sl33y

Well, I am living in a very small town and can't find work. I am cuurently working as an unlicensed healthcare worker for crappy pay. I don't know what to do. I am actually thinking of just giving up my license and going back to school to do something else (IT, maybe). Anyway, thanks for all the replies and good luck to anyone who has signed one of these career-killing contracts with your BON!

Well, I can tell you, after working in laboratory settings for over 7 years, that IA drug screens are NOT 100% accurate. That is why there is confirmation on non-negative tests with GC/MS (which is 99.9%) accurate. If I were you I would call the lab and have it sent for GC/MS confirmation - if that hasn't already been done.

What is a "dh"??

I am not chancing it, because I won't do what I am asking. I just find it interesting that I doubt the BON would know where or if you are working unless you tell them. As far as unemployment, you have to fill out a pretty long application and it gets reviewed. After that, they contact your previous employer for verification, so I don't think the workforce dept has a list of all people in the state who pay taxes. Also, in my agreement, it mentions nothing of them being allowed to check tax document. It doesn't even mention anything about returning to work othe than restrictions.

I see. I just don't understand how the workforce dept has my name. Thanks for the reply, guys!

Just curious... I recieved a letter stating I can return to licensed RN work but they need to have all the employer info first. How would they even know if I was working or not if I don't send them the info?? THX

Just wanted to say hello to everyone and I am doing VERY well! Still haven't heard of anything from DEA/legal problems (wheeew!). I am starting to come to peace with what happened and I hope to return to nursing in a couple of months:) THANKS EVERYONE!

Thanks for the kind words! I am really thinking a lot about going back to school (for IT, my other true love). I am still active in my recovery and am going to stay that way- with PA's VRP or not! I will give the drug testing until January and if it is still going to be 3-4 times per month then I think I will surrender my license for the 3 years or whatever it is. Besides, I am a new nurse (graduated in April) and am going to have a VERY hard time finding work here in the small town I live in. Plus, I don't have much to pawn:) lol

Quick update... I have been tested twice in the past 5 days. Ugh. I don't think I will be able to keep my license - I don't have $300/month to spend on drug tests. AND, trying to get a hold of my case manager is really disappointing. I leave messages and no one calls back. This isn't looking to good for me, but whatever happens happens, right?

Please PLEASE do take someone that is in recovery with you if you go! I know you may think you'll be good and won't dring but our disease of addiction can throw intellect and logic right out the window. If you have a friend in AA/NA or someone that really knows you and can help you during the party please invite them to go. If all else fails, just say you aren't feeling good and stay home, or pm me I will gladly talk to you:)

Thanks for all the replies! I guess I'm looking at $100 - $150 per month. That sucks. I can't believe it costs almost as much to collect the specimen as it does for the lab to run it! I worked in lab settings for ~7 years and all they do for IA tests is drop urine on a card, for pete's sake.....

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Just wanted to know how often you get selected for testing. I am really short on money and need to budget an amount for these random drug screens. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Hey, everyone! Things are going well - I just started outpatient tx and am going to 2-3 NA meetings per week. I also got a job offer doing PCT work in a Dialysis center, so I guess I'll have some income while I go through the early recovery process and treatment. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND KIND WORDS! Please do keep comments coming - I still check this thread/forum daily...

Thanks for the kind words, chief:)

Good luck, chief! You will be fine as long as you stay clean. Keep looking for a job and if all else fails, file for unemployment - you'll win because you were terminated for something you didn't do/can't control.

^ Settle down, there! My facility DID report me, it's just that they are not pressing charges. That doesn't mean someone else won't (ie DEA, etc). I HAVE indeed started treatment and applied for my BON's VRP program, so I know I am an addict and am finally getting some help. Thank for the info, though...

Lance I sent you a pm with my email addy. The mods don't like when you post email addresses in public threads:) I check my email VERY frequently, so shoot me an email whenever!

Sure, Lance. Send me your email and we can discuss.... I think things are finally turning around for me as well. It is still VERY early for me, I haven't even gotten my official treatment plan yet or gotten into the VRP program. BUT, I know what I need to do and I am going to do it. Where are you at, if I might ask?

I went back and read her OP... So, what happened to probation? I guess they did end up taking a harder stance with her instead of PO/outpatient treatment. Whatever the case, I hope she is ok and does well in rehab. I hope I get a break if/when I get charges pressed.... One day at a time and am going to a meeting soon. Finding a job is ROUGH! Didn't realize how lucky we RN's are when it comes to job security/demand!

Tell her good luck and to always keep thinking that, JUST FOR TODAY, she can stay clean! My thoughts and prayers are with you....

Thanks again, bedpan! I am beginning to feel better, although the fear of my situation comes and goes at times. One day at a time, right? YOU ALL HAVE BEEN GREAT AND I AM DEEPLY GREATFUL FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!

AWESOME!! I hope that you are doing well and I am in the same boat - job hunting! I can sustain about 2 months with no employment. After that, it is going to be tough. Problem is I live in a small town and there aren't that many jobs here, maybe walmart (yuck). Whatever happens, I realize I am focused on my treatment and can get through this in time.....

Thanks, chaotic. I saw a counselor today and also filled out all the paperwork for the VRP program. So, my treatment has begun. Now I need to find a job because neither my wife nor I are workng right now and we can't sustain more than 2 months without income:( Thanks for everyone's help and comments during these very dark times for me. I felt really good after speaking with my counselor today, so I guess that's a start. Now, hopefully the DEA forgets all about what happened and I can focus soley on treatment and keeping myself clean and serene!!

Just curious.... Has anyone been thru this kind of situation and NOT had any legal action taken?