So sad-want to know more

[WV-rn]

Hello all,
Recently, I lost a co-worker whom was discovered to be using narcotics. She has had both personal and health issues and fell into this. I was totally taken by surprize and do not understand how I didn't see this happening. Now, after some research on the web, I see but now understand what I saw but didn't understand, as it was happening.
I am bewildered and do not totally understand why my employer organization reacted as they did. I feel my immediate supervisory personnel, (ADON & DON), were limited in what they could offer this nurse, by other decision-makers in our organization. No offers within the organization to assist with rehab. She was terminated and lost the insurance that would have allowed her to seek rehabilitation. Now, she is a terminated nurse, with a child, without insurance. I feel my employer is enabling this problem by sweeping it under the proverbial carpet. Surely there is a better way.
I have talked with this coworker (and friend)and encouraged her to call the BON ASAP to discover what she must do to recover and again be able to work as a RN. I feel so uninformed about what must be done and the WVBON website is not very informative in regard to this issue.
Is there any West Virginia or other RNs who can fill in the blanks? What is required, what is going to happen.
Bewildered

[Pdoffnputout]

Very true that the majority of employers do not offer any type of assistance. It's easier to just rid of the person so they dont have to deal with it. I went through something similar and ended up bankrupt and in the hospital with major depression in worse shape than I was before I was fired. I wasnt diverting nor abusing. I was being abused by my husband. It was easier to make other accusations then my employer to face the real situation that was happening under thier noses. Anyway before contacting the BON did they contact or file a complaint with the BON? Do they plan to do so and was there any legal complaint or charges filed? Personally if not then it may be best to seek rehab on her own with family and friends providing support while she is not working. If they are planning to do so then self report would be my advice. The BON dont give a darn what happens to the nurse as an individual as long as they protect the BON reputation in the name of public safety.

[DiversionGrad1]

You are an incredible friend to this co-worker to put up this posting, I admire you. Your friend really needs to find out what programs are available in your state for registered nurses. In California we have this incredible, successful program through the California Board of Registered Nursing for RN's with drug, alcohol and mental health problems. That is where she should start. Immediately get a psychiatrist or physician so she can be put on disability(she might have to pay if she has no insurance but it will be worth it), at least that is what we do in California. We are paid from the last day we worked, even if we are fired or resign and it is retroactive. The pay, if you have worked for the entire previous year, is $2400 per month in CA. (it's based on how much you made & CA nurses usually make around $50K a year) Then have her tack the list to the refrigerator and follow the steps they tell her to. She will obviously have to change her lifestyle and not only deal with this but also maybe even withdrawing from drugs, not fun at all. Remind her there are 1000's of nurses just like her, just like her. We went through exactly the same thing she is going through now. It took me 3 years to get through the CA Diversion program and I am 2 years out and so incredibly happy, drug free and back to work in a better, happier position...I would have never believed it back then. And believe me, I was bad, really bad, a Vicodin habit that turned into a Morphine addiction. She will make it, she has to, she has a child. Remind her she is not a monster, just a nurse with a problem. She will get through the shame, the shock, the emabarrassment, the anger, the crying, the despair and the hopelessness one day...and it will be sooner than she thinks. Just one thing she needs to remember to do or all of this will not work at all....STAY CLEAN AND SOBER FROM THIS DAY FORWARD!!! Let me know how she is or send me a message if she needs some personal encouragement, I would be honored to give her any advice or words of encouragement she might need and she will need it. Once again, I really thank God for friends like you, I had them too.....

Good Luck from a fellow RN