Pennsylvania RN with first dui help with PNAP

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I received my first DUI in October 2019 got pulled over for headlight out BrAC 0.137. BON notified me of PNAP program if diagnosed with substance use disorder. I had evaluation, UDS and blood peth test per recommendations. UDS was dilute and positive peth level about 175. Psychologist diagnosed me with mild alcohol use recommended me for individual and professional group. I have not received paperwork from BON requiring me to stop working using my RN license yet or the PNAP program contract. I currently work in homecare and will not be able to continue employment while in the program which is 3 years minimum. I am at a loss of what to do. I’ve been a nurse so long I am so anxious considering the cost of the program and not having a job. Looking for any advice regarding any thoughts on non-medical positions, nursing positions I can work while in the program. I have not drank since 11/24/19 and will not drink I am not an alcoholic but I did drink more than a normal person (if anyone knows what normal is). I believe it is unfair to treat a dilute urine as a positive and my high peth test as I have a problem when I was honest told psychologist that I drank more after Dui than I normally would but have not drank since PNAP case manager told me not to drink throughout the whole process. I find it hard to believe that nurses are subjected to such an injustice that we are held to the highest standards. I had no idea the repercussions on nurses who get a DUI. I don’t know if I should get an attorney that specializes in working with the BON or just save my money (that I don’t have) for testing and therapies?? Any help or input or information would be helpful. Thanks

7 hours ago, catsmeow1972 said:

During my time, I developed the habit of doing the check in at 4am on the dot and if I had been summoned, I freaking held it till 6am and was there when the lab opened. Dilute, my a**. Coulda done a pregnancy test off of that. The touch of CKD (thank you years of anti depressants, etc.) that I have also probably helped. I managed to avoid ANY dilutes in 5 years.

Needless to say, now that I’m able drink enough water to stay hydrated and so forth and not worry about this garbage, those renal numbers are much happier.

Great advice!! Thanks so much!! Oh no 5 years ? awesome you’re on the other side!!

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Hello, would you mind talking with me? I’ve been reading these forums, I live in Pgh and was recently suspended and being accused of something and need help navigating this. This site won’t allow me to msg you directly. 

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Specializes in OR.

I was not in PNAP but rather IPN, which is Florida’s program. They are all scrapped from the same pile of poo though. The best source for you would be ‘SpankedinPittsburgh’. He’s out now but was a PNAP victim. I think he’d be able to give you more insight on battling your specific program.

 

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My best advice in which I wish I did earlier is to hire an attorney and do not admit to anything. I know an attorney is expensive but might be able to save you from entering one of these monitoring programs. I have nothing good to say about them. Good luck!

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OK thank you. There’s nothing for me to admit to, but they tried pressuring me into it and saying the program is the only way to save the license. 

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It’s definitely a witch hunt. If you’re innocent, (which I wasn’t), I would fight tooth and nail. The monitoring programs are tough to get through the first year. I would try to avoid it at all costs. Good luck and keep us posted!

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I’m not sure how active this thread is but in Sept of 2018 I got a DUI. I immediately hired an attorney who advised me to decline the PA voluntary program, of which I did. Due to Covid my case to enter into ARD was delayed until 7/2019. I was sentenced to 1 year probation, 60 day loss of drivers license, DUI class, alcohol evaluation, 60 hours community service and over 2k in fines/court fees. I resigned from my job as field case manager 7/2019 due to burn out but knowing I was going to lose my drivers license (driving -1300-2000k miles a month) certainly didn’t help. I had a good payout fir vacation and a nest egg. 6 weeks later I took a job at DaVita dialysis (not knowing they hired nurses w records) it was a suggestion from a friend I graduated with. I wanted to go back to the bedside. Well I HATED IT. I quit. Now I have had multiple opportunities and wanted to hire me but because I’m on court probation no one will touch me. Now I’m paying an attorney to file a motion for early release from probation. I did get a letter from the PA professional license board stating my case was closed and they were not seeking to suspend my nursing license. I CANT FIND A JOB! My nest egg is dwindling. I say all that to say this...never go into the voluntary program and get an attorney.  The scarlet letter from court probation is more than enough than that 3 year program. 
if anyone has any suggestions as to what type of place I may get employed I would appreciate it. I find it troubling that they are asking nurses to come out of retirement during COVID to help but not nurses who have minor infractions like a damn DUI! At this point I’m thinking I may need to work at a warehouse. I have 2 years ICU experience and love being a nurse more than anything. I feel trapped

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On 12/21/2020 at 6:39 PM, Dolonurse said:

I’m not sure how active this thread is but in Sept of 2018 I got a DUI. I immediately hired an attorney who advised me to decline the PA voluntary program, of which I did. Due to Covid my case to enter into ARD was delayed until 7/2019. I was sentenced to 1 year probation, 60 day loss of drivers license, DUI class, alcohol evaluation, 60 hours community service and over 2k in fines/court fees. I resigned from my job as field case manager 7/2019 due to burn out but knowing I was going to lose my drivers license (driving -1300-2000k miles a month) certainly didn’t help. I had a good payout fir vacation and a nest egg. 6 weeks later I took a job at DaVita dialysis (not knowing they hired nurses w records) it was a suggestion from a friend I graduated with. I wanted to go back to the bedside. Well I HATED IT. I quit. Now I have had multiple opportunities and wanted to hire me but because I’m on court probation no one will touch me. Now I’m paying an attorney to file a motion for early release from probation. I did get a letter from the PA professional license board stating my case was closed and they were not seeking to suspend my nursing license. I CANT FIND A JOB! My nest egg is dwindling. I say all that to say this...never go into the voluntary program and get an attorney.  The scarlet letter from court probation is more than enough than that 3 year program. 
if anyone has any suggestions as to what type of place I may get employed I would appreciate it. I find it troubling that they are asking nurses to come out of retirement during COVID to help but not nurses who have minor infractions like a damn DUI! At this point I’m thinking I may need to work at a warehouse. I have 2 years ICU experience and love being a nurse more than anything. I feel trapped

Are you saying that your DUI was in Sept 2018, but you couldn't start the ARD program until July 2020 because of COVID?  Did you report the DUI to the BON In September 2018?  Or when you went to court and were ordered to do the ARD program?

I know you say that you quit your job because of burnout and not being able to fulfill driving requirements over 60 days. Had you been  at the bedside, would any of this have effected your job at all since the BON closed your case and wasn't coming after your license? did the BON require you to do anything as punishment? Or were they satisfied with you being in the ARD program?  Will the DUI drop off your record when you complete the ARD program and then you can get a job anywhere?

Sorry for all the questions

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