Struggling to keep up with costs

NurseJesseeekuh · Jul 13, 2015

Why so many screenings?

dekyrn · Jul 13, 2015

Im not entirely sure. The way my contract is written I had minimum of 1/month for the first year and then 1/quarter after that. I haven't had a single positive in the 2 years Ive been in the program. When I first started I was averaging 2-4 month. lately its been 1-2 month. I haven't gone a month without a screen, ever.

jdub6 · Jul 13, 2015

by NurseJesseeekuh, BSN
Why so many screenings?

This may vary some depending on why you are In the program, but I think the big variation is from state to state or even between different programs within states. If the PP thinks that's a lot, for the first two years twice Ely screens are mandatory for basically everyone, then 2 years of weekly, then one of every other week. However, in this same state, those who choose to do a formal disciplinary consent order with the BON (sadly they often have little choice due to the high cost if confidential programs) they screen much less, like once or twice a month maybe at the beginning? But, all of their screens are observed, ours are generally 25p event observed unless there is a very strong reason to do more.

jdub6 · Jul 13, 2015

To the OP: I was totally unemployed for nearly a year, doing screens and treatment (inpatient, IOP, outpatient with multiple providers and on multiple meds) the while time. I was very fortunate to still have insurance, but the cost of the treatment alone was crazy, and the program and testing fees seemed totally UN-do-able. Well, I did do it. I ended up getting a crappy job that led to a better job, was able to build up a401k and get a good rate on 401k loan to cover much of the cost so I could end my contact on time. For me it was worth it because I can rebuild my credit and once you successfully complete monitoring in ny state your license is pristine, no one will ever know unless you disclose.

dekyrn · Jul 13, 2015

Mine are not observed, although I had someone argue with me once that I was wrong, so that one was since it wasn't worth fighting to me. That said, the screenings themselves I have no issue with its just the sheer cost of them. 2 weeks in a row ive had my monitoring company withdraw $60+ from my bank account leaving me short on being able to pay for seriously needed bills. ive been struggling for a while now (financially not to stay sober) and it is just getting worse. a budget does me no good because I literally have more bills then I do income. the monitoring company really doesn't give a **** if my husband is sick or we cant pay our rent. I am just at a loss. I feel like something has got to give but there is literally nothing to cut back on. The only non necessity we have is internet and I need that for school.

dekyrn · Jul 13, 2015

Jdub6, Unfortunately it will stay on my license. The $$ aspect has always been...an annoyance but its increasingly becoming more then that. I am so discouraged and my husband who has been incredibly supportive, I know is reaching the end of his rope. I have 2 kids who are toddlers. The only way I can see to even try and make things work is getting a 2nd..and maybe a 3rd job. Im already working 40-45 hours a week and weekends are all I have with my kids...im not sure I want to give that up. I know I put myself in this position but if it wasn't 5 years ago. I just don't want my family (or myself for that matter) to suffer like this any more.

allnurses Guide · Jul 14, 2015

Jdub6, Unfortunately it will stay on my license. The $$ aspect has always been...an annoyance but its increasingly becoming more then that. I am so discouraged and my husband who has been incredibly supportive, I know is reaching the end of his rope. I have 2 kids who are toddlers. The only way I can see to even try and make things work is getting a 2nd..and maybe a 3rd job. Im already working 40-45 hours a week and weekends are all I have with my kids...im not sure I want to give that up. I know I put myself in this position but if it wasn't 5 years ago. I just don't want my family (or myself for that matter) to suffer like this any more.

In answer to your question - you do what you have to do until you don't have to do it anymore. It would seem to me that your contract is almost done and things are always darkest before the dawn. If your husband is not working do to disability then you should most likely get a 2nd job. Back when I was in the program in California we took out a 2nd mortgage on our home. Back then there was no auro pay in CA i just showed up with cash in hand when I tested. Can you do anything from home to make extra cash. I did some buying and selling on e-bay, did house-sitting, even washed dogs. We seriously cut back on everything. If you have been 100% compliant have you asked if you can go back to work in health care. Psych facilities will often hire RN's with stipulations and the pay is a lot better than $10.00 and hour.

I won't beat you up about putting yourself in this position because all of us who have been through have beat ourselves up enough. Hang in there and it will be done soon.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy