EDPHRN

Allow me to give you a little background information about myself. I am an ER RN since 2000. Three and a half years ago I found myself taking Dilaudid Wastes home with me. Shortly thereafter I found myself addicted. I lost my job, but was determined to learn about myself and become well again. I Voluntarily entered the PNAP program, signed the PA VRP contract and the PNAP contract and was sent for out patient addiction counseling. I became involved with AA/NA. I retained a very expensive lawyer from Philly. (Because I was advised this was a good idea). I had no criminal charges. For the last 41 months, I have jumped through the hoops, went back to work as an RN about a year into the program, have not touched a drug or alcohol, have never had a positive drug screen, have submitted all of my paper work, paid all of my administrative fees. More importantly I have become healthy again. I have learned invaluable lessons about addiction and myself. I help others. I am active in my community. 6 months ago when I reached the three year mark, I was told I would be in the monitoring program for another 6 months because Pennsylvania didn't sign their portion of the contract until 6 months after I started.... Now, with 30 days left, I was advised I had a positive drug screen. The firdt in 41 months. I am not allowed to know what I tested positive for. I take no new medications. I have not touched a narcotic since this became an issue for me. I have not changed a thing. I am being told I have to explain this to the VRP and my problem is that I can't. I contested the urine test and it was retested with the same positive result. Again, for what I don't know, but I really have not taken a thing. I can't even identify a food that might have caused this although I have a suspicion. I am also being told that I may need to start all over again.... for yet another three years. My expensive Lawyer (who had closed my case without even so much as a phone call over a year ago because of inactivity) tells me there is nothing I can do. Does anyone know if I have any kind of defense here? Additional testing to the urine? Hair testing? I realize some will defend a lie until the bitter end.... and I realize it is easy to be put into that category with my history but there are honest people in recovery and I am one of them. Has this happened to anyone else? Suggestions? Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Im in PA. Have to do random urine drug tests 2-3 times a month monday through friday with daily check in's. Completed Drug rehab! Completed a 12 step program! Sponsoring two others at this time... still going to three meetings a week... Been clean for 6 months... :) Had to go to a "state approved" drug rehab... (which sucked... pretty obvious all they cared about was their ability to bill me) State cleared me to return to work in october.. With an incredible amount of stipulations attached. No ER Have been turned down for 2 jobs so far... BON suggested I get a job in rehab or any position that does not involve giving narcotics..... They also state that it is mandatory that I work as a nurse for 6 months with a narcotic restriction, and then another 6 months without a narcotic restriction... before I can go back to an ER... Those restrictions don't start until I get a job as a nurse. So, I have to be employed as a RN before any clock starts for me...But I can't get a job. Even if I was offered a job, I can't work days...might have to leave mid shift to provide a urine test. Can't work nights Can't work evenings and go to meetings... Oh... and by the way, I am a recovered addict. (used opiate/benzo wastes for 2-3 months at night) Just frustrating... Can not believe how foolish I was... much better now! Learned a great deal... But there is not going to be any chance to prove myself again... at least for the next three years. Yes! Could have been much worse. I have head a lot of stories and seen a lot of broken people. I am thankful! But I am also eager to try again!~