positive for pot

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Hi. Im in Ohio & got tested for narcotic error. It came back positive for weed. I'm so lost, have no idea what to do. I went into a detox program & am starting intensive outpatient next week.

I am sure my employer will report it to the board, I am wondering if I am able to work until I hear from the board? If so do i disclose what is going on when i interview for positions?

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Detox program and an intensive outpatient for all for just weed? Wow.

What makes you so certain they are going to report you to the board? As far as working is concerned, I would keep my eye on the BON website to check for any changes in the status of the license. I wouldn't volunteer ANY information to the board. Only way I would disclose anything to any future employer is if they ask. Don't ask, don't tell.

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

What made you decide to go into detox and "intensive outpatient" treatment? Do you think you need that because you consider your marijuana use to be out of control or did someone tell you that you had to do that?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
What makes you so certain they are going to report you to the board?
A narcotic workplace error combined with a positive urine drug screen typically results in referral of the nurse's license number to the state board of nursing for further investigation.
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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.
A narcotic workplace error combined with a positive urine drug screen typically results in referral of the nurse's license number to the state board of nursing for further investigation.

Gotcha, thanks! :)

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i would've never went to detox for weed. Do you have any idea how ridiculous I felt in there? Here are all these Heroin users, crack heads & me!:facepalm:

Only reason i went & am doing IOP is bc when I'm reported to the board (was already informed that they are going to report) it will look good. "I realized I had a problem and here are the steps that i took to correct it" yada yada yada

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
i would've never went to detox for weed. Do you have any idea how ridiculous I felt in there? Here are all these Heroin users, crack heads & me!:facepalm:

Only reason i went & am doing IOP is bc when I'm reported to the board (was already informed that they are going to report) it will look good. "I realized I had a problem and here are the steps that i took to correct it" yada yada yada

Good for you _ You are in for a bumpy road as I hear that the Ohio BON is one of the most punitive in the country. Time to pull up your big kid pants and get started on the "Road to Recovery" You may not be an addict but you did make a very big mistake. Nursing and Drug use even in states where MJ is legal is just not compatible. My advice to anyone is "Just Don't Do It!" Put your head down, be humble, do what your told and get on with your life. There will be times when you feel that your nursing career is over but it's not. This too shall pass. In addition to the steps you have already taken start attending NA or AA meetings now and get them signed off on a piece of paper or journal. You will be required to do 90 meetings in 90 days and probably 3 to 5 week thereafter until the BON approves you going back to work. As for working right now - there's two ways to go about it. 1.) Throw yourself on the mercy of the BON and get the process started because the sooner you start the sooner it will be over and behind you plus you may have option of being a "Voluntary" which at least in California leaves no permanent mark on your license. 2.) Work as much as you can and sock as much as you can away for the period when you will not be allowed to work. Anticipate that there will be random drug screens and clear you system of everything - regardless of what you are in recovery for Total Abstinence will be required. That's nothing/Nada that might cause a + urine screen. No booze, no pain meds, certain foods, cough medicines and yes hand sanitizer too ( no you don't drink it - but it absorbs through your skin and can in some cases cause + UA). Send me a PM and I am more than willing to be a virtual shoulder to cry on and help you through this.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.
i would've never went to detox for weed. Do you have any idea how ridiculous I felt in there? Here are all these Heroin users, crack heads & me!:facepalm:

Only reason i went & am doing IOP is bc when I'm reported to the board (was already informed that they are going to report) it will look good. "I realized I had a problem and here are the steps that i took to correct it" yada yada yada

Way to get ahead of the game. It's not funny, but it is comical imagining a person in a detox facility for marijuana use when there are SOO manly more deadly and detrimental substances out there. I can just imagine the look on the heroin addicts face when you stand and say "my name is _____ and I am a marijuana addict" lol I'm not making fun of your situation at all, I just think it's ridiculous that folks get so up in arms over pot. IT'S POT for peetes sake. What's the worst that could happen? You get high on your day off and eat the entire grocery store supply of ice cream? Lol but that's for another day and another debate. OP, your situation blows and I really hope things work out in your favor. Please keep us updated!

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IT'S POT for peetes sake. What's the worst that could happen? !

Well Athlete, to the OP, I think she is experiencing the worst that can happen and a case of the munchies it isn't.

It has been my experience attending lectures by the OBN members, they do not differentiate between pot, dilaudid, or heroin. In their eyes, it's all the same.

This is the type of situation that others have discussed when nursing students and new nurses question why they can't continue to smoke pot on their own time because it isn't hurting anyone. The answer is they can smoke all they want, but the OP's situation shows the risks.

OP, I wish you well. You may consider consulting an attorney that deals with nurses and OBN actions.

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"There will be times when you feel that your nursing career is over but it's not. This too shall pass."

If I had any idea how to PM you I would. You have no idea what that line means to me. Its like you are inside my head!!

"This too shall pass" is a saying my dad used to say. He is passed now & I think of him as a guardian angel.

For the 1st time in weeks I feel like it really will be ok.

I can't thank you enough for your wonderful words.

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yes!! that was exactly how i felt, & had to say. to say that eyes were rolled would be a bit of an understatement.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
"There will be times when you feel that your nursing career is over but it's not. This too shall pass."

If I had any idea how to PM you I would. You have no idea what that line means to me. Its like you are inside my head!!

"This too shall pass" is a saying my dad used to say. He is passed now & I think of him as a guardian angel.

For the 1st time in weeks I feel like it really will be ok.

I can't thank you enough for your wonderful words.

.

please put msg me... I too will assist and support anyway I can....if you do not have "post enough" mags here to ivy msg....you will see a friend request from me....that way we can communicate...

just keep doing going the next right thing...

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