RN's in Diversion

Explain the diversion program

The Diversion program is punishment for nurses who steal drugs from their patients, recreationally or habitually indulge in marijuana and other street drugs (whether at work or not, and evidence may be a positive preemployment or random drug test that is reported to the board), get a DUI, or the very few who are just plain unlucky. The nurse is mandated to 12 step meetings, outpatient and/or inpatient treatment, random drug testing and is suspended from practice and works with restrictions for a certain time period. The nurse can't leave town without permission from the Diversion Committee, among other rules. It lasts form 3-5 years, and if completed sucessfully, it doesn't go on your record. If not, the nurse's case is turned over to the board.

I am currently in the diversion program, was addicted to Vicodin. I entered voluntarily, and have had 2 years of 100% compliance. Have recently had 3 false positive tests for alcohol. Do not drink and never had, took a polygraph and passed, but am still being punished for this ETG positive. I know there are others out there who have gone or are going through this, please help!! I face action against my license, and loosing my job. I made a mistake and am aware that if that was not the case, I would not be here, but I have paid my debt, and deserve a fair chance. My only option is to quit diversion and take my chances with the board as I have no earthly idea how to have a negative test!!

I read on the BRN web site. Every case is treated on an individual basis. But in speaking to other nurses they say the program is 3 yrs. How soon can I practice nursing, with restrictions.

I was able to practice, doing direct patient care at about one year (California Diversion Program).

SYCKRN: Hello. AT one year in the diversion program were you able to dispense narcotics? If not how long before you are able to? Thanks so much.

I read on the BRN web site. Every case is treated on an individual basis. But in speaking to other nurses they say the program is 3 yrs. How soon can I practice nursing, with restrictions.

This depends...

In the state of Florida each case is treated on an individual basis.

The diverson program here is the IPN (the intervention project for Nurses) the participation in it depends on several factors.

Did the nurse self report to the IPN or did the Board of Nursing report him/her?

Then, the next step is the evaluation from a board certified addictionologist (rather costly-insurance won't cover of course)....who sends the treatment recommendations and plans to the IPN.

Next you must carryout that treatment...whether it's inpatient, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient therapy...and for how long.

and what ever constrants and restrictions..like aftercare and AA meetings etc

Also, how long the Narcotic restrictions you will have when you are allowed to return to work.....

usually this is one year...Generally people with IPN problems due to alcohol do not have restrictions.

After the treatment is completed and you are cleared to return to work by your therapist, you will get your IPN contract which spells out the terms and conditions.

Most of the contracts that deal with drug addiction are 5 years. You will be assigned a Facilitator, a color, an IPN case worker and notified where your weekly meetings are to be held.

Once the contract is signed and returned you may look for a job or return to work if they held your job during this process. If you are just starting a new job, you must divulge your participation in the IPN to a prospective employer at the time of a job offer. This is manditory as they must fill out quarterly progess evaluation forms and send to the IPN anyway. You call for the color on a day basis for urine drug screening which usually averages around once a month.

The weekly meetings are peer support meetings with a facilitator and are helpful and a way of feeling like you aren't so alone.

It really isn't so bad once you get the hang of it and it beats the alternative of losing your license.....

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL

I hope this helps those who have not been aquainted with the IPN.....

I read on the BRN web site. Every case is treated on an individual basis. But in speaking to other nurses they say the program is 3 yrs. How soon can I practice nursing, with restrictions.

This depends...

In the state of Florida each case is treated on an individual basis.

The diverson program here is the IPN (the intervention project for Nurses) the participation in it depends on several factors.

Did the nurse self report to the IPN or did the Board of Nursing report him/her?

Then, the next step is the evaluation from a board certified addictionologist (rather costly-insurance won't cover of course)....who sends the treatment recommendations and plans to the IPN.

Next you must carryout that treatment...whether it's inpatient, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient therapy...and for how long.

and what ever constrants and restrictions..like aftercare and AA meetings etc

Also, how long the Narcotic restrictions you will have when you are allowed to return to work.....

usually this is one year...Generally people with IPN problems due to alcohol do not have restrictions.

After the treatment is completed and you are cleared to return to work by your therapist, you will get your IPN contract which spells out the terms and conditions.

Most of the contracts that deal with drug addiction are 5 years. You will be assigned a Facilitator, a color, an IPN case worker and notified where your weekly meetings are to be held.

Once the contract is signed and returned you may look for a job or return to work if they held your job during this process. If you are just starting a new job, you must divulge your participation in the IPN to a prospective employer at the time of a job offer. This is manditory as they must fill out quarterly progess evaluation forms and send to the IPN anyway. You call for the color on a day basis for urine drug screening which usually averages around once a month.

The weekly meetings are peer support meetings with a facilitator and are helpful and a way of feeling like you aren't so alone.

It really isn't so bad once you get the hang of it and it beats the alternative of losing your license.....

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL

I hope this helps those who have not been aquainted with the IPN.....

Thanks so much that was very detailed. Does anyone know how this compares to California?