Possible BRN Program in California

gnurse2089 · May 18, 2017

First off, sorry to hear about your situation. I'm a little confused as to how the BON found out about your OD. Were cops involved? Regardless, think twice about signing up for Diversion. You won't be able to work for your first year and you'll have to enroll in rehab and complete random drug screens at your own cost so unless you have a whole bunch of money saved up, it'll be a struggle to keep up with the requirements. Not only that, but if you have to drop out of diversion due to difficulties it counts as another strike against you since you failed to complete the program.

If I were you I'd just take my chances with the board. More than likely you'll get 3 years probation which looks exactly like diversion except you can work the whole time so you can actually afford to pay for the crazy requirements.

M2185 · May 18, 2017

Thank you, it is pretty rough so far...I'm very stressed out about it! I am honestly not sure, I thought it was reported because of the situation itself. There was one cop, but I did not know he had my full name. If I choose the other route and I am put on probation doesn't it stay on my record for 10 years? Or no?

allnurses Guide · May 18, 2017

You need to get a lawyer. We aren't experts on this issue.

Do you have malpractice insurance?

I wish you the best.

M2185 · May 18, 2017

Thank you I will. I was going to actually sign up this week because I'm almost done with orientation. Thank you.

gnurse2089 · May 18, 2017

I think it stays on for life TBH with you, but I know many nurses in California who've been on probation and go on to have great careers. Most employers I've met only care about whether your license is active.

If anonymity is truly your greatest concern than diversion is the way to go but it's 5 years and thousands of dollars worth of treatment, and if you don't really feel like you have a substance abuse problem, I have a feeling you're going to want out quick.

I've been on probation for a year now because of a DUI. It's no cake walk but it seems way easier than the people in my group who are in diversion. The main difference is, the diversion nurses usually had a long history of pharmaceutical abuse so they truly view the program as saving their lives, whereas most of us on probation are there for DUIs and consider the program more of an inconvenience.

Definitely consult an attorney, just make sure you don't talk to anyone working for the diversion program before you've made a decision. They'll try to enroll you in the program immediately and once you're in there's no turning back without facing further disciplinary action.

gabby3 · May 18, 2017

Yes diversion is perfect for you. That is California program that is not discipline. When you complete it will be off your record.

Good luck

Gabby

M2185 · May 18, 2017

Thank you all. Unfortunately I was just terminated from my place of employment because I was still on probation...now I really don't know what to do. Any suggestions? I called the BRN but I'm waiting for a callback and I'm going to consult an attorney now but with limited funds I feel lost. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

gabby3 · May 18, 2017

California diversion usually doesn't nursing return to work from 6 months to a year. I applied for state disability, was easy to get. The money you receive is based on past 3 years of salary.

My md had to fill out paperwork.

California probation program is for nurses applying for Rn license who have past history, like dui.

Probation nurses are allowed to work asap. But there is discipline he on license.

M2185 · May 18, 2017

I was only there a month and told I cannot get disability...I don't believe the Diversion program is for me because I do not have an addiction, I made a one one mistake. So I am going to fight it. Thank you all.

gabby3 · May 19, 2017

They will mandate any one with depression/pscyh/addiction/dui/and one time overdose.

I hate the name of "Diversion" program. Not all of the nurses in these program have addiction or substance abuse. There are nurses that have multiple problems that are mandated into this "voluntary" program. It sucks but they are protecting the public.

When you fight the BON offer of Diversion program your file will go in front of the BON and referred to Attorney General of California. If you read the guidelines of nursing rules and regulation, you can be disciplined and placed into the "probation" or enforcement part of California program by not following the BON recommendation.

There are times when a nurse needs a lawyer and has been falsely accused of something. But this program isn't just for addiction. Its also for nurses who make one time mistakes. It sucks.

Gabby

M2185 · May 19, 2017

Thank you Gabby, I just don't have the money for this program, especially if I can't work as an RN. So I know I would fail out due to non compliance due to lack of funds to pay for all the testing. It's going to be a tough road ahead for me.