One failed ETG test

[PRN4U]

I am under a consent agreement and have passed many drug screens already. I failed for ETG at the beginning of this month. Do you think they will permanently suspend me for this one positive?

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

I think it depends on where you are at. I'm in Pennsylvania and it is my understanding from talking to a PNAP case manager at a support group meeting that if somebody tests positive while in the program they essentially make them start the program over again. I don't know if they make you do the whole rehab thing over again (God I hope not!!!) for a slip but I'm pretty sure they suspend your right to work until you pass a certain amount of urine screenings and the clock on your monitoring time restarts. So if its a 3 year monitoring agreement and you slip on your last pee test essentially its a 6 year monitoring program. I'm sorry for your misfortune and the punitive nature of this program but that's how it works as I understand it. Good Luck!!!

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

In the five years I was in monitoring I had 3 false positive ETG tests. I did not drink and ultimately these were deemed incidental exposure and no action was taken except to be pulled off work until I tested negative. But that was over 15 years ago and I have heard that the Monitoring boards have become more strict and less forgiving.

Hppy

[PRN4U]

Thank you for the advice!

PRN4U

[PRN4U]

Thanks so much for the advice. I'll update you as soon as I know something.

PRN4U

[Lisacar130]

I had one false positive ETG, with negative ETS... or vice versa, I don't remember. They asked me if I drank and I said no. It was a low positive. Then they gave me a PETH test, which checks up to 3 weeks ago but only detects binge drinking. I passed that and that was it. No further repercussions. I'm from IL though so they all operate differently. Call a lawyer (that deals with nurse licenses) if there are problems.