I’m writing to get some guidance and affirmation. Last week by friend came over while I was off and we decided to bring two days straight, she then peer pressured me to smoke from her e-cigg while telling me it was only Tabaco. I took to hits and I started to panic and she admitted to me it had weed in it. Then she left and I started to get anxiety and felt dehydrated. I had no work for additional two days who I knew I would sober from the drinking. But I felt so bad and decided to call 9-11 for possible observation and maybe fluid normal solution. When in the hospital I started to get scared because there was a nurse who was just was so hard with me and kept asking if I smoked cracked or did speed or coke. I kept telling him no and my anxiety kep getting worse and then said if I was depressed or trying to kill myself. These questions kept being asked I told him Im a nurse too and I can assure you I was just spending time with a friend while we drank and she peer pressured to smoke. I have not smoked weed in over 10 years since I get really bad anxiety and though I did the right thing and call to be seen. I was showing signs of sluggish pupils with elevated pulse and BP since I felt more anxious with everything that was going on. I asked another nurse and doctor if this would jeopardize my nursing license? I never got a straightforward answer, I however did not pee on a cup since I was not asked to but had labs done. I was not on the job, I didn’t put anyone at risk like a DUI or had the police involve. However on my discharge papers they noted alcohol intoxication and weed. Since anyone can drink can that be used against me or the fact that admitted I was snuck in weed while thinking I was having an electrical cigarette? I also want to point out that I was hired by two other places prior of this incident and was clean and had a drug hire screening three days prior to this hospitalization. I don’t do drugs and I do fear something happening, since I went on my own time and no police involve would it be a HIPAA violation if the hospital or doctor reported me. Is there a possible chance I can be reported? As you can see I don’t want to lose what worked for hard for when I don’t do drugs and only drink socially on my free time. I don’t want to put my nursing license in jeopardy. I would not put anyone in danger and I don’t drink and drive. I hope someone can give me closure or affirmation to this topic.
I completely agree. But at that point the BON knows something is going on.
And in many states when ‘the board knows something is going on’ the de facto response is to refer the person to whatever passes for a monitoring program. If said monitoring program claims that the person has some sort of problem (and the invariably will) then voila! Another person forced to navigate monitoring land. Sometimes that may be an appropriate resolution should the individual wish to remain in practice and sometimes it is a cop out, wrongfully or inappropriately leading to financial and career annhilation for a person.
Specializes in Substance abuse recovery advocate; LTC.
23 minutes ago, catsmeow1972 said:
And in many states when ‘the board knows something is going on’ the de facto response is to refer the person to whatever passes for a monitoring program. If said monitoring program claims that the person has some sort of problem (and the invariably will) then voila! Another person forced to navigate monitoring land. Sometimes that may be an appropriate resolution should the individual wish to remain in practice and sometimes it is a cop out, wrongfully or inappropriately leading to financial and career annhilation for a person.
Specializes in Substance abuse recovery advocate; LTC.
Generally, if the board gets an inclining there might be a risk of safety to the public, they are bound to refer the licensee to get an evaluation. Everything rides on the evaluation outcome. Of course things like criminal issues or intoxication on the job are probably more cut and clear.
Also we are talking about if it's reportable. And short answer at least in my state is yes, but someone would have to file the report. Regardless of what anyone thinks about BON monitoring programs. I personally know a nurse that was reported and the board decided not to take action after talking to him.
Generally, if the board gets an inclining there might be a risk of safety to the public, they are bound to refer the licensee to get an evaluation. Everything rides on the evaluation outcome. Of course things like criminal issues or intoxication on the job are probably more cut and clear.
Correct...everything rides on that evaluation. The problem is that if that ‘evaluator’ has motives that, shall we say, not on the up and up, then there rises issues with inappropriate use of these things. I, for one, have never known of anyone that comes out of an evaluation without being saddled with a contract.
Correct...everything rides on that evaluation. The problem is that if that ‘evaluator’ has motives that, shall we say, not on the up and up, then there rises issues with inappropriate use of these things. I, for one, have never known of anyone that comes out of an evaluation without being saddled with a contract.
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
10 hours ago, LilPeanut said:
Also, don't blame "peer pressure" for anything really after you have graduated from school.
The part that kept jumping out at me was "I was peer-pressured". That's really not a good defense and certainly won't cut it with the BON. Please take that statement out of your repertoire. Peer pressure applies to children. Professional adults are expected to think for themselves. If you want anyone to believe you don't have a substance abuse problem then please take responsibility for your own actions.
This whole post has me flabbergasted. Not judging, just trying to understand the thought process going through all of this. Think there may be several other underlying issues that likely need to be addressed here & hopefully are. May be time to reach out for some professional help to address issues before professional help becomes mandated.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
If you don't want to lose what you worked hard for don't binge drink - That's a no brainer. Not saying you are an alcoholic but normal people don't do that even on their spare time. Oh well maybe you are just young and inexperienced in the ways of the world. Still read through this forum and see the hell people go through once someone identifies they have a problem. …… And yes you can be placed in monitoring for something legal like drinking excessively and getting caught. My drinking while excessive in epic ways was always done on my own time but I ended up in the ER where I worked for acute alcohol intoxication and nearly died. Long story there but I was fired and reported as an impaired nurse. Today many years later I am a working nurse and have a great career but it took a huge left turn on the way. A turn I could have avoided if I had recognized that I had a serious alcohol problem and got help.
I thought HIPAA would have protected me but much as I am a mandated reporter hospital ER staff have a duty to report matters that may affect public safety.
If you have dodged a bullet and not been reported use this as a lesson and no more binge drinking and no weed at all ever - even if it is legal in your state. The BONs adhere to federal law in these matters and take a dim view of MJ use.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
On 3/5/2019 at 7:23 PM, balld899 said:
Greeting fellow nurses,
I’m writing to get some guidance and affirmation. Last week by friend came over while I was off and we decided to bring two days straight, she then peer pressured me to smoke from her e-cigg while telling me it was only Tabaco. I took to hits and I started to panic and she admitted to me it had weed in it. Then she left and I started to get anxiety and felt dehydrated. I had no work for additional two days who I knew I would sober from the drinking. But I felt so bad and decided to call 9-11 for possible observation and maybe fluid normal solution. When in the hospital I started to get scared because there was a nurse who was just was so hard with me and kept asking if I smoked cracked or did speed or coke. I kept telling him no and my anxiety kep getting worse and then said if I was depressed or trying to kill myself. These questions kept being asked I told him Im a nurse too and I can assure you I was just spending time with a friend while we drank and she peer pressured to smoke. I have not smoked weed in over 10 years since I get really bad anxiety and though I did the right thing and call to be seen. I was showing signs of sluggish pupils with elevated pulse and BP since I felt more anxious with everything that was going on. I asked another nurse and doctor if this would jeopardize my nursing license? I never got a straightforward answer, I however did not pee on a cup since I was not asked to but had labs done. I was not on the job, I didn’t put anyone at risk like a DUI or had the police involve. However on my discharge papers they noted alcohol intoxication and weed. Since anyone can drink can that be used against me or the fact that admitted I was snuck in weed while thinking I was having an electrical cigarette? I also want to point out that I was hired by two other places prior of this incident and was clean and had a drug hire screening three days prior to this hospitalization. I don’t do drugs and I do fear something happening, since I went on my own time and no police involve would it be a HIPAA violation if the hospital or doctor reported me. Is there a possible chance I can be reported? As you can see I don’t want to lose what worked for hard for when I don’t do drugs and only drink socially on my free time. I don’t want to put my nursing license in jeopardy. I would not put anyone in danger and I don’t drink and drive. I hope someone can gi
ve me closure or affirmation to this topic.
Thank you.
Based on your writing, I wonder if you are drunk or loaded right now. You decided to "bring" two days straight? Others seem to infer that means binge drinking, which is probably correct. If so, it would seem you might be "bringing" again right now.
What kind of a friend slips you drugs? Alcohol is a drug, and it seems clear that you intended to drink alcohol. But the kind of person who will "slip you some weed" while insisting that it's just tobacco is not exactly a friend. Now you know that he will do that, it would be wise to avoid him in the future.
You did jeopardize your nursing license -- when you wen to the ER and told them your story about being drugged by a "friend" without your knowledge or consent and then let them draw blood. It's up to the ER personnel now, and the laws in your particular state what happens next. What happens could very well be contacting the Board of Nursing and you won't necessarily know that right away. Consult a lawyer who has experience with the BON in your state.
Your post hints that you only want to hear from people who are going to tell you what you want to hear. That's a nice change -- people are often quite blatant in that regard. Sadly, I cannot tell you that you're OK, that this hasn't or won't be reported to the BON and that you didn't do anything wrong except trust a friend. The two day planned drinking binge is pretty problematic. You definitely have a problem -- your drinking may impact your livelihood. Please, please get yourself some help. Others with more experience in this area may have better advice, but Alcoholics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery may be helpful.
catsmeow1972, BSN, RN
1,314 Posts
And in many states when ‘the board knows something is going on’ the de facto response is to refer the person to whatever passes for a monitoring program. If said monitoring program claims that the person has some sort of problem (and the invariably will) then voila! Another person forced to navigate monitoring land. Sometimes that may be an appropriate resolution should the individual wish to remain in practice and sometimes it is a cop out, wrongfully or inappropriately leading to financial and career annhilation for a person.