Wow, i need some help in AZ. Any advice givers?

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Specializes in Emergency/Trauma.

So, my work HR lady brought my into her office and said she had a secretary/recorder (sorry grammar) to the things were are going to discuss. I could immediately started to feel my heart beating in my chest and I could have sworn it was going to go straight into A-fib with RVR! She produced a paper and said well you know what this is? I said no, frankly I did not know what it was. She said these are the occurrences of drug diversion in the past month. She said that there are more that 15 instances of drugs that are not wasted properly, no order from the doctor for them (I used to work in the ED and this was common practice), and two instances where it was not recorded on the patients MAR. She asked if I was diverting, I said HELL NO! Just chalk that up to some of the ********* charting humankind has ever seen. The immediately took me for a for causation testing, which I knew what the results would be so I went happily along on their field trip. Breathalyzer came back 0.000 and after a few days drug screen was, too, negative. They fired me anyways due to gross misconduct. My lawyer asked if the mentioned (the hospital) if there were going to be any criminal complaints (fortunately I do have on recorder) that the HR lady said that they are only required to file a complaint with the state board but that is all, and they recommended that I self report and start the ATD program. Well, since then I have self reported, go to nurse recovery groups once a week, and go to an AA meeting once a week, where I have a sponsor fill out the paperwork for me. I am trying to be as proactive as possible to keep my license, considering I did not test positive for drugs and was terminated for gross misconduct, would I still be facing the same disciplinary actions, such as IOP, CANDO, narc restrictions, etc...I am trying to do all the right things that will look good to the board, is there more I should do? It's been a month and I haven't heard a peep out of them. Thanks anyone that made it this far and are willing to lend me you two cents, I APPRECIATE IT!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.

I was originally licensed in AZ and had mine revoked for failure to comply with CANDO (Was not ready to face my problems! My fault, not theirs). That was many moons ago. When I tried for re-instatement, it took them nearly two years to look at my app and get back to me. In the meantime, I started the process over in my current state and am nearly done.

My advice would have been to get an attorney and fight any charges, especially if you tested negative for everything. I am not sure what they were "reporting" to the BON, other than documentation issues.

We have heard from nurses on here that did not hear from the BON for 2-3 years. It may catch up to you, just keep doing what you are doing and get an attorney who is familiar with nursing boards and licensing.

Good luck!

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Can I ask a couple questions..? Were you actually diverting drugs? I also self reported. I was offered to go in right away and discuss my options, which I was then placed in CANDO. I would contact the board and speak with them, because yes you are doing everything right, but you will have to do IOP, after care etc .

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Specializes in Emergency/Trauma.

Thanks for the replies. To JxoRN, I did, and mentioned that to them. I guess I will just have to wait to hear back from the ATD program. Should I seek IOP right away, or wait until they tell me to do that. Probably the toughest thing I have had to face was acknowledging that I have had an addiction and coming to terms with that.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.
4 hours ago, somedudeinarizona said:

Probably the toughest thing I have had to face was acknowledging that I have had an addiction and coming to terms with that.

At least you recognize it now and are taking steps to treat it! That is the most important thing, your health.

Get the treatment now, especially if you have insurance that will cover it. And keep going to meetings and get signatures from the chairperson(s).

It will go a long way when you show them you have taken steps to become a healthier person and nurse.

Good luck to you and congratulations on your sobriety!

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Personally, I'd wait. Because they will make you do it. They'd make you probably re do it again. These programs are so expensive as it is. I went to Terros, which is free in the state. I didn't have insurance, they didnt check if I did, and it was done. Dont spend more than you have to.

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Specializes in ER.

How much was your program at Terros if you don’t mind me asking, and how long was it?

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I went to Terros, it was free! I didn't have insurance and I didnt need anything. I did their IOP & Aftercare.

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Specializes in ER.

How long was iop? Thank you for responding

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Of course. If you want I can give you my personal email, and we can chat. I dont mind. It was I believe 3 months or so. It was 3 times a week for like 3 frickin hours

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Specializes in ER.

Here’s mine I made a burner email, so you don’t have to put up your personal email [email protected]

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Ok I just emailed ya

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