Required to participate in RAMP for prior Marijuana charge

[Michael Shelby]

As the title states, I have been told by the NJ BON that I must participate in the state's RAMP program. I am a new graduate nurse from an accelerated program, and I have already passed the NCLEX.

I was arrested in 2015 for possession of marijuana under 50 grams (I had no more than a teaspoon worth on me).

Obviously I was in the wrong for having marijuana on me, given that it is illegal for recreational use in NJ, however, I can't help but to be frustrated with this entire process. I been waiting for my license to become active for a few months, something I anticipated, but I did not expect to wait this long and now enroll in this program. Additionally, I've been turned down by a few positions because my license is still pending.

While I do understand why the BON is requiring me to complete this step before entering the workforce, I grow more impatient and angry by the day. I am not a recovering addict, I did not commit a crime, I no longer self medicate, and most importantly, people are LEGALLY purchasing MARIJUANA a few states away from me.

I'm just curious if anyone has gone through a similar situation. I needed a place to vent and this certainly helped, but I do not want to stall a career I fell in love with any longer.

[twinsmom788]

Were you actually convicted of anything?

[Eris Discordia BSN, RN]

Have you signed a contract yet? Been evaluated yet? Do you have practice restrictions with your contract?

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

Yeah, this stinks six ways from Sunday. I'm sorry you are being punished so hard for which truly seems to be a trivial matter that occurred before you became a nurse. Do you know the terms and conditions of this program? What do these idiots want to do to you?

[Michael Shelby]

I was placed on conditional discharge for possession of marijuana. Essentially was on "probation" for 9 months where I was randomly drug tested every now and then, and paid all of my fines every month on time.

The charges were technically dismissed after the 9 months, but the board would be able to see the original charge regardless.

[Michael Shelby]

I have yet to sign a contract, nor have I been evaluated. I am thinking I should forget about NJ and apply elsewhere.

[Eris Discordia BSN, RN]

But the discipline is already in play. You already applied in that State and the Board is taking action...you can't unring the discipline bell at this point and just move to a different state. BON's report state to to state.

If you don't agree to the terms, they will issue you your license with a shiny discipline mark on it. I do not believe that they will just simply reject you and let you try again elsewhere. Other BON's will ask if you have ever been denied a license or had discipline on your license...and either way, you will have to answer "yes" to that if you simply walk away because either they deny your license or grant one with automatic discipline.

Unfortunately, you cannot just un-apply for your license at this point. You are only allowed to apply for initial licensure once. You applied and unfortunately are going to have to see this thru.

Get an administrative law attorney that specializes in the BON, but I am afraid that I may be correct here. I'd lawyer up. Get a consultation at least so you can find the absolute best route to take. You don't want a monitoring program if there is a legal way to do it otherwise. I'm in one...trust me on that.

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

Yeah there is no running from this. You will just wind up in multiple monitoring programs

[anurse415, BSN, RN]

I'm very curious what the outcome of your situation was. I'm facing a RAMP "evaluation" for a very similar circumstance and would really appreciate hearing more about your experience. I too have passed the NCLEX and have a job lined up and waiting anxiously for me to receive my license number.