Narcotic Use and Diversion in Nursing

[CASTLEGATES]

http://juns.nursing.arizona.edu/articles/Fall%202002/hrobak.htm

Interesting article; nearly every unit I've visited has a story about diversion.

Narcotic Use and Diversion in Nursing

Mandy L. Hrobak

University of North Carolina Charlotte

Abstract

Narcotic use and diversion in nursing is a growing problem that may be difficult to identify. Clinical indicators can help managers and staff become knowledgeable about signs and symptoms. Areas related to job performance, personality/mental status, and diversion are looked at as indicators. Workplace access and deviant work group norms can contribute to the picture. Certain methods of diversion may be hard to detect. Institutions need to...

Click link above for remainder of article.

[jackstem]

I'm heading out the door so I'll post a reply when I get home!

Jack

[SWS RN, ASN, RN]

Hey Jack,

WE LOVE YOU TOO!

s

[jackstem]

Hey Jack,

WE LOVE YOU TOO!

s

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know at least 2 women who don't.

[jackstem]

Hi Jack,

I have been thinking about the job process/interviewing etc...How much is Enough to share with potential employer? I do realize I need to tell them I am in a monitoring program etc .What if they ask specific questions about my personal experience? Those are the type of questions I wouldn't exactly know how to answer appropriately. Any advice/suggestions?

Nicole

Nicole, I'm not sure what you mean about "personal experience". Feel free to PM if you don't want to share publicly.

Jack

[catmom1, BSN, RN]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know at least 2 women who don't.

I don't know who the second one is, but I bet the first one is your ex-wife.

Catmom :paw:

[catmom1, BSN, RN]

Hi Jack,

I have been thinking about the job process/interviewing etc...How much is Enough to share with potential employer? I do realize I need to tell them I am in a monitoring program etc .What if they ask specific questions about my personal experience? Those are the type of questions I wouldn't exactly know how to answer appropriately. Any advice/suggestions?

Nicole

Hi Nicole-

I have been in a monitoring program for 4 years now and have been on many interviews. I have never been asked about the details of my recovery. In my state, there is no alternative to discipline program so I have disciplinary action for anyone to see if they look up my RN license online.

The only time I disclose in an interview is if I think it is going well and I have a shot at getting the job. If the interview is not going well, my licensure status is irrelevant since they aren't going to be hiring me anyway.

I don't blurt anything out but I have a brief letter that I hand the hiring manager that describes my successful completion of X years of monitoring for drug diversion. I do not go into detail but do inform them of my license status. I hand it to them and wait for any questions. The reason I do the disclosure in writing is so I don't get too nervous and present the issue in a worse light.

Notice that I don't say, "I have X time left on probation" but I emphasize my success is getting this far. Also, I never say "give me a chance" because that sounds like the hiring manager is buying a scratch off ticket that might result in me diving for the narc box. I say, "Please allow me this opportunity and I will be an asset to your organization." I also say that "I have dealt with the issues that led to the diversion and have grown both personally and professionally as a result"

This has worked for me. In fact, not only do I have a job now, but I just got an offer for another, better paying job last Friday! Woo hoo! Life is good!!!

Catmom :paw:

P.S. Please feel free to PM me if you have further questions. I would be thrilled to help you in any way I can. CM

[jackstem]

I don't know who the second one is, but I bet the first one is your ex-wife.

Catmom :paw:

As is the second!! (One had a problem with my addiction and subsequent recovery, the other with their's). Dogs. I'm going with dogs from here on out for 2 reason. First, they love you no matter what and second, I'm old and grumpy!

Jack

[SWS RN, ASN, RN]

Jack,

BTDT also x 2!!

Dogs=The only way to go for companionship and pure unadulterated LOVE!:paw::redpinkhe

s

[CABGpatch_RN, BSN]

VERY interesting thread.

[CABGpatch_RN, BSN]

Hi Jack, I cannot pm - not enough posts yet- but it says "License Protection" under "Coverage Extensions." I think that means yes, it's covered. We will call NSO first thing in the morning. I wasn't sure whether we should call the BRN Diversion program first or an attorney. Thank goodness I read your post here about securing representation.

We are also in touch with the nurses union President of our small union. Will be talking to her soon. Thank you.

[jackstem]

Hi Jack, I cannot pm - not enough posts yet- but it says "License Protection" under "Coverage Extensions." I think that means yes, it's covered. We will call NSO first thing in the morning. I wasn't sure whether we should call the BRN Diversion program first or an attorney. Thank goodness I read your post here about securing representation.

We are also in touch with the nurses union President of our small union. Will be talking to her soon. Thank you.

When in doubt, consulting an attorney is a wise, wise choice. Be sure the attorney is experienced representing nurses before the BON. Just as all physicians aren't qualified to manage all situations or provide care for every situation (i.e. providing propofol for insomnia in an unmonitored situation...MD didn't really mean much), all attorneys aren't the best choice for license defense. I do know many insurance companies refer to The American Association of Nurse Attorneys.

Jack

[CABGpatch_RN, BSN]

I do know many insurance companies refer to The American Association of Nurse Attorneys.

Thank you. I clicked on your link earlier and under the referral section it says if you carry NSO to contact NSO. You have been a tremendous help Jack! So glad I visited this thread! :)