Refused UDS, what to do now?

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Recently I was told by HR that I was suspected of diversion due to my med administration numbers were higher than my other peers. I have never been disciplined for anything at work ever. Never been to work impaired or accused of anything of the sort. I didn't not consent to the drug screen because I knew I would be positive for thc from a recent delta 8 gummy that I had taken. I absolutely did not take any meds from the facility. My thought was a suspicion would be better than an absolute positive test for tsh. I was told I would be removed from the schedule until further notice. I have since then reach out to my supervisor without any response. I emailed my resignation to avoid the termination mark on my resume. Did I make the right decision? And where do I go from here? I have anxiety like never before and can't even bring myself to eat! 

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It depends on the state you live in. I've read posts on here saying it took months for BON to reach out. My advice is to get another job and keep working. If they do refer, it's good to have some money saved up. 
 

in my state, resigning in the midst of an investigation is an automatic board referral (think it's called cullen's law). It's to cover the hospital because they'd be fined if they didn't. Refusing a drug screen wouldn't lead to a referral in my state. I know a nurse who did the same and was not reported by our hospital. I would reach out to a nurse attorney for a consult to get a sense of what the hospital may do in this case. 

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

In most cases a refused UDS is a presumptive positive. There is a blood test you can get that can differentiate Delta 8 which is federally legal and good old fashioned weed. 

More concerning is the fact that you were flagged due to numbers which I assume means an annomally report from Pyxis or Omnicell. You need to look at your practuce and find out vwhat happened or this will be a pattern wherever you go. 

Hppy

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Sam_0896 said:

It depends on the state you live in. I've read posts on here saying it took months for BON to reach out. My advice is to get another job and keep working. If they do refer, it's good to have some money saved up. 
 

in my state, resigning in the midst of an investigation is an automatic board referral (think it's called cullen's law). It's to cover the hospital because they'd be fined if they didn't. Refusing a drug screen wouldn't lead to a referral in my state. I know a nurse who did the same and was not reported by our hospital. I would reach out to a nurse attorney for a consult to get a sense of what the hospital may do in this case. 

Hospitals are mandated reporters.  They can be fined if they don't report.  Investigations can happen a year later because of staffing.  This person will have a difficult time finding another job.

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If it were me I'd get a new job ,quit. call a lawyer.  No cbd ever. 

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Healer555 said:

If it were me I'd get a new job ,quit. call a lawyer.  No cbd ever. 

CBD wasn't the problem.  THC was.

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subee said:

CBD wasn't the problem.  THC was.

I'd avoid anything with CBD just in case there's a trace of THC. 

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Do whatever it takes to avoid being reported to the Tx BON. They will make your life a living HELL. And, then issue restrictions after any drug or alcohol issues that may PREVENT YOU FROM WORKING AGAIN EVER AS A NURSE! They are not monitored by anyone & are overly PUNATIVE!

They can place you in TPAN which is workable but can prevent you from giving narcotics at work. That makes getting a job difficult. 

I had DWI 30 years ago. Surrendered my license, not due to any substance abuse issues but because I worked for 2 companies, even though it was helping another RN do wound care in 2012.

when I asked for  reinstatement  I first had to do random drug screens A FULL YEAR at per test out of pocket. It's now close to $69 a test. Then, + forensic psy eval + lie detector testing {$ 1,600 out of pocket) + letters from my doctors + RN  refresher course + 80 hours of clinical onboarding . Had to show 2 meeting a week of AA + documentation of AA sponsor.

now, I have 2 years of restrictions: random drug screens 1X a week. They use Recovery Trac: must go to their approved testing sites, can not make appointment: it's first come first served. So, you have to inform your employer gotta leave my patients in another nurses care and I'm not sure how long I'll be gone. WHAT EMPLOYER IS GOING TO ALLOW THAT?!!?And, I have to work DIRECTLY WITH ANOTHER RN FOR A FULL YEAR!! I have extensive experience in Home Health & Hopice , Long Term Care and CAN NOT find a job!! I only have 2 years of acute care from 1980 & 1981. Now, I've discovered many hospitals are not hiring any nurses with restrictions. HCA, Methodist, Ascension, Baylor Scott & White ect.I have applied at Rehabs, DialysisA bunch of Psychiatric employers but they DO NOT use 2 RNs on the units. Tried to apply at clinics. Asked Board Monitor if I could be supervised by MD? No you can't  So if you get in a dispute with the Board-Call an experienced nurse attorney ASAP. If I had done that before I signed the Reinstatement Oder I might have had better results!!

DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS ON YOUR OWN!!

You will end up like me having to walk away from 28 years of nursing and accept living in poverty.

Take this SERIOUSLY !!!

 

 

 

I

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Healer555 said:

I'd avoid anything with CBD just in case there's a trace of THC. 

I had to pass a drug test last Summer for a small job and was worried because I was taking CBD, all of which has a trace of THC unless specially treated  I passed without a problem so am basing my answer on experience.  And, BTW, it didn't work in the least for me:(

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
subee said:

I had to pass a drug test last Summer for a small job and was worried because I was taking CBD, all of which has a trace of THC unless specially treated  I passed without a problem so am basing my answer on experience.  And, BTW, it didn't work in the least for me:(

I have used CBD in lotions, vape and pills for 3 years and never once have a positive test.

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aaloving1 said:

Do whatever it takes to avoid being reported to the Tx BON. They will make your life a living HELL. And, then issue restrictions after any drug or alcohol issues that may PREVENT YOU FROM WORKING AGAIN EVER AS A NURSE! They are not monitored by anyone & are overly PUNATIVE!

I had DWI 30 years ago. Surrendered my license, not due to any substance abuse issues but because I worked for 2 companies, even though it was helping another RN do wound care in 2012.

when I asked for  reinstatement  I first had to do random drug screens A FULL YEAR at per test out of pocket. It's now close to $69 a test. Then, + forensic psy eval + lie detector testing {$ 1,600 out of pocket) + letters from my doctors + RN  refresher course + 80 hours of clinical onboarding . Had to show 2 meeting a week of AA + documentation of AA sponsor.

now, I have 2 years of restrictions: random drug screens 1X a week. They use Recovery Trac: must go to their approved testing sites, can not make appointment: it's first come first served. So, you have to inform your employer gotta leave my patients in another nurses care and I'm not sure how long I'll be gone. WHAT EMPLOYER IS GOING TO ALLOW THAT?!!?And, I have to work DIRECTLY WITH ANOTHER RN FOR A FULL YEAR!! I have extensive experience in Home Health & Hopice , Long Term Care and CAN NOT find a job!! I only have 2 years of acute care from 1980 & 1981. Now, I've discovered many hospitals are not hiring any nurses with restrictions. HCA, Methodist, Ascension, Baylor Scott & White ect.I have applied at Rehabs, DialysisA bunch of Psychiatric employers but they DO NOT use 2 RNs on the units. Tried to apply at clinics. Asked Board Monitor if I could be supervised by MD? No you can't  So if you get in a dispute with the Board-Call an experienced nurse attorney ASAP.

You will end up like me having to walk away from 28 years of nursing and accept living in poverty.

Take this SERIOUSLY !

Have you tried the smaller, rural SNF's? I know it might not be desirable, but some are so desperate that they might work with you. I had a friend with stips for a severe offense (needing another RN in the facility) and she was able to work at the facility until they found new management that didn't agree with the original offense, and probably would have stayed if that didn't happen. It was only a year, but still you could work your tail off with overtime if possible,  while also have 1-2 PRN jobs to fall back on.

These places have several nurses working that have discipline on their licenses. 

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
aaloving1 said:

I had DWI 30 years ago. Surrendered my license, not due to any substance abuse issues but because I worked for 2 companies, even though it was helping another RN do wound care in 2012.

Something doesn't make sense and I truely want to understand. You say you got a DWI 30 years ago and surrendered your liscense (but not due to substance use/abuse. Also there is nothing unusual about a nurse working for more than 1 facility. We do it all the time. Please clarify if you can. I have many nursing friends in Texas who have successfully returned to practice from these programs. 

One take away that I have from talking and working with nurses in these programs is NEVER SURRENDER YOUR LICENSE. ALWAYS FIGHT FOR IT AND MAKE THEM TAKE IT FEROM YOU. will not protect you in casses of accused illegal practice.

Hppy

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