tarab333

Yes, finding a job can be very challenging and disheartening. Where in KY are you located?

The "no results" time frame can last for a while, it really just depends on when the lab received your specimen. I have had it go for a week or more before I've had a result. Don't get hung up on the lab specimens, as long as you know you are clean and sober, that's all that matters.

Our tests are not strip tests. Dude, my VERY FIRST drug screen was abnormal- I was in total meltdown mode- because it was over the weekend, and all the site said was "abnormal" . It ended up being a creatinine thing for me as well, but LAWDY, it makes you sweat when you see the abnormal on there! That's why for my own sanity, I just stopped checking, I figure my monitoring agent will let me know if it's something I need to worry about! How far along are you in the program now?

Don't get hung up on these things, as long as you know you are clean, that's all that matters. Early on, I would get myself whipped up into a state over these things, I had a similar thing happen to me before and although I knew I was clean, I kept tripping about it. It was all fine in the end, I tell you what I do now, I don't even check the site anymore for my results, don't need to, I know I'm clean and that's all that matters. Don't stress yourself about the small stuff, keep focused on your recovery, and it all works out!

@ThatOneNurse, I can totally empathize with you on the observed- mental block thing. It is something I have to consciously be aware of and train myself to let it go- no pun intended!! That being said, observed screens are always a possibility- but thus far, almost 3 years in, I have not been selected for an observed one.

I have been in for almost 3 years, the testing is just like KyBeagle explained. You really just get used to it, it just becomes part of your day, like anything else, log in, first thing in the morning, then go from there. I have gone a month and a half without being tested, I have been tested twice in 1 week, once a month, twice a month, it just varies.

Congrats on your upcoming graduation, well done! In November, it will be 3 years for me, and I have had a wonderful experience. It IS totally doable. I've had 3 different case managers thus far, and each has been amazing. My advice, commit to the 5 years, get into a habit of logging in everyday FIRST thing to Affinity, and keep going. It will pass a lot quicker than you think. Get your life back on track, save your career, bring hope and encouragement to others.

VERY nice! Thanks for sharing. Yes, you will definitely not see me on here shedding any kind of negative light on this BON. I have been treated with dignity and respect, and in the 2.5 years I have been involved with the KARE program, I have had 3 Case Managers, all of them wonderful. They are definitely in the business of protecting the public, but in my experience, they go above and beyond, all of my case managers have wanted nothing but success for me. All that being said, make no mistake, this process is daunting and scary and unsettling, but with dedication and a real desire to get back on track and save your profession, it is not as painful as one thinks. I am always available to lending a non-judgmental ear and hand to anyone who is struggling, I have been through this process before with another BON (as I am also doing again now) so, I know how overwhelming and disheartening it can feel....BUT IT DOES GET BETTER!!

I am available to help you- I understand feeling overwhelmed and devastated- not sure if you can PM yet- but I would love to try and help you

I have a slightly different take on the boards. I have worked with 2 boards on two separate occasions and I have never felt resentment towards them. They are there to protect the public, not to hold our hands. I am in this mess because I am in this mess and I am actually grateful that they are even giving me a chance to retain my license.

I am so sorry to hear about all of this. Just know, although it seems bleak right now, it will get better. You have taken the right steps and admitted you have a problem. As far as nursing, I am not sure what the state of Michigan does, but I know that most of the time, once you enter into a contract/consent, home health is out of the question. Keep going, one day at a time, you will get better and figure this out. It is a long process though, so get strapped in for the ride.

Welllll, let's not get carried away now, enjoy?, no, not really, but I am grateful for it, as I am also working with the Ohio Board and that process is not quite as "enjoyable". I count my blessings where I can these days. :) . Take a deep breath, it gets easier.

Don't let it get you overwhelmed, it's a process. Next month, it will be 2 years into the 5 already for me. It goes fast- they are super friendly and helpful. Just remember to check in with Affinity daily- get a system for that- it is the first thing I do everyday and I the confirmation in my calendar. Go to your meetings, send in your monthly reports. It becomes second nature. This is a great forum for support. Best, Tara

Best of luck, you deserve it, let us know what happens!

Oh, and 1 more thing, don't get hung up on time...."haven't heard from the hospital and it has been almost 2 weeks"....don't do that to yourself, keep looking forward, things will happen when they are supposed to...one day at a time- FORWARD! :)