S.O.S. California RN's on probation: Please HELP!

[3rdeyeRN]

Hi Everyone,

I need help. I'm in the process of wrapping up my licensing negotiations and starting probation and I need suggestions on where you have gotten the Mental and Physical Exams done. I was told that I need to choose a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant for the physical and that the mental health exam should be performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist or other licensed mental health practitioner.

I'm wondering if people chose their primary MD, went to a place that does occupational health exams, or other and I'm not really sure on how to go about selecting someone for the Mental Health Exam. Before I came to an agreement with the BON I was seen by a licensed marriage and family therapist/registered addiction specialist and had an evaluation done and am wondering if that might me acceptable.

Please any suggestions or steer in the right direction, thanks!

[Achieveanything]

Hey nicki14. I'm in a similar boat. Got my denial letter and would like to appeal. How did your whole process go? Was it hard finding a job? Any tips for the appeal process?

[sunnyshine101]

Can anyone help direct me to a list or where to find information on Board approved providers?! I am looking to do an evaluation to see if it will help the board make a decision on my appeal. Help!

[LVNtoRNStudent]

Tootsie, are you on an LVN probation?

[Nursesfcj]

So are you talking about the intervention program? I have yet to be convicted of charges but have been given a time limit prior to my court date to either voluntarily enter this program or not. They told me over the phone that I may not get this opportunity at a later time. Again, I have yet to be convicted of any charges and am thinking about risking not voluntarily entering this program. Any thoughts? I of course will do whatever the board asks in the event of a conviction.

[tralnurse4support]

Can you please inbox me this MD information. I need a clinical evaluation for Alcohol. Thanks!!

[theducker]

Have you guys had any luck finding employment in probation? I may likely face it due to a DUI in my past, and I'm wondering if there is any point in even trying to get a license in CA

[ALmadain]

How old was your dui?

[booomx1]

Can you email me the providers name?

[BunnieRN89]

On 3/3/2015 at 9:08 PM, Aemrick0421 said:

Hello Aemrick!

Can you please share with me the contact info for the provider you recommend to do the mental health exam for the board. I have been asked to do this by my lawyer and have no idea who to ask. I have insurance but I'm willing to pay out of pocket if that's what it takes (not that I want to but hey, its worth my license). I'm not on all nurses very often so my email is [email protected].

Thanks so much!
Rachel

Hi there! I just want to say you are not alone my friend! I just got my license here in CA and am on probation as well... it is the worst. I swear I am permanently dehydrated from all the tears I have shed over this process. The process is not only extremely time consuming but extremely expensive as well unfortunately.

Anyways back to your question...I literally just scheduled my mental and physical health exam today and I can tell you that the BRN is extremely specific on who they will allow you to see. I tried to go to kaiser's chemical dependency department to find a specialist and they would not take me because they did not have anyone specialized enough to meet the requirements of the BRN (mainly the stipulation that "the evaluator has to have 3 years experience working with health care professionals w addictions" was what they were finding to be most troublesome). So I got in touch with some people from my nursing suppport group (I'm assuming you have to attend those too) and they referred me to a private specialist who lives about an hour away from me. Everyone in my group has gone to this guy because it is so difficult to find anyone else who can do it (hence why I am driving an hour away to see him). The HUGE downside to this is he charges $500 for these services. Yea... I almost died when I heard that number. But it is what it is. Where do you live? Bay area by chance? If so I can give you the name of this doctor.

The last thing I can tell you is be sure you submit the pre-approval paperwork if you are even slightly unsure of the person you are seeing because you don't want to fork out money only to find out the BRN wont accept that persons evaluation!

Hopefully this helps!