Jasonsmb

I have been on probation in CA for over two years. I have been employed as a dialysis RN for the past year or so. I care for 30 patients a day roughly and I use hand sanitizer EVERY time I’m in contact with them, which is probably at least 4 times a patient. So, I use hand sanitizer before and after contacting the patient, so that’s roughly 240 times a day I use hand sanitizer. LOL, that’s a lot.....I have never really thought about it. But, I have had 3 peth tests and none of them came back positive. I hope this helps.

My story....... https://www.americannursetoday.com/blog/my-journey-to-addiction-and-back/

Yes thank you! It was an absolutely horrific experience, but I’m way better off today for learning how to fight through the adversity. I am starting a job as a QA RN for a home health agency. Truly miraculous, I’m so thankful for a second chance. All of my convictions were expunged, and I have a new lease on life. Thanks for reading and please share with all the nurses and/or other health professionals you know. We really need to get the word out that these kinds of things happen to good people who get beat up by the profession. We all know it happens, we need to take care of each other.

Heart, soul, and redemption: My journey to addiction -- and back https://www.americannursetoday.com/blog/my-journey-to-addiction-and-back/

Sorry to hear about your struggles. First of all, just know that your not alone and hundreds of nurses have been in your shoes....including myself. I'm waiting to hear if I will be reinstated, and I should be based on how my board hearing went. Be thankful that the hospital you worked for allowed you to self report. If they reported you it would impact how the board and/or diversion program would view your case. My personal opinion is to get both a criminal attorney and a separate attorney for addressing the board. This will simply give you "peace of mind" throughout the process. Expensive, but worth it in my opinion. Also, 100% transparency is important to your employer, but also your sanity. I don't know how severe your problem is, but for me taking a year off from nursing would have been beneficial for me. You need to work on yourself. If you don't you will relapse and end up in even bigger trouble. Trust me, I have been there. I suffered the worst possible consequences from my addiction. Spent time in jail, lost my license, integrity, respect.....everything that you are probably dealing with now. There is a road back, you just have to do the work and jump over the hurdles that the board and justice system will put in front of you. Keep in mind that some of the most skillful and knowledgeable nurses divert. It truly is a befuddling situation, I wish you the best!