Requesting modifications on my restrictions

reneern623 · Jun 4, 2016

Why is it too soon to ask for narcotic privileges back? I am able to ask after I have been working for 6 months. I will have 18 months clean then but I took a longer time off before returning to work so I know of people that will get their narcotic privileges back at around 12 months clean.

Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Jun 4, 2016

I requessted modifications from the beginning and they were granted. You shouldnt be afraid to ask This is Peer Assistance. They should be assisting you to move forward in practice. In Tx after 6 months (i think) you can give narcs i did home health and I had to meet face to face with my boss daily. She initialed a paper every day. It took less than a minute. So yes in some states mods are done.

willow14 · Jun 4, 2016

Thanks so much for your insight. In my state, where the nurse's discipline/case has been made public and can be viewed on the BON's website, I have been following cacases where those nurse's have asked for restrictions to be lifted (access to narcotics, ability to work in home health, etc) but their request is denied....the reason the board gives is "not enough time under board order or in their contract." However, my casenis not public and I am in the confidential/monitoring program......I wonder if that would make a difference?

However, I agree that I maybe I shouldn't be so afraid about asking. I do feel solid in my recovery and have learned so much throughout this process.

allnurses Guide · Jun 4, 2016

Thanks so much for your insight. In my state, where the nurse's discipline/case has been made public and can be viewed on the BON's website, I have been following cacases where those nurse's have asked for restrictions to be lifted (access to narcotics, ability to work in home health, etc) but their request is denied....the reason the board gives is "not enough time under board order or in their contract." However, my casenis not public and I am in the confidential/monitoring program......I wonder if that would make a difference?
However, I agree that I maybe I shouldn't be so afraid about asking. I do feel solid in my recovery and have learned so much throughout this process.

It never hurts to ask - especially if you have been 100% compliant with your contract. I would caution you against asking for two many things at once. If I read your original post correctly you have been under contract for over two years. How long have you been working? I only know California's program but in my case I asked for Narc privilege after 6 months employment and got it. Then at my next meeting with the monitoring board ask to be able to work "Occasional OT" and got it etc.....

The whole purpose of a monitoring program is to help you move forward in your recovery while ensuring public safety (which is the BON's mandate).

So in my humble opinion ask away - if they say no don't argue with them just ask for something at each meeting and keep your fingers crossed.

Peace

Hppy

willow14 · Jun 4, 2016

I was lucky to find an RN job in an office setting., which was conducive with my restrictions. I have been at my job for a littile over one year.

I have been in my contract for 1 yr & 9 months....so it will be 2 years in Sept.

I enjoy my job and am extremely grateful fornthe opportunity.....but I am also looking towards the future and would eventually like to use my hands on nursing skills again.

Thanks for responding!

jdub6 · Jun 9, 2016

I was able to get modifications- i had the narcotic restriction lifted 3 months early withletters of support from my treatment team basically saying my inability to get a job with that restriction (it was cited in multiple denials) was causing severe stress etc. I didn't think they'd do it but my therapist encouraged me to try and they did! That was early on, in the first year.

Later around year 3 out of 5 i asked to have less restrictions on specialty area- specifically to remove the no critical care part. This was much easier to get as i had been compliant and successfully working and they felt if that was my career goal it was better i be monitored when i started it. I had letters of support for that also.

It doesn't hurt to ask. If you can come up with solid reasons why it would help your recovery that's important. Support from your treatment team is very helpful especially if your program knows and trusts your providers.

catsmeow1972, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2016

at least with me, I've learned to not hold my breath. My state seems to issue generic contracts with the same stipulations for everyone (unless you've messed up in which case, after you having to spend MORE money for dumb, biased evaluations, it gets worse, possibly to the point of a complete inability to get work. I know one girl that relapsed and her result was a recommendation that employment be not in any clinical area at all. Not suprisingly, no job prospects for her.) I've turned in all their little reports on time and never had a blip that was out of line. (I purposely wake up at 4am, do the check in and go back to sleep for a while. If I have to go, its first thing in the morning...no dilutes for me thank you. The only stipulation that I've asked to be adjusted is the meeting requirement. It's been remarked on as counterproductive to my progression, by both my therapist and my psychiatrist as well as my self report (every blessed quarter on that one). It's also been totally ignored. I've come to the conclusion (Affinity tells you whether a report has been received or reviewed) that these things are not even read let alone acted upon. I think that the only way I'll get someone to look at it is to send a flurry of letters and emails and that will probably only trigger some dumb reason to have another evaluation or some such idiotic thing. At least in this state, nobody cares.

RN2364 · Sep 10, 2016

Can I ask what state you are in that has a 5 year natcotic restriction? That's the harshest I have seen. What kind of office job were you able to get. Also congratulations to you and your successful recovery work in progress

willthiseverend · Oct 31, 2016

I'm in CA. How often do you have to meet w monitoring? I'm assuming that is your probation monitor? I thought we only had to meet at the beginning and at the end?

willow14 · Oct 31, 2016

I don't have to meet with my monitor physically, I have to turn in quarterly reports that include a list of AA/NA meetings I attended during the quarter (signature of the chairperson at the meeting), a report filled out by my employer and a personal report I complete. When I was in therapy the therapist would submit a report as well, but that modification has been lifted. I was also granted access to narcotics as well. However, I still struggle to find an employer who is willing to work with my "direct supervision" requirement. To clarify, I mean a job providing direct patient care. I currently work in case management in an officr setting. I'm glad to share I havehave 2 years completed of my 5 year contract....if all continues to go well. I'm also very grateful for my sobriety. :)

willthiseverend · Oct 31, 2016

Thank you for sharing. You must be in FL? In CA, I haven't seen the mandatory therapy or any contract greater than 3 yrs which seems an eternity. I'm in CM too but in the field and am petrified they will not approve my job. Did I read somewhere that we can appeal a denial of our wksite (in CA)?