[paddler]

Hi,
I am feeling very stressed and glad I found this site, I have only been in nursing for four years and I truly enjoy what I do, and have done well. Recently I received a letter from the nursing board in my state and they said they received a letter from someone stating that I do drugs and come to work stoned. Believe me this would never be the case, I told them my record speaks for itself, I have many letters from patients and have been reconigized by my hospital for my hard and caring work. They would not divulge the person or contents of the letter, however they said they would not persue it if I entered the "CAN DO" program and was monitored for three years. I refused, they suggested that I immediately send them a urine sample which I did the very same day, (it is negative). They told me that they would give this to an investigator and would contact me. That was two weeks ago, nobody on my floor has mentioned anything to me so I assume no one knows. I confided in a friend and they said I should retain an attorne, funds are a little tight right now, and I don't know if this is the way to go. I feel that my record is good and solid and this letter is from a vicious person, and if they investigate me they will see this, however each day I go to work very stressed and uneasy. If anyone has any knowledge of this type of situation or advice on what to do, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Paddler

[Aaron C.]

man, that sucks. It's disturbing that something like that is all that it takes...

[HuskerNICURN]

Unfortunately that is all it takes for the board of nursing to investigate a nurse. I would make sure to keep records of who you speak with at the board, and send everything by registered mail, so that you know that they have recieved them. Hang in there, and do exactly as they say and your innocence will be maintanined. Good luck.

[mercynurse]

WOW...this is scary! Please keep us posted. I agree with HuskerNICURN, be sure to keep records of whom you have spoken with and when you spoke to them. Best of luck.

[CCHADWI]

I agree with Husker and Mercy to keep records of everything. It's amazing that a letter is all it takes. I think it is good that the board is on top of things, but to not discuss things with you before making the suggestion to enter into that program and be monitored is wrong. This is a tough allegation to be labeled with, and I hope that it all works out for you. Please keep us posted. Good luck with everything.

[medi]

Gawd, the things we have to endure in this profession sometimes! It sounds to me like some passive-aggressive worm is mad at you & out to hurt you. Any upset co-workers you know of?

At any rate, I agree with what the others have said- document everything & use registered mail! If you get any more suggestions from the board about entering some rehab program I'd go talk to an attorney at least. It might not cost you too much for an initial consult & advise & a letter from an attorney to the board might prove beneficial.

Please do keep us posted on what happens next & my heart goes out to you. You will be in my thoughts & good wishes!

[KrissR]

Do you mean to tell me a nurse does not have the right to face their accuser? Apparently every one in this country has civil rights unless they of course they are a nurse.

[Pat]

Paddler, this is so typical of our society today. Sadly, it is easy for anyone to accuse anyone else of something. Of course, drug abuse among healthcare professionals is a problem and the number of professionals it effects is fairly significant so the board has no choice but to investigate. The problem lies in the damage that can be done to you professionally. If by chance this gets back to your employer it could become a real issue, suspension, etc. At that point I would think you would have a legal cause before you and I don't know that the board would have a right to withhold the information about your accuser in a court of law. As sad as this sounds, this is one of those reasons why having liability insurance is a good idea. Most of only think in terms of a malpractice suit, but it can become more than this. I think most policies also provide you with representation against the board of nursing when necessary. I don't know that it can help for this issue, but if you've got someone out there that's trying to get you like this, you may want to consider such a move.

I do believe in our justice system in the long run. Sometimes it goes a little out of wack but hang in there, and follow HuskeNICURN's advice.

Finally, let me tell you that I strongly believe in a very profound statement..."what you focus on expands". As difficult as it may be, you need to focus on the positive outcome that should occur. Try not to focus on the negative aspects of this issue or it will surely pull you down. I wish you all the best of luck.

[nursinghumor]

Man would that piss me off!

I'd bite the bullet and consult the attorney before consenting to testing or any kind of monitoring program.

Never mind the fact that there is nothing to find, I'd object that they're automatically assuming you are guilty.

Have dealt with a few cases in the past, and you'd be surprised at how quickly a state board will back down once an attorney is involved and advocating for you. A good resource for attorneys that can relate to nurses is:

The American Association of Nurse Attorneys:"TAANA serves as a resource network and support group for nurse attorneys and educates the public on matters of nursing, health care, and the law."
7794 Grow Drive Pensacola, FL 32514
Toll Free: 877-538-2262, Fax: 850/484-8762
Email: taana@puetzamc.com
http://www.taana.org/
************************************************** ****

Hope things worked out for you.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[NVprisonRN]

Well unfortunately I am there now so I can sympathize. However my situation is different. A nurse i worked with sent a letter to the board, basically in retaliation for an argument we had. She was making life very difficult for me, spreading viscous lies and rumors about me and well, we got into an argument and i told her she was psychotic and needed serious help. Well, after the argument she began harassing me with emails and phone calls which lasted for over a year. The rumors became worse, and I went to my supervisors on several occasions and well was told to be nice. Finally i felt i had no choice but to file for a hostile work environment and well, thats when she wrote the board. She was fired, but of course used the whistle blowers clause and is on administrative leave pending an investigation. This has been a very difficult time for me. But like u i have nothing to hide and i know i will be vindicated. I know she did it to get back at me and she knowingly went about it in a sleazy way. For the rest of my life this will follow me and i know thats why she did it. All the allegations are bs and im not worried. And u shouldnt be either but, get a lawyer and u do have the right to face your accuser. write to the board requesting a copy of the allegations sent in. They have to send them to u. i got a copy of this psychos letter she sent and couldnt believe they took it serious. I have gotten letters from many fellow employees that all state that they allegations are false but for the rest of my career i will have to devolge that i was investigation for improper conduct. Keep your chin up....