Recovery & Monitoring Program (RAMP)

[sunxfire, DNP]

I posted this elsewhere, but it may be more easily found if I post it as a separate thread...so here goes!

I am reaching out to those nurses in the Recovery & Monitoring Program of NJ (and to those faced with similar circumstances). I have been in enrolled for about 6 months, and I have never been more appalled by the corruption that is this "recovery" program. I am looking to write to various influential state representatives in hope of receiving a response. I know this may not create change, but perhaps, it will create awareness. I'd love to hear any input (pros/cons).

I used to think their intention was to help turn my life around for the better, but after jumping through flaming hoop after flaming hoop--I have come to realize that it's almost strictly a money sink that operates behind the facade of ~helping nurses~. On an up-note my recreational drug use has ceased, but my depression/anxiety has become severe, and I have constant nightmares and panic attacks. I am hesitant to inform them of the issues at hand, in fear of having them inactivate my recently activated license. I am in fear of saying anything that could potentially worsen my situation, as I have seen them bear down on so many nurses who dare to question their ways. What aggravates me more--is that they abuse the 'voluntary' aspect of this program as a loophole to eradicate our individual rights.

...this question often comes to mind-- if addiction is viewed as a physical defect in the hedonic system of the brain (i.e. a disease), then why are we being punished for our disease? It seems like, as a society, we are still operating archaically in regards to a mental disorder such as this.

There are a few great articles (listed below) that refer to addiction, and how we are going about 'treating' it, in a manner which often proves to be ineffective. Dear RAMP, if you truly want to help us, there is no need to break us, for we are already full of shame and guilt. Perhaps, what we need is support and individually-based treatment. Stripping me of structure, a job, financial security and forcing me to forego my admission into school to acquire my DNP...none of it has helped me. Only fear is keeping me sober. I have never been more miserable and broken in my entire life.

Assuming I graduate from RAMP in 2020, I will have handed over a minimum of $17,000. I would have been graduating from my DNP program that year. Hopefully, by then I will have found a job...although, after many emotionally draining job rejections, I am afraid that may take more time than expected. ....I will keep fighting, because this is my life and I've only got one. You may be able to break me, but you will never destroy my character and determination.

What a lovely way of thanking the people that truly care, those with endless empathy that will literally break their back to help another.

Dear RAMP, perhaps, you need to take a closer look...and try a bit harder to find where the root of the problem lies....

Interesting Articles:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...we-should-stop

http://www.instituteforaddictionstud...%20%26%20A.pdf

[megbabyrn]

sunxfire,

I feel your pain!! I left RAMP in 2014 for those very reasons, and transferred to PAP. You are treated so fairly, like a human being. Yes, fees are involved, but your health insurance pays for your screens. Why??? Because a physician writes a prescription!! RAMP is utilizing treatment plans without physician imput!!!! Sound scary!! It is being addressed by PAP in the very best way, that is all I can say here!! RAMP had those of us who switched, our licenses arbitrarily suspended, " because". I am waiting to hear if mine is ok to re-instate. It was brought up at the 12/4 meeting. Fingers crossed!!

megbabyrn an RN for 39 years, in RAMP, cause I couldn't handle my 26 yr old's death of a drug OD.

[RNdynamic]

I'm not with RAMP, but from what I've seen from HAVEN in the state of CT, corruption is rife within this assistance program business.

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

AMEN!!!! This posts says exactly what I have been trying to put into writing for the last two years!! These programs are nothing but a constantly flushing money toilet. Maybe, way back in the dark ages, this was meant to help people and perhaps for some it has, but I think for the majority (as evidenced by the above poll results) it has been nothing but damaging punishment and a cash cow for someone. It's a fantastic conspiracy theory that the "treatment" (I'll not go into my opinion on that) providers are looped in with these programs,but I think many of us caught up in this would agree with it.

These programs have become a catch all disciplinary measure for nurses who either truly need help or have the audacity to have some type of treatable condition. What would result in adequate real treatment for "regular" people is morphed into criminal activity for us. Why? I firmly; believe that it is about a combination of money, outdated modalities of treatment, dark ages prejudice and an "easy fix."

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

...this question often comes to mind-- if addiction is viewed as a physical defect in the hedonic system of the brain (i.e. a disease), then why are we being punished for our disease? It seems like, as a society, we are still operating archaically in regards to a mental disorder such as this.

It's not the disease we are being punished for, it's our actions while in its grip - such crimes as Stealing meds, driving/working while intoxicated......

Hppy

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

What about the thought that if the disease was properly treated (bipolar depression in my particular case) said so-called "crime" would not have occurred. Incidentally mine was not an illegal action anyway.

I think what is grating is that these programs have morphed into generic punishment disguised as help, thereby drawing in people that don't belong there and need assistance, not punishment. All in the pursuit of the almighty dollar. Sad.

[RNdynamic]

The other issue I have with the assistance programs is this -- why must they drag on for so many years? If after a year of treatment someone has been clean and sober and functioning well, why do they have to spend another four years being barred from working in certain specialties or shifts?

[Rox0978]

At Sunxfire

any updates?

[sunxfire, DNP]

Hey Rox~! I am no longer in the program after spending a lovely 30k over the required 5 years; I graduated from marp (ramp) in the Summer of 2020.  I have completed my DNP (2021) and I am working as both an RN and NP (for variety).

 I have recently started working on organizing my thoughts with the hope of creating an expose on these programs (after months of blocking it all out).  I still have the occasional nightmare and I am hesitant to participate in therapy due to my fear of having something discussed and/or taken out of context.  I am aware of our friend HIPAA & confidentiality agreements; however, after being in the program and working in the field (oncology and psychiatry), it is clear that many loopholes exit. 

Please, don't hesitate to reach out to me to vent or with questions. =T

Nurses can change the world--we just need to come together as a unified force nationwide and stop throwing each other under the bus. ❤️

[Rox0978]

That’s awesome!! How did you make it through 5 years?! Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

[sunxfire, DNP]

Thank you! 

To answer your question...I constantly referred back to my desire to overcome this challenge and not let them win.  I used my anger/resentment/ advancements in education as energizing forces to help push through the abuse and chaos.  There were many times that I wanted to quit and/or change professions.  I still believe change is required and I am not done fighting just yet.  You've got this. 

[Rox0978]

Thank you. I just started my 90 day evaluation period so I have no idea what’s in store for me yet. Did you have any restrictions placed on you during your 5 years?