I was recently terminated from my bedside RN position in November for being suspected of narcotic diversion due to my improper documentation. The day I was questioned, they asked me to empty my pockets and along with a few other morning meds for one of my patients, they found a 5mg Oxy. I told them it was the patients morning meds, I just have not given them yet. I immediately gave a urine and blood sample that was NEGATIVE for any substances. They conducted an "investigation" that lead them to believe I was diverting. I hired an attorney, and he recommended that I self report exactly what happened to the BON to get ahead of it because it looked bad. I Fast forward to now, I just received a letter from the state board which says they want me to voluntarily undergo a mental health evaluation to see if I have a mental health diagnosis and if so, will qualify me to enter their Voluntary Recovery Program.
I am not sure what to do because since I had a negative drug test, no solid proof of me diverting, and no legal charges, would undergoing an assessment be the correct thing to do? Or would I benefit from declining? I have heard horror stories on here about these programs. I take Effexor and have been for a few years for mild anxiety, and have heard that even if they see you take medications of this nature, that will "qualify" you to do this program. I am trying to PNAP at all costs.
Specializes in ICU, ER, Med/Surg, Home Health, Hospice,Step Down,.
I have also had to put my patients meds in my lab coat pocket during emergent situations. When you are running the halls with a cup full of medicines and you see a patient getting out of bed or getting ready to fall, you have to help them. Actually I have seen many nurses do this in crisis situations.
I was recently terminated from my bedside RN position in November for being suspected of narcotic diversion due to my improper documentation. The day I was questioned, they asked me to empty my pockets and along with a few other morning meds for one of my patients, they found a 5mg Oxy. I told them it was the patients morning meds, I just have not given them yet. I immediately gave a urine and blood sample that was NEGATIVE for any substances. They conducted an "investigation" that lead them to believe I was diverting. I hired an attorney, and he recommended that I self report exactly what happened to the BON to get ahead of it because it looked bad. I Fast forward to now, I just received a letter from the state board which says they want me to voluntarily undergo a mental health evaluation to see if I have a mental health diagnosis and if so, will qualify me to enter their Voluntary Recovery Program.
I am not sure what to do because since I had a negative drug test, no solid proof of me diverting, and no legal charges, would undergoing an assessment be the correct thing to do? Or would I benefit from declining? I have heard horror stories on here about these programs. I take Effexor and have been for a few years for mild anxiety, and have heard that even if they see you take medications of this nature, that will "qualify" you to do this program. I am trying to PNAP at all costs.
Hello! I know this is an old post, but wondering how things have turned out for you?
I was in a similar situation to yours about 10 or so years ago. "Suspected diversion". It didn't end well for me. I too, had the good Ole ONE psych Dr they use to evaluate me, and like so many others, was found to have any old issue could milk out of the evaluation to have to go into monitoring program. Money....money...money.
If you don't mind chatting? Hope you had a better experience!
Hello! I know this is an old post, but wondering how things have turned out for you?
I was in a similar situation to yours about 10 or so years ago. "Suspected diversion". It didn't end well for me. I too, had the good Ole ONE psych Dr they use to evaluate me, and like so many others, was found to have any old issue could milk out of the evaluation to have to go into monitoring program. Money....money...money.
If you don't mind chatting? Hope you had a better experience!
I cant send a PM because I only posted a few times. Aparently you need to post 15 times before you can send a PM. Try clicking on my username and the clicking the letter icon to send me on.
I am so sorry to hear this happened. I too have gotten into the same type trouble with the board and did not divert. I found out after the fact that if I would have went to recovery the charge would not have stayed on my record if I completed it. BUT since I tried to fight it and lost, it will be on my record forever. If given the chance I would have went to recovery instead because this road of constantly defending yourself and not being to find a lucrative position is very, very disheartening.
I am so sorry to hear this happened. I too have gotten into the same type trouble with the board and did not divert. I found out after the fact that if I would have went to recovery the charge would not have stayed on my record if I completed it. BUT since I tried to fight it and lost, it will be on my record forever. If given the chance I would have went to recovery instead because this road of constantly defending yourself and not being to find a lucrative position is very, very disheartening.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
neuronurse2023 said:
I am not sure what to do because since I had a negative drug test, no solid proof of me diverting,
This defense has always intrigued me because not every nurse who diverts injests the meds they are diverting. Not saying you did anything wrong but you can still be accused of diversion with a clean UDS
KKRN123
19 Posts
And honestly when I diverted a water pill that is when I covered the med cup with my hand so it was not seen or observed what was in the med cup.