to do what they asked. Good luck

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Always use an attorney when dealing with the Board, but realize that fighting the Board in your case is futile. They have enough valid evidence to put the brakes on you. Accept what they tell you to do, but make certain you have your attorney along for the ride to make certain the process is as fair as possible. The attorney may be able to influence the outcome, but if you don't have one, that can't happen.

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Thanks for the advice everyone! Sounds like I just need to bite the bullet and do IPN. Reading about people's IPN stories is horrifying! I feel like I've through my whole life away! How has it been for yall? I can jump through hoops and behave... But it sounds like that's not enough. Once the process gets started does it get better? Is the program as bad as you thought it would be when u started (as bad as the Internet horror stories)? Any advice for someone starting IPN (eval on Friday). I just want to be as prepared as possible! Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

it can get better with successful and sincere recovery

even to the position of DON, after completion of recovery/ monitorong program

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Fl IPN is longer then california, but at least you only have to check in m-friday for drug testing (ca is 7 days a week).

They work with you if you work with them. Just do everything they ask and it will become routine. You can do it and and you will save your sanity and money not fighting with the BON. If you did nothing wrong then a lawyer is good, but your story is like a lot of nurse in IPN.

Gabby

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I am in Michigan and hve been dealing with my BON for over 5 yrs. I was on a self report contract with HPRP. completed and have been required to take refresher course. take a skills assessment, and retake nCLex..So I totally suggest you def hire a lawyer. ONe that has a great history of exp dealing with licensing issues. One that has gone in front of BON to fight for you. My exp is this. I admit to being a recovering alcoholic . and addict of cocaine.. I never was fired from a job, nor did I ever put a patient in harms way. I just stopped showing up to work. and yet I have had one heck of a hard time with the board. the depts. have very poor communication between them. and always document names and times you have talked to any one..make sure your lawyer is highly exp and knows there stuff. trust me. I have spent thousands . even with a good lawyer. the BON has been very poor at communication. and withhold pertinent information when asked. I am currently embarking on retaking the NClex for my 2nd time. You def do not want to have to do that. get the lawyer and stay humble. I made many mistakes in my past and have proven with out a doubt that I am on track. but still the BON only knows you as a nurse who lied and nothing else but what they read. arm yourself with support and do as they ask to a degree if you do not want to be in my shoes. the last RN job I held was in 2009, and once I pass my boards and do 120 clinical time with a evaluation I will be reinstated, with 2 yrs probation. Good luck and move forward.

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