Telling your employer the BON places you on probation

[C25D]

I agreed to resign after an investigation into my charting showed a number of narcotic related concerns. I would pull early to save time and sometimes admin without scanning, then back time. A couple times I gave without scanning with the intent to go back and I forgot. It looks like I just pulled from the Omni and never did anything with the meds. Fast forward to today I had gotten an attorney and secured another bedside position. Currently the BON is “investigating”. My lawyer says can take 6 months or more. When the decision is made she believes the best I can hope for is probation. In Massachusetts it’s 1 year. She hopes I will have proven myself a valuable and safe employee by then and my current employer will keep me.

Has anyone had to go to their nurse manager and tell them your license in on probation? And been able to keep their job?

I believe in second chances but I can’t think of any reason a nurse manager would be willing or able, by her bosses anyhow to keep a nurse with probation.

[mississippiRN71]

In my case, I was doing my current infection control nurse job when I was placed on probation in October and I had started the job in July. My boss was very understanding when I told her I was going to be on probation for 2 years . When I was hired I was still under investigation but I didn’t mention it since my license was clear at that time. She said she’s had nurses work on probation before. I’m very blessed to have her! My case took 3 1/2 years before I heard anything from the board Good luck!

[C25D]

Thanks that’s Very reassuring.

[mississippiRN71]

You’re welcome ?. There’s slot of support here in this group ❤️

[AbbeyR, ADN, BSN]

I will be in the same situation. I would just keep working and being the best nurse you know you already are! Take the time to slow down with meds and make notes for everything. Hopefully your employer will be understanding and allow to continue to work there, be honest to but don’t say all the gritty details and take responsibility I think they truly goes so far. Keep us posted with what happens, this forum has been my life line.
off question..did they have you submit to a drug test to rule out diversion? and did you have any restrictions with your probation?

[mississippiRN71]

Thankfully and surprisingly I don’t have any narc restrictions - just can’t work over 88 hours in 2 weeks . And I have to go to 3 AA/NA meetings per week

[AbbeyR, ADN, BSN]

That’s great! I’ve read your feeds and I seriously wish it took our BON to take 3 1/2 years to investigate

[C25D]

25 minutes ago, AbbeyR said:

did they have you submit to a drug test to rule out diversion? and did you have any restrictions with your probation?

My attorney advised me get a hair follicle test immediately (negative) but no they did Not ask me to submit. Currently I have only responded to the complaint. I imagine now the board is investigating the EMR. I have not heard but my attorney feels like the best I can hope for is probation. I am also checking in daily for random urine screens.

[AbbeyR, ADN, BSN]

How did you set up Radom drug tests? That is something I’m interested in. Did you have an evaluation for substance/ alcohol disorder?

[mississippiRN71]

Yes I had an evaluation. The BON set me up with random drug screens . I check in everyday

[chadprepton, ADN]

6 hours ago, C25D said:

My attorney advised me get a hair follicle test immediately (negative) but no they did Not ask me to submit. Currently I have only responded to the complaint. I imagine now the board is investigating the EMR. I have not heard but my attorney feels like the best I can hope for is probation. I am also checking in daily for random urine screens.

The hair test being negative is awesome. I'm assuming you already paid for this lawyer? I'd still ask for a 2nd opinion. If you have a negative hair test in hand its going to be hard for the board to put you on probation in my experience.

[C25D]

Thank you, I have been considering a second opinion. Although negative test or not meds were unaccounted for. It just proves I wasn’t taking them myself. I did fail to waste.

I think the worst of it all is that I took a job at a less than reputable hospital, hoping they would keep me when I had to tell them I’m on probation. But now it’s a horrible place and my license is in more jeopardy now ? I’m afraid to quit and start over at another hospital if the board makes their decision soon.