terminated for drug diversion

[sbonthrowaway]

Today I received a call from my manager notifying me that I was terminated for drug diversion. I was recommended to self-report, rather than have my employer report me in the coming weeks.

On to the details. I was suspected of having medications in my bag, due to mentioning in passing to a new coworker that I wanted to give my patient versed when it wasn't ordered (I would never do this). My charge nurse had gone through my personal bag at work and found drugs that were controlled substances. These were from my job, however I do not use any drugs. The drugs included: fentanyl (unwasted, but used on patients legally), versed, and a paralytic. There was also hydralazine, but that's uncontrolled.

I was going through a rough period of depression and had planned on ending my life with the aforementioned medications, minus the hydralazine (actually for patients). I decided against this, and managed to find my inner peace, but left the medications in my bag, as I did not know what to do with them.

Going forward, I do not want to lose my license. Is there any advice on how to proceed with dealing with the SBON or this termination? I accept that what I did was wrong, but I would like to continue practicing as an RN in the future. It was a horrible mistake that I do not wish to end my career or hamper my ability to work going forward. I am currently looking into attorneys that specialize in medical licensure in my state, but any advice would be appreciated.

One last note, should I renew my license, as it expires soon and I am able to renew it based off CEs.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

I am so sorry. Hoping you are in a better place and getting the mental health help you need. The only question I can confidently answer is yes to renewing your license as usual.

Most SBON's are not known for anything close to resembling a speedy response to licensing issues. Since you have indicated you are retaining an attorney he or she can help guide you through the process as it unfolds.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

I echo kbrn's thoughts - and it is entirely possible that the entity is legally required to report you so that their advice about self-reporting is misguided at best. You'd need to check your state's requirements.

[dagobah, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Sent you a PM.

“Your story is my story”

best of luck

[rn1965, ADN]

Get an attorney -- and fast -- have them guide you through this.

I am glad you are mentally in a better place now. I would also get a drug screen, the sooner, the better, to show you are not using.

In most states, self-reporting will put you in monitoring and protect your license once it is successfully completed. Having the SBON get involved, and you usually end up with a permanent mark on your license.

[Subee2, BSN, MSN, CRNA]

Contact your state's peer assistance program. Some states do NOT flag your license if you go through a diversion program. You can go to the AANA.com website and navigate to the substance abuse area and all of the state programs are listed with contacts.

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

I hope you got a lawyer. Speak to them first before the BON. They can communicate with the BON for you. There are some states in which you must declare psychiatric issues prior to renewal. So I would be very careful who you speak to and when. Get the lawyer right now. Act quickly to protect your license.

Good luck.