Jesusismycopilot

I'm seeing an attorney for the first time on Tuesday. I was a mess after being kept in limbo for 2 weeks. I can't imagine being in limbo for 6 weeks! How did you survive? I'm employed in a not-for-profit healthcare system with 7,000 employees. We recently became affiliated with a larger healthcare system from Philadelphia, PA. I have been under the care of my primary care physician (he prescribes the medications and evaluates me every 2 weeks). Also, I'm in therapy with a licensed counselor weekly - it was 3 times a week for the first month. I am just now getting enough confidence to go to the grocery store, get my hair cut, etc. I was humiliated and had no self-confidence.

I don't have words of wisdom for you, but I want to share my story so you know that you are not alone. I have been looking for a nurse with a similar experience. Here is what happened to me... In May, 2016, in the middle of my shift, I was approached by the Nurse Manager. She informed me that I needed to follow her immediately. She escorted me past my Supervisor and peers; I was taken to the Administration offices. In addition to this Nurse Manager, there was a Director of Nursing, a Director of Human Resources, and another person sitting behind a computer. I was informed he would be typing notes during this meeting. I asked why I was there. At that point, the Director (whom I never met prior to that day) informed me that I was being investigated for diversion; I felt like I was blind-sided by a truck! The Director asked me to empty my pockets; I immediately complied and nothing was found. Also, I offered my car key and locker key; she accepted my locker key, but stated my car key wasn't necessary. I offered to submit to any testing and would allow her to search my home. I stated that I would do whatever was necessary to demonstrate that I was not diverting. I shared that I was a long-term (26 years) and loyal employee with excellent annual reviews and no Pyxis discrepancies of any kind! The Director informed me that they would be collecting a urine sample and if I refused I would be terminated immediately. I restated that I had already agreed to being tested. I was escorted to Employee Health to provide a urine sample. Upon returning to the Director's office, the contents of my locker were loaded onto a utility cart. The Director informed me that my belongings were removed from my locker while I was in Employee Health. She then proceeded to search my belongings; nothing was found. At that point, she informed me that I was suspended without pay, had me surrender my ID badge, and informed me that I was not to discuss the investigation with my peers. If I had questions, I was to call her. Two weeks later, I received a phone call informing me to attend a meeting the next morning. At this meeting, I was informed that all suspicions were unfounded and I was being returned to work with back pay. Since I had scheduled vacation during my suspension, they used my paid-time bank to pay me. I assured them, I was in not on vacation while I was waiting for them to get back to me. After waiting for 2 weeks in limbo, I was physically and emotionally exhausted. I asked them if they received my messages/emails asking them for an update and telling them that my emotional and physical health were getting worse with each passing day that I waited for their answer. I was informed that my requests had been received, but they wanted to complete the investigation before returning my calls/emails. I knew it would take 3 days to get the urine screen back, but waiting 2 weeks with NO information was torture. I ended up under the care of my physician who referred me to a mental health provider. I was diagnosed with a severe anxiety reaction and began medication and counseling. My providers placed me on medical leave. I've now been diagnosed with PTSD. Despite multiple requests to understand the basis for the accusations, I have not been given answers. Whenever I ask a question, I'm repeatedly informed that there is no record of me being investigated for narcotic diversion. My leave is running out and I am terrified of returning to the same position. I don't understand WHY I was accused in the first place and WHY it took 2 weeks to get back to me! I asked if there were discrepancies, patient complaints, of if I appeared to be 'under the influence'. I was informed that there were no discrepancies and no complaints, and they would not be discussing anything else because there is no record of the investigation in my employee file. If I leave this employer before August, 2017, I must pay back the entire amount of tuition benefits. It is a large sum; I would need to take a personal loan, extend the mortgage on my home, or tap into my retirement savings early and pay a penalty (I am only 54 years old). I have located an attorney that charges only $100 for a one hour consult; I have an appointment on Tuesday. I understand your feelings and concerns; this is not a situation that I ever dreamed I would be facing in my spotless (up to this point) career. I will keep you in my prayers.