Positive Test on Probation

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Hello nurses. If anyone is out there that can give me feedback, I would appreciate it. I'm a CA nurse who is on probation for a DUI I got prior to becoming a nurse. I am actually close to my 3 year term and Mother's Day, I slipped up and drank mimosas. I completed had amnesi, Idk how. But I was at a gathering with friends and family whom I had not seen in years and someone gave me a glass to cheers with and the rest is history. I had to test 2 days later with a Peth Test. I assume they were doing blood cause I was close to ending my probation. Well, I got called 7 business days later with a positive by the BON. I never had any other issues at all, no violation notice ever. Never missed a drug test or check in, all reports were timely...just this BIG mistake. I currently have a great job and my boss knows what's going on. She wants to write the board a letter for me. The BON gave me 5 days to explain myself as they have an INTENT TO CEASE PRACTICE, I also have 5 days to write a plan of action, but I don't even know what good that will do. The BON gave me this feeling that I would lose my license or something? Anyone out there that has knowledge or gone through this? I really am so broken and discouraged. I really hate myself. I was so close. I hope I can stay in probation and continue to work- maybe extend my probation? I just hope my license isn't revoked or suspended...but I really am prepared for the worst. Thanks for reading.

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Sounds like you had a slip up- I did with something much more illegal 2 years into probation- I wrote my letter to the BON taking full responsibility and re-engaged with 1:1 counseling. Got a letter from the BON thanking me for my letter and plan, and that was it. No more time on my contract- Ill be graduating in 2 months.

I figured that was that, but it seems like the BON actually took my slip up as I did- a lesson learned as to what led me there even while in monitoring.

As with everything else, take it one step at a time. Humility, honesty, self reflection, and forgiveness of yourself.

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Thanks so much for your feedback. I am in Ca. Where are you from, May I ask? I was talking with my Nurse Group Facilitator and she just warned me that a realistic outcome is revocation as in her experience with someone else, that's what happened to them. I am so terrified. Did you self report to the BON or did you wait until they contacted you? I took my test and was thinking it would be positive, but didn't notify them first, the BON contacted me and stated I violated my probation. They said I had 5 days to write a letter explaining myself as well as a plan of action. I will be turning them in by Friday. What do you mean by 1:1 counseling? I am in a 3 year probation and only required to go to AA once a week. Did not need a sponsor. But I think I need one now. I never worked the steps. I didn't have to go to a treatment program. I am writing the BON and telling them I will go to AA meeting 7 days a week, find a sponsor, and finally work the 12 steps. I never did that in my 2 years plus I have been in the program. I really hope they don't revoke my license. Just wondering how long your probation is? You said you were 2 years in it and messed up.. t hey didn't add time to you, you're so lucky. My heart is broken..thanks again for your words!

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1:1 counseling is just individual counseling.

I told the board I would re-engage in treatment. I had another substance abuse assessment and the provider recommended that I continue working as part of my recovery plan. He agreed that 1:1 counseling would be a good thing for me. He also wanted me to think about when my relapse actually started.

A relapse is part of recovery- Just be honest with your plans with the BON- that will mitigate a positive test (hopefully).

Im a couple of states north of you :)

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Hi there, thanks so much for the response! I sent my letter today and was honest as well. I basically told them the same thing. I live in CA and I have heard that they are pretty strict. They're cut and dry. I'm trying to prepare for the worst scenario which is revoking my license. I wanted to know if I should surrender it or have it revoked? I want to be a nurse again when/if they re-instate me. Just don't know which is the quickest way if it's surrendered or revoked. Any info helps. Thank you.

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So sorry about your story but hopefully I can help. I was put on a 3 year monitoring agreement for DUI I got 10 years prior to applying for my license. 4 months before my term was up I slipped and had 2 beers on Mother's Day then tested positive. for etg. It was a horrible mess. My caseworker also told me I had to explain within 5 days and not return to work. I chose to get a lawyer to fight for me. I ended up with 4 years probation and my case going public. You will be disciplined but it really is out of your hands. Every one says get a lawyer and that's what I ended up doing. Not sure if it was the best or not. Hindsight I wish I would have rolled the dice with the board and saved my money . I didn't feel like my lawyer was even working for me. You messed up and know things will pry get really difficult for you . Hang In there and don't give up.

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I forgot to mention to forgive yourself. I have spent the last year being mad at my self and it doesn't help.

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Thank you so much for your feedback. I'm with you. I really hate myself right now. I keep thinking " If only.." I am having really bad anxiety as well. I'm just waiting to hear from the Board now. I sent in my letters on Friday 5/27. How long did it take for them to give you a determination? Just curious. My probation monitor allowed me to work still, which I initially thought was strange. I contacted a lawyer and he told me to wait until I hear back from the Board. I haven't hired him yet. Not sure exactly what I am gonna do- depends on what the outcome is. I am on probation which is public already...so not sure what is left besides suspension or revocation. :( Thank you again

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Thanks so much for your feedback. I am in Ca. Where are you from, May I ask? I was talking with my Nurse Group Facilitator and she just warned me that a realistic outcome is revocation as in her experience with someone else, that's what happened to them. I am so terrified. Did you self report to the BON or did you wait until they contacted you? I took my test and was thinking it would be positive, but didn't notify them first, the BON contacted me and stated I violated my probation. They said I had 5 days to write a letter explaining myself as well as a plan of action. I will be turning them in by Friday. What do you mean by 1:1 counseling? I am in a 3 year probation and only required to go to AA once a week. Did not need a sponsor. But I think I need one now. I never worked the steps. I didn't have to go to a treatment program. I am writing the BON and telling them I will go to AA meeting 7 days a week, find a sponsor, and finally work the 12 steps. I never did that in my 2 years plus I have been in the program. I really hope they don't revoke my license. Just wondering how long your probation is? You said you were 2 years in it and messed up.. t hey didn't add time to you, you're so lucky. My heart is broken..thanks again for your words!

Hey there - I finished my program with CA 10 years ago (My gosh has it been that long:))

Here's deal - I never actually relapsed but I had two false positive etgs and was put off work while those were investigated and I was able to produce two clean Urines. If you have not already sent you remediation plan I would change it to use the AA lingo that you will or have already started doing 90 meetings in 90 days. That you will actively seek a sponsor to guide you through the steps and that you will work those steps with humble acceptance of you affliction. If ask why you didn't come forward immediately say you were scared. Under no circumstances you though the test might come out negative.

Hugs to you - turn to your higher power and pray on it. you may have to start over but this is not a race won by the quick.

Peace

Hppy

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

I have nothing constructive to add, but all the positivity and support in this thread made me so happy. Good luck, OP

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any new news? surrender or fight?

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I hired a lawyer and will try to fight it

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