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Hi Everyone, Thanks for your input regarding my dilemma. Since I've last posted, the BON has summoned me to have 2 separate blood draws, a hair test, and several random ua's all at different times. All tests returned negative, but the board still threatened me with: Provided that any future tests return "abnormal," you will be disciplined! Wow! I'm getting a strong vibe that they really want us to fail! At this point in time, I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize all of my hard work, all the money that I've lost and time wasted on fighting them! The threats alone make me cringe at the fact that several of my ua's returned "abnormal" due to my creatinine levels being off by a point or two! I'd rather give random blood samples just to prove that I am drug FREE! Again, thanks for your input and support!

Thanks for your reply Jack! Since my last post, the board has ordered blood tests, more U/A's and a hair sample! Honestly, I have nothing to hide nor will they ever find anything, because there is nothing to find! I am beginning to think it's more of a money thing with them. How else will they survive lest we starve? Just a thought...

Hello Everyone, I need your advice ASAP!!! My last urine sample submitted returned "abnormal!" I called the BON immediately to find out whatthe details were, and they said that my urine was "not human!" WOW!!! I am to the point now where I believe that this is all a conspiracy with certain people. The reasons why is because the BON instructed me to call the Medical Review Officer and speak with him for further details. He stated,"it is humanly impossible for someone to have a urine creatnine of 1.9," "this has to be a cat or dogs, urine," and the kicker was "this may be someone else's' urine." Well, I immediately got upset because he contradicted himself! At first he stated that it was not human urine, then he stated that I could have gotten someone else's urine! I told him that I do not own a dog or a cat, and that I was insulted that I have been accused of submitting a synthetic (false) sample! Right now, I am pretty angry! He asked me if I gave him a fake urine sample, and in turn I ensured him that I provided urine from MY BODY!!! All of my tests are observed with someone standing directly over my head, and I would NEVER jeopardize my future. I have come too far, spent too much money, been humiliated and stagnated! I previously mentioned this being a conspiracy because afterour dispute, the MRO kept saying "make sure there is MONEY in your account!" He repeated this over and over! I replied, "There is money in my account!" He was satisfied and stated that he will test the second sample. I've been giving urine samples for almost a year, andonly a few have returned abnormal due to low creatnine levels. I drink plenty of water, tea (organo gold) and coffee. It seems that they are just about money, and not concerned with our well being (emotionally, physically,mentally, psychologically). What should I do to resolve this issue? Help...!

Hi Sissiemama, Please check your pm!

Hi iluvhrts, I am not in the RNP, however, my license has been restricted: random drug screens, having to work under the supervision of an RN, and completion of 20 legal/ethical CE's. I am sure it would be better for me if I did have a physical support group, but that was not one of my requirements.:icon_roll Participating in the forum discussions have been a tremendous help! But, I can't seem to connect with anyone from my area!:uhoh21: Yes, this situation may be embarrassing to some, but once you get over the embarrassment, it's all uphill from there! Thanks for responding, and may you do extremely well with your interviews! Let us know how everything goes!

Thanks for the encouragement! Giving up is NOT an option! God speed:heartbeat

As I've stated in previous posts, I am an experienced RN with 20+ years of nursing in my heart:redbeathe! I came to a sudden impasse with the LSBN and was investigated, challenged and left for dead:sniff:! Although a previous manager, colleagues, and many employees vindicated my professional and personal character, the board would not dismiss or have leniency against the charge:nono:. I have been (and will continue to be) an outstanding citizen in my community and in the healthcare arena, but when I present the state's consent order, those who I have served and served with for many, many years turn away:down:. I've been looking for a productive, serene work environment for the past year, and still looking....! Any help:confused:??? Correction to poll question: "Were you...?"

Great! Headed to the site now! Thanks OCNRN63

Thanks chicookie! I'll check it out!

I frequent this site quite often, but there is a limited amount of Legal/Ethical nursing issues provided. I am speaking of articles required by the LSBN. They require us to submit 20 CEU related to Legal/Ethical issues in nursing within six months of receiving the consent order. I did find a site: www.nursingcenter.com which provides countless nurse legal/ethical issues, but they are quite expensive! Thanks for your reply!

Hi Learninglessons12, Contrary to popular belief, the waterfall thing does not work for me! Nor does the running water, tears, watery mouth, thoughts of the ocean, rain, or olympic swimming pool! For whatever reason, my body freezes up whenever I am required to test. I truly believe that my bladder is rebellious against the BON because of the "control" issue. However, I have taken into consideration the process that you currently follow, and will continue to "train" my bladder to "behave" itself! It's all psychological for me, but it's also a serious situation! I truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts!

I tried to hold myself once and almost had an accident! I actually went before they called my name, because I couldn't wait any longer. I ended up staying at the testing site for 2 hours, drank 3 cups of water, and my test still came back abnormal! This is so embarassing:( and seems to be a violation of our bodies! I pray for the day that this will all be a memory of the past!! Thanks so much for your response!

the important thing is that you made it through your interview with confidence! i am proud that you were collected when the tone of the interview changed. that has happened to me countless times, but you know what? if the hiring manager changes his/her minds about hiring you because of your past, you can always stand strong and say, "sorry for your loss!" keep breathing and pushing forward with extra effort!!!

Please be encouraged Isabelle. This is an unfortunate situation that has happened with your daughter, but she must move forward. Needless to say, the BON can be very challenging when it comes to care of the public. Despite the fact that your daughter was not working at the time of incident, her actions will not be excused. I can blunt, if I may, because I am dealing with them as well. If she is on probation now, she must follow all BON guidelines (strictly) and remain compliant with their recommendations. The road will be a long one to travel, but she can do it. With your support and other encouraging professionals, she will make it!

Hi, I'm in LA. Don't know too much about TPAPN, but all programs are just about the same. I have had a few abnormal test results due to overdiluted urine. My CM suggested that I test upon first void, which is impossible! When I arise in the morning, I head straight to the bathroom! If I'm required to test, I drink lots of water or coffee (due to a shy bladder). Any suggestions???

Be encouraged my fellow nursemate! I understand that Davita is a recovery friendly place, and you should do well with your interview. As with anything that poses a challenge, take a deep breath, relax, think about your future, and be yourself! Grace & peace!

Hello Backtowork, Like others have stated, after checking in, random testing usually starts right away! In LA, we test 7 days per week/365/yr! It's a good idea to check in as early as possible. If you are going out of town, check your list for testing sites. They're located everywhere! It would also be wise not to take any Benadryl, unless you can prove that it was prescribed by a bonified md. Again, as stated in a previous post, check your BON's list of approved medications. As for the ETOH free hand soap, our facilities provide all ETOH based soaps, but I have not had a problem with using them. Just ensure that when handling your specimen, you clear your hands free of any residue. Take care, and God bless!

Thanks Karen!

I am searching for free ce's related to the topic "Legal/Ethical and Professional Issues For Nurses." Can anyone PLEASE point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance!

How do we deter the thought process of these "said" individuals? If the ADA and other organizations can back indidviduals with circumstances such as ourselves, why haven't they done so? The comments, posts, stories, ideas, etc. has helped me personally through this transition (knowing that I am not alone), but what entity will truly step up and assist us in fighting for our rights? Nursing is the one of the most esteemed professions, and we rally to advocate and fight the rights of patients/families, their ethical dilemmas, and legistative nursing laws, but I say once again, when it comes to us "nurses" we MURDER one another!!! WHY are we letting this happen? WHEN will the UNION truly come together? WHO is willing to take on this battle? HOW is it going to get started? WHERE will it all end? And at WHAT time will we stand together and say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH??? KNOWLEDGE + POWER = IMPACT!!! :twocents:

This situation is most unfortunate! I have been a nurse for over 15 years, and the pride and dignity that we have when we become nurses does not have to go out the window when our insufficiencies are exposed. I worked as a med/surg director once, and the experience was Grande! I hired many nurses that were on probation, in the RNP, etc., and their past histories never phased me! We (nurse candidate and I) agreed to look towards the future and begin a prosperous sober future together! I provided counseling, encouragement, and even personal 1:1's with all of my nursing staff, and actually, these were the BEST nurses I've ever worked with! I NEVER judged anyone's past, because I am a firm believer that EVERYONE has "issues" some of us just know how to conceal them better than others, and some of us NEVER get caught! Just recently, I incurred a board consent order for failing a pre-employment drug screen (tested (+) for THC). I did not expect to be on this side of the table, but it is what it is! At first, I was embarrassed, ashamed, and felt guilty that I had let those who looked up to me down, but I can assure you that I am going to be better and not bitter from this situation! Again, keep in mind, WE ALL HAVE A PAST!!! And, those who are quick to judge perhaps are doing the most wrong ! They know who they are, but they rule with such iron fists only to protect, cover up, and hide their own mistakes! In this case, I will toot my own horn and humbly say, that I wish there were MORE compassionate, understanding, and caring people (nurses) like me that would give us a second chance without be condescending and judgmental. We as nurses proclaim that we will always "care" for others, but should that exclude our own? NOT!!! Nurses do eat their own...and I believe that!!! LORD help us all! T.O.T. He who is without sin, cast the first stone!

greetings all, i just entered a la board consent order and have been devastated throughout the process! i tested (+) for thc on a pre-employment drug screen, and it has been downhill ever since! i have been unemployed for 2 months now and have been unsuccessful at securing another job. like many of you have stated, most nursing jobs require an "unrestricted" license and mines come with several restrictions (1) random drug tests, (2) no etoh/controlled substances, and (3) supervision by nursing staff. i haven't seen many posts from nurses in la, but if you're out there, please chime in! i did have two great job offers (school nurse and clinical liaison), but the consent requires me to be monitored by another nurse. neither job has nursing supervisors, only direct supervision by superintendent’s or business administrators. i was ecstatic to receive both offers, but recalling the consents' stipulations, i can't seem to move forward! are there any nurses working in a school or business setting without supervision of another nurse? if so, how do i attain this or even any job!!?? your response would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks tokmom. I truly understand your frustrations, because our nurses are in the same boat. Quality patient care is significantly being affected due to our shortages. However, I have to say, most of our nurses are troopers. We have a pretty good team, and everyone tries their best to support one another. Sure, we have moments when breaks are skipped and patients aren't getting the 100% holistic care they deserve, but at all costs we have each others' back. Our HPPD is 8.7 for a 42-bed unit. It has been cut to the bare bones based on historical date, due to the fact that we ALWAYS work short, and barely get by with 7 nurses on day shift and a charge (sometimes with a full patient load). We can only PUSH (pray until something happens)! Good that is! Thanks for sharing.

hours per patient day

We run a high acuity 42-bed med-surg/tele unit. HPPD has been decreased, and we need help establishing a good staffing matrix. Trying not to reinvent the wheel here! Thanks in advance!