Recovery Help

[steelersRN]

I recently got into a disagreement with the nurse manger on the unit and was sent for a "fit for duty" assessment (managers trump card). At this time they did a drug an alcohol urine and blood test, which came back negative. Several years ago I came up positive for alcohol in both my urine and blood. I took full resposibility for my actions and was devasted. My identical twin sister was killed several months prior to the event in a house fire that she had caused while drinking. It was a horrible time for me and it was the trigger that made my drinking esculate. I went straight into an aggressive outpatient tx and stayed in recovery for about 2 yrs. 2 years ago I started drinking again thinking of course I could handle it but I couldn't. I never drank at work, never had any legal issues, never made a mistake at work and recieved nothing but high praises from both the staff and patients for my hard work. I woke up one day realizing where this was heading and admitted myself into a 28 tx center and now I have been in recovery for over a year now.

I was honest with my nurse manager at the time and disclosed everything to her only to have it thrown back into my face with this disagreement. Now I am being forced to report to occupational health every morning before my shift to take a breath alyizer test and report monthly to the employee assistance office to meet with a counslor. I also learned at this time that my contract of employeement had never or will it ever expire. I have gotten nothing except run around when I have questioned the hospitals actions regarding this and when I asked why at no time prior to this event was a random drug screen done on me the answer I get is "I don't know" I really think that this is wrong and feel like I am being mistreated because of my recovery. I have gone to the assistant nursing director regarding this matter only to receive a phone call from my nurse manager yelling at me because I went to her boss over this matter. I am looking for advice and also hoping you all will share what your hospitals policy is on employee addiction and recovery.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

i am not clear what you mean about your contract, but as far as the harrassment, and that is what it is LAWYER UP NOW, an employment lawyer....good luck

[southernbeegirl, BSN, RN]

I've been with the same company since I entered treatment. I have a similar "contract" at my job. I have weekly drug screens and will as long as i'm employed there. even now, 4.5 years later, i'm in constant contact with employee health and eap.

I dont know what to say about your problem with the nurse manager though. I think i would put in for a job transfer to another dept in that case.

[wubbzy]

I was just wondering why you are upset about having to do a breathalyzer and drug screen......Maybe you don't "deserve" it, but you can do those tests without worrying if it is positive or negative if you are not using. I would welcome the tests...if for nothing else......to PROVE (hahaha,,,) that I was clean and sober. As for your nurse manager....treat her as if she were a sick friend. Good Luck!

[mzloco]

Sounds like your manager may have a bit of a chip on her shoulders...but thats her problem. sounds like your doing the right thing , showing up and taking the daily tests. Sounds kind of harsh but its there dime and look on the bright side...its keeping you sober.

[mummasheesh]

Steelers RN, Somewhere in the recovery literature it states that we should look at the rest of the world as if they are all to some extent also sick. (This is a horrible paraphrase, sorry!) With that being said, maybe you can put your Nurse Manager aside, maybe even pray for her, and focus on what you can control, which is your recovery and your (gr)attitude.

Sometimes the gifts of recovery come disguised. Maybe your HP knows something that you do not and is keeping you safe.

Good luck living life on life's terms, and congratulations on your recovery!!!!!!

[jackstem]

The best "revenge" is to live a clean, sober, happy life!

Read your emplyee handbook to see if they have any list reasons for requiring a drug screen. I'm not an attorney, but it seems to me this is being carried a little too far. Most of the places where I've worked and/or consulted have to have documentation of the reason(s) they want a screen. If your argument was a documented reason that might be acceptable. Requiring you to report for breathalyzer/screens on a continuing basis may be out of line. It almost sounds like harassment. You might have recourse under the American's with Disabilities Act.

I agree with the suggestion of consulting with an attorney who has administrative law background and someone familiar with the nurse practice act. Contact The American Association of Nurse Attorneys to see who they might recommend in your area.

Jack