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! :)

You're welcome, we've all been there, and it sucks, I mean it SUCKS. But here's the thing, whatever happens, whatever is recommended, go with it. You are in this situation for a reason, and clearly you already have a good idea why you were using, dig into that, that's where the magic happens, that's where healing lives, and don't stay silent, keep talking about it and reaching out, our disease grows in the dark recesses of our minds, you must shine a light in there. Most importantly, know that you CAN do this, it might be the hardest thing you will ever do, but in the long run, it is so worth it.

What a nice post, well said and supportive, and on point! I couldn't agree more, it's a long road, but in the end, the journey was exactly what I needed, it's difficult to see that when you are in the "perfect storm" of your addiction and consequences.

I agree, with you, I mean the evidence was there- I admitted to the hospitals as well. The criminal charges I left that up to my attorney. My charges both times were Theft of Drugs. Again you may qualify for treatment in lieu. The second time around, I had already called the BON and had begun the process of getting into their monitoring program and was in treatment by the time I went to court for my charges, I put together a list for the judge of things I had mentioned above along with other things I was doing to stay clean and get healthy. The judge was impressed and even shared with me that his brother was in recovery, and was very encouraging to me (it was kind of a surreal experience). I received 2 years probation, was successfully released from probation after 11 months. Like I said, when you are doing the right thing, the right things will happen. Hang in there.

Okay, I always go with this, my brother is a former criminal prosecutor and assistant DA , he told me a long time ago, that "you have no business talking to the police without legal representation, the cops, no matter how friendly they seem, are NOT you friends." So, there you go, I know that there are expenses and you don't think you will be able to make, I think I can say that we have all felt that way, but you will get through this, and money comes and goes, but a criminal record.... that STICKS, and makes the prospect of making money difficult. I know it seems like a Catch 22- but in the long run, you will not regret having legal representation for the criminal side of things. I have been through this ordeal twice, and both times the hospitals (2 different ones) each pressed charges. The first time I was able to get "treatment in lieu of conviction," so that may be a option for you as well. My advice regarding the BON, call them, ask about the Alternative to Disc program, do not wait until they call you. Get a jump on things with the Board. Things will seem to get worse before they get better, I remember thinking 2 years ago, "OMG, when is the bad news ever going to end?" It seemed that every day something new and dreadful came up...this will happen, just keep your chin up, take things as they come, and try not to obsess and "what if?" That will make you nuts!! Focus on getting better, getting your disease into remission. Best to you, hang in there.

I am currently in my second go around with nursing boards..I used a separate attorney the first time for the board, and quite honestly it was a waste of money. I relapsed 2 years ago and this time I did not use an attorney for either board (I am working with 2). It is definitely up to you, however, you seem to be forthcoming and that makes all the difference in the long run. As Stepper said above, you could save the expense, because believe me, there are many more expenses coming in the next several years- (assessments, drug screens, other assessments or classes the boards may require). I have been here, it's rough, but it does get better, and so will you.

yeah I went 45 days once without a test....don't worry, they'll make it up to you one month and drop you back to back or something!!

Very eloquently stated Catsmeow, a superb example of class, respect, and SUPPORT!

Are you in the KARE program? Don't let it get you down, or overwhelmed, you are doing the right thing.

Yes, I have been before 2 boards of nursing without an attorney, really it all comes down to your personal preference and the facts of your situation. In my cases, I did not wish to disagree with the facts that the board had regarding what I had done, so I felt there was really no reason to obtain counsel. I also have used an attorney with a board the first time around (I relapsed after 8 years clean) and for me, he did not help me at all, just took my money and I would've had the same outcome. So, it is really just up to you and the facts of your case, go with your gut, take a real assessment of your case and then decide, you have to do what you think is best in the long run, it's truly a personal decision.

KyBeagle says it best! No doubt!!!