WA State Monitoring

rn1965, ADN · Sep 14, 2018

I do not know anything about WA, but, hang around here, someone will likely be able to chime in.

Also, lol, on the name of the program. Very appropriate.

Welcome!

Jas10, BSN · Sep 16, 2018

Thank you! I got a list of people to do the evaluation and it is a list of 250 all across the state. I am choosing the ones closest to me to call but how can I tell if they are associated with a treatment center or not? Sorry if a silly question....

rn1965, ADN · Sep 17, 2018

I would google them on healthgrades and see if anything shows up. Also, just do a google search. Is Dr smith associated with local rehabs/etc.

You can also call their office and ask. I am not afraid to ask those type of questions.

Jas10, BSN · Sep 17, 2018

Thank you, RN65! I found one that is independent and only service that is offered is level 1 outpatient. It was only $125 for evaluation and included UA. Colorado is a different beast in that the fees it costs to renew RN license goes to the evaluations for nurses who need monitoring so the evaluation is free and is done by a contracted specialist at the Peer Assistance facility itself. I had an evaluation done last October (my story is a lengthy one and under At a Crossroads) and the only diagnosis she could give me was "Situational depression" due to all the crap that was going on in my life. She didn't recommend rehab and didn't find a substance abuse issue but due to a DWAI (happened before nursing school) within 5 years she had to recommend monitoring. I am hoping for the same outcome here, I have to get a new eval as I never started monitoring in CO and moved back to WA so hence a second eval. Fingers crossed on all of this. I just want to get started on it all and get through it all, like everyone else

Jas10, BSN · Sep 25, 2018

I had my 2nd evaluation yesterday. I say 2nd oneas my initial one was in CO last October. The first one was a standard set of questionnaires, mental health evaluation stuff like remember words and draw a clock stuff as well as UA. This one was way different, just a quick physical and mental health history (no mental history or issues and minimum physical), what happened history, and questions on past substance use (mine has only been alcohol). One hour and he said he would put his recommendations together and then have me stop by before he submitted so we could go over it. Is that a smart move? Super nice guy who only offers one on one level 1 outpatient if he decides I need it. Keeping my fingers crossed for the best outcome so I can start to get this part of my life going.

Jammer52 · Oct 30, 2018

Hello,

I have been in WHPS for a couple years now. I actually think pretty darn highly of them, they have dealt very compassionately with me, and if you're willing to follow the terms of your contract and submit your required reports, they pretty much leave you alone. It was a huge adjustment for me to life in a monitoring program, but for all the cost and hassle, I never would have been able to get sober unless it came down to the choice between my income or alcohol and drugs. I'm happy to answer other questions you might have regarding the program. All the best.

Jas10, BSN · Oct 30, 2018

Hey WAnurse80,

Thank you for reaching out! I will send you a PM. So far my experiences have been good with them.

Jammer52 · Nov 26, 2018

Hey, I wrote a reply and tried to PM you, but the system wouldn't let me, because I haven't been a member long enough or something? Anyways, I'm going to post it below, it doesn't have information specific to you so I figured you'd be ok with me posting it here, but this is a reply to the last PM you sent me. :)

Hey, sorry about the delay, its been crazy days, holidays and all. It sounds like you're on the right track when it comes to things to avoid. ETG tests are really sensitive, to anything that contains alcohol, but I'm able to use hand sanitizer and stuff without issues, I just don't bathe in it. Meds, you're a lot better off if you don't require opiates or benzos of any kind, if you do, things become stickier, as they really don't like people in the program to be on those sorts of meds. I've found that being up front and communicating with your case manager go a really long way. Just remember that these people have heard it all, and see through bs very quickly, so if you're telling the truth, you'll be ok, whatever the topic. As far as jobs, honestly, nursing home type jobs seem to be where it's at for people in these programs, because most of the time they'll hire people with licensure issues without any hassle, because of the low pay and crappy working environments. There are certainly better jobs to be had, case management type stuff, or dialysis, which don't require access to meds, but you have to look around, and there's always the issue of bringing up the fact that you're in a monitoring program, like when to do it, before, during, or after the interview, etc. One piece of information that I didn't realize until I was in for about a year, is that your case manager can act as a resource for you. I was told face to face by a WHPS case manager that she is more than willing to call people that she knows in the health care business, and ask them personally about jobs for the nurses she is responsible for. So, if you're going to go that route, I would suggest having your ducks in a row, having your resume all put together, have a ready explanation for the reason you're in a monitoring program, that is professional, and doesn't get bogged down with personal unnecessary information that the interviewer doesn't want to hear, and that could potentially make them uncomfortable, leading to you not being offered the job. If your CM pulls some strings for you, he/she is going to want you to hold up your end and be ready to return calls, and show up for interviews when given them. The advantage to that is that if they set it up, or at least open the conversation, you won't have to broach them subject of being in a monitoring program without warning, because a lot of people get the door slammed in their faces that way. Anyways, I hope some of this was helpful, I wish you the best, and I'll be around if there's anything else I can help you with.

Jas10, BSN · Nov 26, 2018

Thank you WAnurse80! I really appreciate all of your info. I just got the approval for my WA license so as soon as it is active on the website I'll start to job hunt. I've been working as a physician liaison and educator for a private practice which

has been a good paying alternative e to nursing and has kept me somewhat in the arena so hope it can translate well on my resume as I've been out of bedside for over a year. My case manager has been Very supportive and easy to work with so will ask her if she has any recommendations as well. I will for sure be prepared as I don't want to waste anyone's time and continue to fly under the radar while in this program.

Again, I really appreciate your info and help!!