Positive alcohol test

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · May 18, 2015

Just a question......do you guys think I should be proactive and get a hair test son to take with me before the board. I also decide to seek legal counsel. I sometime get anxious and don't do the best of representing myself when in an uncomfortable situation. Feedback appreciated

sadnurse28 · May 19, 2015

Man, those EtG tests are no joke. I am also on board order and test once a month at random. I personally wouldn't bother with the hair test. Your test tested positive for alcohol which is enough for them. It seems rather harsh of them to automatically take your license without sending you to a substance evaluation first. Anyways, wish you the best of luck. Check with whatever lawyer you get about the hair test. Will keep you in my thoughts.

reggaemuffin, MSN, NP, CNS · May 30, 2015

I agree with sad nurse- ask a lawyer but I would think they will look at it as a relapse anyway been if you've abstained from your drug of choice. And as others have said an attorney can help negotiate the terms of your agreement. I've read thru many consent orders and having representation seems to make a big difference in the outcome. I can't imagine anyone not feeling flustered having to represent themselves in a room full of board members. I know it will be expensive but I would do whatever I could to hire someone well versed in these matters. Did you check the website another poster sent you? You could also look thru consent orders on the board of nursing website and look for people who seemed to get a fair deal- usually the attorney is listed in the document- at least that's how it is in my state. Anyway, I really hope it works out for you. I give you props for taking responsibility and getting back on that horse.

june2009 · May 31, 2015

If I can be a positive voice in the gloom and doom....I relapsed during my contract and did not have my contract extended. I was honest about what I did and took responsibility for it.. wrote a letter to my case manager stating what I did and how I would prevent future relapse. The only thing I had to do was another "90 in 90" I had to quit working too until my 90 in 90 was done. I'm in Pennsylvania.

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · May 31, 2015

I actually have a meeting with a lawyer in Tuesday. I'm praying for a positive feedback.

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · May 31, 2015

Thanks for the feedback. That really Ives me hope. I've been honest with them however they are suggesting this has been more than a single lapse; which couldn't be further from the truth. I'm getting so nervous about my lawyer meeting!

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · Jun 3, 2015

So I spoke with my lawyer today and things look pretty bad. I'm so upset that I jesses up so close to the end! Maybe this is gods way of saying I wasn't ready. Either way I give it to god and keep it moving. I am a firm believer and "paying" the price for my mistakes.

TXRN2 · Jun 3, 2015

Omaapecm- please keep us posted! Keep your positive attitude- we are all just human! Take care, my friend!!

reggaemuffin, MSN, NP, CNS · Jun 3, 2015

Have they told you what to reasonably expect? I actually went back and was reading your old posts and my understanding was that you were pretty close to the end- my heart broke for you! My first thought was that maybe subconsciously you were scared to be off on your own without a monitoring agreement "safety net" and that's why you drank. I don't know I could be way off base. I have lurked on this site for quite a while and there's a group of 10 of you whose posts I follow regularly. I am also in recovery- maybe I'll tell my story one day. Anyway, I sent up a prayer for you! And remember there's a difference between taking responsibility and persecuting yourself. Forgive yourself for this.

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · Jun 3, 2015

Thanks reggaemuffin2 and txrn2! The prayers help. Worst case scenario is obviously revocation but besides that worst case would be 5 year probationary agreement and my case made public. I'm hoping for extension but most certainly it'll be worse than just extension. I have thought long and hard about what made me drink and maybe subconsciously I'm not ready. All I know is at the single solitary moment everything I had learned about myself and about my recovery was out the window. Reflection has always been my strongest tool and I certainly wasn't doing any of that. I started journaling last night and have realized there have been so many stresses this last month or 2 and maybe these all played a role. Part of my recovery has always been one day at a time but lately I have been living in the past, present and future. I appreciate you all! I'm going to back to the basics.

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · Jun 3, 2015

Anytime you want to tell your story reggaemuffin I am here to listen with no judgement. I always find it a great relief when I post. They really do helpðŸ˜„

Twoyearnurse · Jun 3, 2015

I understand where you are coming from, and am in awe of you taking responsibility the way you are.

addiction is no small thing and it is tricky. It deludes us into thinking crazy things. This past Sunday I ordered food with some friends and some of the vegetables tasted like they may have been cooked in cooking wine. I wasn't sure until I had been about six bites in.

Realistically, if I was on my game in sobriety I would have stopped at the second bite when I had suspicion. But I "reasoned" with myself that I had ensured with the waitress that it was an alcohol free dish.

Its that toeing the line mentality. No good. I can see how this happened to you , it's those little things that happen that add up and lead to relapse. We must always be on guard.

Congrats on returning to sobriety and I hope the best for you, and got me, and for all of us.