STK1982

I am very sorry to hear that you are going through this experience. However, as a person in similar shoes, I would like to say for what it's worth that this did not happen by accident. Even if you were not actually impaired at work, the effects of substances on the body are not limited to the immediate period of intoxication; you know that. This incident very well may have saved your life and, potentially, the lives of patients. I know that my recovery is the most valuable gift I have ever been given. I hope you are able to get whatever type of help you need to facilitate your ongoing health and recovery.

Hi Mark, any updates you care to share with us? I am a relatively new nurse (I only worked for 2 years) and brand new to recovery.....I lost my job and am so afraid I will never be allowed to work again!

I would be livid if I were you! Absolutely get an attorney, by whatever means necessary, and track down that test. Intimidation in the workplace is terrible. There seems to be so much wrong with what happened, I certainly hope you are able to sort it out. Good luck!

It is very sad to hear that this happened to you. I find it appalling that your caregiver left you completely without your pain medication. I am a nurse in recovery, but even at the height of my addiction I never could have withheld medication from a patient in need of pain relief. Definitely consider a lock-box of some kind, and insist that the medication be counted in your presence with every administration. Good luck - I sincerely hope that you are able to manage your pain soon.

Hello everyone, I am a nurse in Wisconsin who was terminated from my hospital position back in February for narcotic diversion. For months I applied for new jobs, hoping as the months passed that I had dodged the BON bullet....but inevitably I was contacted by an investigator and have entered into an agreement with the Board. My license is suspended, I have to complete a treatment program, go to meetings, etc. As I sit here typing this, I have tears streaming down my face. Obviously I need help and several things must take place before I will be safe in the workplace again. The thing is, I have done the AA/NA thing in the past and I feel so out of place there! Can anyone in the Milwaukee, WI area recommend any meetings or support groups geared toward health care professionals in recovery? Any feedback would be immensely appreciated!