6 years clean and terrified in Delaware

[RNjerseygrl]

I transferred my license to Delaware from NJ last year. My license was suspended in 2003 with good reason I can't deny that. I waited until 2010 to get it back so that I would have clean time before attempting to return to work. I was in NJs PAP and I have transferred to Delaware's monitoring program. I have been working as an RN again with no restrictions since 2010. Since I have been in recovery I have had a son and am living a new life. I don't understand Delaware's monitoring program and my monitor is in Oregon. I received a call today that my urine tested positive for alcohol in the etg test? I was also told by my monitor that she will call me tomorrow and tell me whether the MRO decides if I need to restrict my practice?!? What??? I have never failed a urine screen and I don't drink. 11 years ago I was diverting narcotics from my job and my life was out of control. Now I am a single mother in a new state living a good life and I am scared and confused. I have tried to find an attorney in this state and have found nothing. I also looked up this etg test and it is apparently not admissible in court so how can it restrict my practice? I don't know anyone here in Delaware so I just had to vent but if anyone can help me in any way please do.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

we cant give you legal advice.....but there are reasons to have +etgol test.........do you use any of the hand sanitizers? it may help that your manager can make a statement re no observed alcohol use etc.....i hope this works out....please keep us informed......Congratulations on your decade+ sobriety......that is quite a feat

[nowim clean]

if they insist on your test being + ask them to allow you to submit a hair sample or a retest. I hope it works out for you.

[RN3339]

There are things such as the hand sanitizer that can cause false positives and many unreliabilities with this test that are coming to light. There is a SAMHSA bulletin regarding this and many studies in place regarding different issues that have risen.

Contact your state's Bar Association for assistance in locating a lawyer if they indeed try to take further action on your license.

Congratulations on turning your life around and I sincerely hope you are able to resolve this situation!

[newmommy26]

RNJersey girl email me at [email protected]. I am in PA and have a fantastic lawyer that deals with health professionals. HE may be able to help.

[1sttime]

Alcohol positives can be false- anything from brewers yeast to hand sanitizer can do it. However in my research consuming alcohol recently is really one of the only things that will go over the limits of detection.

That said with ETOH if you are to look at the journal of toxicology you might find that the only way to confirm drinking is to get the person to admit to consuming alcohol. I see this in the board orders for people disciplined in my state- multiple instances of positive Etg but no discipline until another drug is detected at some point.