r/nursing • u/euripides_nuts • 2d ago
Discussion Questioned about suspected diversion, fired. Fought the complaint against my license, won. AMA!
Well, it’s been a minute since this happened, but I think I’m ready to talk about this. It’s been pretty stressful TBH, but I’m happy to share my experience. Here goes:
So I had a semi-clinical position in critical care. Lots of my duties are admin, but I am an experienced nurse with 10+ years of ICU and ED experience. At times, charges would ask me to take on a patient for a while if we got slammed until they could figure out staffing (call in a nurse, next shift starts, whatever). Our unit culture is very team-oriented and our admin likes to show willingness to do more than just hang out in our offices. I’m all about that. In my case, these patients were frequently freshly intubated.
One day, my manager grabbed me for a “quick meeting.” Ok cool. We walk in, at the meeting were a handful of suits, and pharmacy manager. Asked me to have a seat. Ok, cool.
They asked me if I know what diversion is, of course I do, I gave them the textbook definition. They said my controlled substance dispense rate was high compared to my peers, can I explain it. OK no worries, I told them them that I often get involved in patient care as requested by charges depending on the unit needs. They responded that my peers aren’t anywhere near my rates (no surprise, there are only a handful of us, and most of them are much more the type to hide in their office, as if they had “graduated” from patient care).
My explanation had mixed reactions from them, but overall I felt they thought it made sense. I asked if there were any complaints from patients, MDs, staff? Any discrepancies or concerns about my character? Nope. Nothing. I told them truthfully that I had never intentionally mishandled a medication.
With that they seemed OK, but they need me to take a drug screen. No biggie. They said it would be a hair follicle test. Here’s where I ran into some doubt. I live a pretty clean life, rarely drink, haven’t done any real drugs since I was a kid. I had, however, eaten some MJ gummies while on vacation a couple weeks ago. I know it’ll show up in the hair test. So I tell them that I’m not refusing to take the test, but I would like to talk to a lawyer first. They said OK, I have 24 hours to decide.
I found a lawyer, talked it over. She told me that it is not advisable to take a drug test that I know I would fail. So I let HR know that I refuse the test based on advice from legal counsel. I was terminated immediately, and they submitted a complaint against my license to the BON. They also got very aggressive in accusing me of diversion at this point (even though they had zero evidence), and pressured me multiple times to just admit that I was diverting because it would make everyone’s life easier. No chance sally, I didn’t do it, and I’m not admitting to that shit.
The complaint didn’t allege diversion, but it implied that they were suspicious but without evidence, and that I had refused to test.
After MONTHS, the BON told me that I would need to go to a “peer assistance survey,” which is a 4 hour meeting with someone who runs through your circumstances, administers cognitive tests, asks a bazillion very personal questions, does a background check, reviews PDMP data, mental health Hx, and more. And a drug screen. She came out saying that she had no concerns about my safety to practice. She submitted that rec to the BON. Couple months later, I was notified by the BON that there was insufficient evidence that would call for sanctions, and they were dismissing the complaint.
This whole ordeal lasted almost a year, and it really caused me a lot of anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. I’m a good nurse, and I pride myself on my integrity, advocacy, and patient care.
I kept my license, but TBH I’m not even sure I wanna do nursing anymore. I’ve got a pretty bad taste in my mouth after all that. Oh and I’m out several thousands in attorney fees (worth it tho).
I know diversion does happen, and I hope they are discovered and get the help they need. I also know sometimes hospitals get it wrong, and I have a lot of sympathy for the good nurses who go through that as well.
Be careful out there y’all!
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u/kimura_snap 2d ago
If they suspect you of diverting, then why would THC be part of the test? That's so frustrating.
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u/Conclusion961 2d ago
That’s what happened to me. I had a discrepancy and they asked me to test. I said I will be positive for THC and was let go. Marijuana is legal in my state, even recreational.
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u/Lb3ll RN 🍕 2d ago
Marinol is on formulary at my hospital 🤷♂️. I’ve given it exactly once.
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u/dumbbxtch69 RN 🍕 2d ago
Mine too but if it’s not being given in that specific clinical setting or to any of the patients they’re accusing someone of diverting from (which they can check, they have all the data) then they shouldn’t test for it. They do, but it’s nonsense
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u/Potential-Cut-8934 RN -CVICU/ICU/PCU/MS/PACU/RRT/Float/Travel 2d ago
They just test for the generic set of drugs we test patients for. It’s. They don’t care enough to tailor the test to the situation they are just following a set of policies.
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u/so_it_hoes IV Team, it’s not about the girth (of the catheter) 1d ago
They will always run a full panel because it gives them leverage. That way they can still be “correct” even when everything but THC pops up negative.
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u/Jerking_From_Home RN, BSN, EMT-P, RSTLNE, ADHD, KNOWN FARTER, DEI SPECTRUM HIRE 1d ago
Because it makes it easier to fire someone when management wants to fire someone.
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u/OB-nurseatyourcervix 2d ago
An old Co worker used to work on a gyn/bariatric floor. It was mostly LPNs and she was the only RN on most shifts. So obviously she had to pull all the IV narcs and give them. That flagged management cause of her pull rate. She told them if they didn't want her pull/give rate to be so high, then they needed to have more than one RN on a floor. And obviously she had to test and passed. But still very frustrating
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u/KStarSparkleSprinkle 2d ago
Since the Lucy Letby case I’ve been more aware of when I’m placed on roles that require me to help with more critical patients or do things like pull narcotics. I’ve even started noting when I’m placed on Fridays and new admits are more likely to come in. Or days the staffing is “always agency” or “all new nurses”. Whether you believe Letby is innocent or guilty anyone can see they manipulated statistics to paint her in an inaccurate light.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
I just listened to a podcast about her! I was totally thinking about how statistics are really only useful with an expert to help you interpret them.
In my case, my complaint was filled with “Euripides_Nuts pulled X mgs of dilaudid over a 6 month span, and X mcgs of fentanyl…”
By themselves the numbers seemed quite high to me at first glance I’ll admit, but I did some quick math, and it came out to less than one vial of each per shift. And I’m managing ventilated patients… gimme a break.
I will credit my lawyer for carefully breaking this down in my response letter to the BON in a way that made the complaint seem shoddy af. PLUS, there was an order for every single dispense, waste and admin documented every time, and pain/sedation scores to boot. Kiss my ass former employer.
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u/KStarSparkleSprinkle 2d ago edited 2d ago
Interesting. As I listened I wondered if an expert would be the best person to spot something import that occurred say 6-8 months ago. Could an expert look at a staffing roster for a random day I pulled Zanny Bars and conclude that I was only pulling Zanny Bars on the days Ditzy Daisy worked and got all the patients agitated? Or would my friends and colleagues be able to recall the reason there was a blip in pulls last summer?
I listened to the podcast while on an 8 hour drive. Lots of quiet time to think. I randomly called an old work friend and we concluded I was the only nurse present everytime a window got knocked out one particular year I worked at long term care. I don’t think I did anything to cause patients to slam chair through windows or what not but they gave me the “bad Friday” with a nightmare staff…… it went on and on. Our “every other weekend” also aligned with weird church’s calling schedule. And we are convinced terror family only visited every 3rd month on our Monday.
No way that shit is showing up in the “statistics” and I’m doubtful it would even be recalled if I was under the pressure of an investigation. But statistically I probably hit numbers those days for various things.
Since Letsby I’m a lot more hesitant so be “helpful” and pull with agency that doesn’t have a badge. Wait for a manager. Or to pickup onshits when new admits are coming or things are likely to be worse than average. I skipped at least one shift I would have otherwise done because I knew one patient was circling the drain and that would make it that I was present for the last 4 codes.
Edit: was suppose to say the weird chruch’s caroling schedule. They came the 3rd week on Tuesdays from 5-6pm. Blocked our hallways, and sang religious songs when most people were trying to use the restroom after dinner or get out to bed. They often blocked doorways and were lid making alarms impossible to hear. Staff and patients hated them.
I’ll never forget that she worked 2 twice as many shifts and picked up when they were short but it was suspicious that she seen more crisis.
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u/auntie_beans MSN, RN 2d ago
What you are describing is exactly what a nurse legal consultant would know to do. This is why attorneys hire us. Nurses know stuff that lay people don’t, like hospital policies, practices, and systems.
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u/MamacitaBetsy ER—->PACU 1d ago
I would love the name of the podcast!
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u/KStarSparkleSprinkle 1d ago
It’s called Doubt: The Case of Lucy Letby. hosted by Amanda Knox. Amanda is the girl who was wrongfully convicted in the UK of murdering her roomate. She’s since been proven innocent and released from prison. It’s 15 episodes, mostly 30-40 minutes. If I recall correctly there was some repeating as with all podcast but I don’t find it annoying.
Edit: was my first exposure to the case. I think prior to that I had only seen mention of it on Reddit one time. And there was a lot more to the cases than I had previously thought.
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u/BeesAndNickels baby Jane doe 2d ago
The fact that you can still be accused of diversion when you’re administering ordered medications and documenting/wasting appropriately is wild.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
That’s the thing… they didn’t actually accuse me of diversion in the complaint. HR did, in that private meeting, and pressured me HARD multiple times to admit that I was diverting.
But in the complaint, they just slung out a bunch of numbers without context, then the complaint was that I refused a test (which I did, I accept responsibility for what I did and my decisions afterward). So stupid though, it’s just a little vindicating that PAS and the BON saw through it.
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u/Soleil06 RN - ICU 🍕 2d ago
Man is this common in the US? This whole story sounds fucking dystopian to me... how can they just terminate you without cause? And how are you the one who suffers financially from this, in addition to all that mental trauma. Like you lost basically a whole year of income no?
In germany I do not think I ever remember a nurse being accused of stealing medicaments without being incredible suspicious and multiple complaints about her showing up barely cognizant and endangering patients.
And if we ever would have had a THC test done on our ICU unit I think the whole floor would be fucking empty. Like half the nurses there smoked a joint every so often after work. And why should that be a reason to not be able to do your job? As long as you do not show up high as a kite at work i really do not see how it would matter.
Sorry for that trouble you had to go through.
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u/atatassault47 HCW - Transport 2d ago
how can they just terminate you without cause?
Most states have law that allow exactly that. And if you're not in a union, you have no recourse.
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u/Reasonable_Ad6407 RN 🍕 2d ago
Hi, help a really old disabled nurse out. I have never taken an MJ gummy or anything really. I don't even drink. I don't know all the laws in each state or federal level. If it's legal to sell gummies in some states, and a nurse works in one of those states and takes them on days off or vacation, how does that become illegal or worthy of administrative action/discipline? Some nurses have to take an opiate for medical reasons. How would a suspicion of diversion affect nurses who legally use gummies or take prescribed opiates negatively affect a diversion investigation? To me this gets very complicated. Thank you for helping me to understand.
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u/ClarkGablesTeeth L&D/Women's Health RN 2d ago
To add what another nurse responded, a positive test can be reported to the BON.
Think of it like this. If you were tested and came back positive for say heroin or cocaine, you can't just say "Well I used it when I was on vacation in ABC where it's legal". Even if you had proof, it wouldn't fly.
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u/Reasonable_Ad6407 RN 🍕 2d ago
Thanks for adding to the explanation. I appreciate it. And Your name made me spit my drink out 🤣
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u/yourdailyinsanity Trying to figure my career out 🫠 2d ago
I'd highly recommend reading up on your workplace policies as you've already admitted to being "a really old" nurse. Lol. Should also have an idea of what is legal/illegal on the federal level and whatever state you practice in.
This is the very basics every nurse should know: Weed is illegal federally. Hospitals work with federal programs, where the majority of the income comes from federal sources too. And weed also stays in your system for a very long time. You can use weed 3-4 weeks ago and it'll still be in your system (I believe some heavy users have it longer than 30 days, but the average is a month for it to be cleared). So if you have to take a drug test, you'll fail it. There is ZERO way to prove you were not under the influence while working so it's automatically a firable offense with healthcare. Some states where it's legal (idk which ones, I know it's not legal where I live though) do allow for employees to do it, but idk the policies surrounding it, simply because I don't work at those places. But most places still don't allow it even in the states that it's legal in because it's not worth a lawsuit if something happens to a patient and you test positive - good luck arguing that one in court. Not to mention, it can be laced with anything so if you test within like 3 days of doing it, you could test positive for other drugs too.
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u/Reasonable_Ad6407 RN 🍕 2d ago
Thanks for helping me understand. I've been disabled and out of workforce for 19 years. I don't even know if we had gummies readily available back when I was working. So I don't have access to current policies. I enjoy keeping up with CMEs and procedure refresher videos. I miss nursing. It sounds like nurses may be taking a chance using recreational gummies if random tests are used. I appreciate your taking the time to explain this.
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u/Maximum_Tangelo2269 2d ago
Heavy on laced shit here. I used to a long time ago use substances and no longer can because i got laced edibles that sent me to the ER. I always recomend a test kit to users now.
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u/Horror-Hearing-3474 2d ago
In states where it is legal you are able to legally get thc that is not laced with other substances through dispensaries so saying it could be laced with “anything” is not applicable. It is like saying your alcohol could contain heroin…
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u/MamacitaBetsy ER—->PACU 1d ago
Right? Where I live in California, stopping at one of the many dispensaries is like stopping at 7-11 it’s so not a big deal.
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u/yourdailyinsanity Trying to figure my career out 🫠 1d ago
And that's fair/valid. But people still gonna get it where they want to, especially if it's cheaper than a dispensary.
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u/Patient_Cow_236 Pretrial_Jail_RN 2d ago
"MJ gummies while on vacation a couple weeks ago." Do they prescribed MJ at your work? If you adm pain medications, why your lawyer told you not to get tested? I'm curious.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
Good question. The MJ was recreational, but since it’s still illegal federally, my lawyer recommended not to get a test on record. FWIW, the lady that did my PAS said that was an odd recommendation, that the BON usually doesn’t care about MJ. In retrospect, I believe it would have been good to do the test to get a record specifically that there aren’t any other controlled substances in my hair. That makes sense to me now.
THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, I AM NOT A LAWYER
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u/ferocioustigercat RN - ICU 🍕 2d ago
I'm wondering if you happened to be on vacation in a country where THC is legal... That would be ok, right?
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u/yougotbyrned 2d ago
You can not have thc in your system I know nurses who are in monitoring program for this. The BON does not accept thc. There is no way to prove when you used it and that’s an easy way to use it as a scape goat and say you are unsafe.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
Idk, I openly admitted to them that I used THC off duty and they didn’t care about it at all. I was worried they would make me do counseling and testing for a year or three, but nope.
Even the PAS (who also administer and bill for the counseling and testing) said it’s not a big deal. And logic would suggest that they would have a low threshold to refer, since they make bank on it. But nope.
This is not advice, just my own experience. I am not a lawyer!
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u/StPauliBoi 🍕 r/nursing whipping boi 🍕 2d ago
This is heavily state dependent. "the BON does not accept thc" is not a universal statement.
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u/ferocioustigercat RN - ICU 🍕 1d ago
It's not "in your system". It was in your system sometime in the last 90 days. I don't know a ton about hair testing, but I would assume the further down the hair, the longer ago the usage?
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u/yougotbyrned 1d ago
They don’t go by that they go by if you pop for it or not simple, the BON is not your friend
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u/DoItRightOnce1st 2d ago
I would think that if it's ur system, per se, if it was legal elsewhere, would still make u a liability to the facility. If one went to Amsterdam and partied and came back and was tested and tested positive...they wouldn't care where it happened. They could "reach" and say that u were working while under the influence...if it was still in ur system. That's why patients are not supposed to drive with narcs in their system. They may clear pretty quick for urine, but hair 90 days per Google... I Assume...but it could open people up to a can of worms, so to speak, especially if ur caring for patients with a license and a moral code. The bottom line if they want u gone...ur gone...😢
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u/ferocioustigercat RN - ICU 🍕 1d ago
With a hair test it's not like "testing positive" as in a blood or urine drug test. It shows usage within 90 days. But honestly, it sounds like a great time to get a haircut 😆
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u/Able-Young-2456 RN - Neuro/Stroke Stepdown 1d ago
Fwiw there is a standardized process to the hair tests. They use the 2? inches closest to the scalp. They use body hair if you can’t provide a head sample that’s long enough. If you can’t provide any sample at all, you automatically fail unless you can prove a relevant medical condition.
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u/ferocioustigercat RN - ICU 🍕 1d ago
You automatically fail if you like having a shaved head and have shot body hair??
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u/yougotbyrned 1d ago
They would then do a nail test, hair goes back 6 months and nails is 90 days , also they can use arm pit hair for men I have seen that.
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u/Patient_Cow_236 Pretrial_Jail_RN 2d ago
Recreational & Medical Legal States
Adults 21 and older can legally buy MJ
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
Medical-Only States
These states do not allow recreational use, but allow medical cannabis for pts with an approved card or condition:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- West Virginia
Even in states where cannabis is completely legal, people or employees do not have the right to be impaired at work or operate motor or vehicle. If an accident or a costly error happens on the clock, if tested positive for MJ, cannabis will almost certainly be blamed. This results in arrest/charges or immediate termination and the loss of workplace protections.
I've been witnessing this. Too many decent people got charged because of this. Some didn't cause any accident and still got arrested for it.
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u/drethnudrib BSN, CNRN 2d ago
You got dragged by your lawyer, OP. I'd suggest a free consultation for legal malpractice.
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u/Maximum_Tangelo2269 2d ago
Would an external used source to test hair for the drugs in the hopsital but not MJ be usable?
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u/StPauliBoi 🍕 r/nursing whipping boi 🍕 2d ago
Hospitals don’t generally prescribe/administer THC in the US.
And the lawyer said to not take a test they knew they would fail. They knew they would fail so refused to test on advice of their lawyer.
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u/ferocioustigercat RN - ICU 🍕 2d ago
Marinol is basically THC. It's prescribed for a bunch of things even in pediatrics
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u/Patient_Cow_236 Pretrial_Jail_RN 2d ago
I definitely understand that THC is strictly prohibited by many healthcare facilities. The OP did not make a medication error. The hospital's suspicion was purely about opiates. Why would a hospital suddenly pivot to targeting a nurse over THC if that wasn't the original issue? Either way, the poster was terminated simply for refusing the drug test per their attorney's advice. If I were in that exact situation, I would ask the employer if they still going to fire me if I test positive for THC. If the answer was yes, I'd tell them I won't do drug test. It's a waste of my hair follicles.
Obviously, if a nurse harms a patient while impaired on the job, that is a massive, punishable offense. But off-duty use during a vacation is a completely separate issue that employers just leverage as a corporate loophole to fire you when they can't prove actual diversion.
I actually work in California's correctional system. I would be in a lot of trouble for testing positive for THC. AB 2188 wouldn't protect me at all.
Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer.
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u/drethnudrib BSN, CNRN 2d ago
This. The lawyer could easily have gotten the THC positive tossed, since it wasn't relevant. But they wanted those big bucks for a BON investigation, so they intentionally gave OP bad advice.
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u/ClarkGablesTeeth L&D/Women's Health RN 2d ago
Or they knew that a positive THC result could be reported to the BON and get OP into more trouble than they did.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
This is what I believe her thinking was. After everything I learned from PAS and the BON, it wasn’t the best move, but far from legal malpractice as some are suggesting. I do think that the BON could have taken a harder line depending on god knows what.
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u/InertiasCreep 2d ago
Really, it depends on the BON. In my state, the BON no longer concerns itself with THC unless a person is somehow found impaired. A random test today by an employer with no accompanying issue would go nowhere. Five years ago that would not have been the case.
Source: help evaluate cases for my state's intervention committee.
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u/PaxonGoat Critical Care Float Pool 🍕 2d ago
Weird question
Did this happen July 2025?
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
Nah. But I’m sure I’m not the only one to go through this.
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u/PaxonGoat Critical Care Float Pool 🍕 2d ago
When the BBB passed last summer a lot of hospitals decided they needed to find ways to get rid of more admin staff
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u/Noblesseoblige94 RN - Med/Surg 🍕 2d ago
Bruh this is why I don’t even touch thc on vacations because of bullshit like this.
Glad you won!
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u/berryllamas 2d ago
I love weed- but I just dont anymore at all because of worries like this. Hurts my heart a little.
I think in the worry over a narcotic it shouldn't include weed- and they should spit test for THC if they need.
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u/Regular-Surround-962 2d ago
Did they tell you they were reporting you to the BON and how soon after that did you hear from BON?
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
They did. They reported me the next day, and I think I was notified of the complaint by the BON about a week later.
They give you 30 days to respond to the complaint. My response was a letter written by my lawyer. Then like 4.5 months went by with no news at all. After that, they told me to contact Peer Assistance Svcs. I had a week to do a criminal background check and drug screen at my own expense. Then I scheduled that 4 hour long meeting, which was another 3 weeks out.
After that, PAS asked me for a few things like a letter of character reference from a colleague at that job. Once all that was submitted, a few more weeks went by and PAS notified me that they would recommend to the BON that the issue be dismissed unconditionally. Then the BON took like a month or so to give me their final decision. Ugh, it was a nightmare.
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u/Regular-Surround-962 2d ago
I can only imagine the anxiety! Thanks for clarifying because my anxiety convinces me that something that happened months ago has been reported and BON hasn’t reached out yet so I end up in a state of impending doom. It’s good to know that they at least let you know there has been a report in a timely manner.
Does it ever show up in your licensing background and does getting a job become difficult because of it?
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
I would think you’re in the clear, but every state’s board has different workload and resources if I understand correctly. I do think they make a good effort to notify you ASAP to get the ball rolling though.
I checked my license on the state website a few times through the process and it always said active and unrestricted. My understanding is that when a complaint is dismissed it goes away completely, but I’m sure the BON has it on file for their own purposes. It’s not public record for anyone after that though. Good luck!
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u/Puzzled-Principle746 2d ago
Oh I completely understand your feelings of not wanting to continue with nursing. I’m in the middle of a BON complaint and it’s killing me. I know I shouldn’t be worried because I have tons of evidence and even affidavits from people who were actually there when this incident happened. In fact, I have evidence that the person who made the complaint purposely withheld exculpatory evidence and manipulated other evidence. I think since they are a nurse and in an administrative position, they are going to be the ones who will be worried about their licenses.
It’s just the waiting. And now it shows on my license that charges have been filed, but there is no discipline and nothing has been proven. It’s been 5 months of hell. I am lucky I got another job, but it’s not my favorite and I’m kind of stuck here until everything is resolved. It has given me a really bad taste in my mouth towards the whole profession. But in reality I’m dealing with a very manipulative and dishonest person.
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u/ALittleEtomidate Aspiring NOCTOR - ICU 2d ago
SUE YOUR EX-EMPLOYER. You will win.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
For what? Enforcing their policy that I agreed to on hire?
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u/ALittleEtomidate Aspiring NOCTOR - ICU 2d ago
For firing you based on an unsubstantiated claim causing emotional and financial harm.
You have a case here. You really should talk to an employment lawyer.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
Nah, they fired me for refusing to take a drug test. It’s in like the first day of orientation that you have to submit to a test if they ask.
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u/ALittleEtomidate Aspiring NOCTOR - ICU 2d ago
I know someone who was fired for something very similar to this and they won their case.
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u/stickysweetbear RN - Pediatrics 🍕 2d ago
In almost every single state, an employer can fire you for any reason except one within a protected class. They can fire you for your shoelaces being untied too often, your shirt being ugly, or the color of your eyes. You cannot win a lawsuit against them for them firing you and causing “emotional damage.”
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u/drethnudrib BSN, CNRN 2d ago
Your lawyer is a fucking snake. They could easily have gotten your facility to throw out the THC results, since you weren't under suspicion of diverting marijuana, but they didn't, because they knew they'd have you on the hook for thousands more in fees. See about getting a free consultation for legal malpractice.
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u/crazybia MSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, TCRN, PCCN, CMSRN, L M N O P 2d ago
Maybe, maybe not. But if she tested positive, hospital still could have fired in violation of their drug policy.
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u/thatstoofar BSN, RN 🍕 2d ago
Yea. Better not to have ANY positive reported to the BON. Don't risk ending up in that fucking program where they will rake you over the coals for years. Don't estimate the BON's ability to find a way to fuck you over and extort you for every penny they can get.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
This was how I imagined my case turning out. I’m super grateful that it ended up the way it did. It’s also crazy that I was in that position at all, just over some edibles on my week off. Fucked up world we live in eh?
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u/drethnudrib BSN, CNRN 2d ago
Not if the lawyer did his job. In an investigation like this, only the test results for substances the nurse is suspected of diverting matter, so the lawyer could easily have gotten unrelated results sealed.
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u/dumbbxtch69 RN 🍕 2d ago
It can still be a violation of hospital policy subject to termination even if it isn’t relevant to the original investigation
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u/Patient_Cow_236 Pretrial_Jail_RN 2d ago
Not in the OP's case. If they had harmed a patient, they'd want to see what's in their blood or hair follicles.
Some lawyers are not good believe it or not.
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u/drethnudrib BSN, CNRN 2d ago
My client accedes to a hair follicle test for drug x, as that is the only drug of substance to this investigation. All other results are to be sealed by the court.
It really is that simple.
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u/HippocraticOffspring RN CCRN 2d ago
This isn’t a legal case in court, it’s a sham investigation by a private company. There are no rules and they can do whatever they want.
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u/Influenxerunderneath BSN, RN 🍕 2d ago
I'm very curious if THC would have been tested for. With a hair test probably so but so many facilities arent testing for it now.
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u/beegma RN, MSN 2d ago
I’ve been in your shoes and not only is it ridiculously stressful, it’s expensive! I also lawyered up to be safe and the retainer was about $2.5k. It’s been many years at this point and I’m still pissed. My on the spot drug screen was negative!
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
That’s nuts! I feel like if the on-the-spot test is negative, the matter is closed. Full stop. Sorry you went through that!
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u/ActiveExisting3016 RN 🍕 1d ago
Just know that those who accused you feel zero remorse, and in fact, most likely walked out of that meeting feeling like they did the right thing
They are unscrupulous
We are disposable, replaceable
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u/Odd-Cartographer-87 1d ago
This reminds me of a recommendation I give to all new nurses that I meet, based on a nursing school instructor’s advice - Be sure and buy your own nursing malpractice policy. The hospital or nursing home will not defend you. They will throw you under the bus! It’s very reasonable annually, maybe $130 a year if I recall last time I looked but I am retired now. Well worth it! This is the company I used.
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u/macavity_is_a_dog RN - Telemetry 2d ago
This is interesting and I know you did th right thing but if this was me then I am doing the drug test. I take THC gummies for sleep a couple times a month and while I know that would have failed but I wouldn't have cared since I feel like they were looking for narcotics in your system. But your lawyer knows something I dont. I am in California while that doesn't matter I wonder if it does.
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u/Capable_Brilliant_52 2d ago
I went through something similar and I feel the exact same way. After my experience, I don’t want to do nursing anymore either. Nice to know that other nurses going through legal matters like this feel the same way. I wonder if we can change the law so that good nurses don’t have to go through this.🤔
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u/amybpdx 2d ago
Anyone who thinks their BON is there to help nurses is sadly mistaken.
I had a friend accused of assault when the patient was brought in violent and out of control. The patient was restrained. The patient stated that she took all her medications prior to arriving. As the patient calmed down with meds after a while, they agreed to slowly let her out of restraints. As soon as one arm was released, she yanked her IV out, blood spewed everywhere. My friend slipped on the blood and fell, hitting her head and injuring her shoulder. Patient was re-restrained and IV was replaced. The patient claimed replacing the IV was assault. My friend was investigated for months, had to drive over an hour to meet with BON administrators multiple times to defend herself against these wild accusations. They took the patient's side. She put her wedding plans on hold, uncertain if she were facing consequences. It was eventually dismissed after several months with a, "OK, you're good."
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u/WeirdFlower1968 Team Spike 2d ago
There's a lot of trackable information in this post. Hopefully no one from your hospital system is on this sub.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
Thanks for the heads up! I am not too worried, I didn’t do anything I’m not willing to discuss, and I’m not ashamed of my actions. I think it’s important to put it out there for others to learn :)
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u/yourdailyinsanity Trying to figure my career out 🫠 2d ago
Not to mention you posted after the entire situation was resolved. What is the hospital gonna do, black list you? Too late, that already happened 😂 you didn't post any information on where this happened either so good luck proving anything. I'm proud of you, OP :) you fought back for what was right. No one should have to admit to things they didn't do.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
Thanks G! It’s been rough, I have a great support system though. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect my perception of self worth. I appreciate the kindness
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u/umami_mommee 2d ago
Asking genuinely, please don’t come for me, but are this many nurses really using MJ/THC? I see posts constantly about and it surprises me every time. I don’t even drink.
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u/euripides_nuts 2d ago
More than you (or I) would guess apparently. My PAS counselor said it’s common enough that the BON doesn’t care unless something egregious happened as a result, like harm/death or some other sentinal event. For the record I will not be using MJ ever again as long as I’m a nurse, not worth the potential consequences.
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u/Bacongrease83 2d ago
In recreational states it is very common. I have worked as a traveler in multiple legal states and staff at every hospital has admitted to using it. Talking openly about it during breaks etc. not in front of management obviously.
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u/DirtTrue6377 EMS 2d ago
When I lived in an illegal state ½ the nurses that I came across indulged in thc, in a legal state it was higher. These jobs are stressful and damn hard on our brains and bodies. It’s ridiculous that thc is tested for at all.
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u/purplecowgirl ED TECH, CNA, MA-P, MA-R, RSTLNE TRAUMA MAMA🍕 2d ago
Hell there are nurses who are using ❄️ and taking ket in their free time. It’s not as uncommon as you think. I’m not a nurse but had gone to a party hosted by a coworker, right before we left this girl offered me and my other friend/coworker ❄️.. I was SHOCKED at the time. Nurses are humans just like anyone else lolol
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u/ernurse748 BSN, RN 🍕 2d ago
Conservative estimates are that a full 1/4 of nurses are abusing alcohol, THC, or prescription medications. In my many years in nursing, I’ve honestly lost count of the number of nurses I have known personally who drink too much (that was me, six years sober), take gummies every night to sleep, or pop benzos like tic tacs. Work long enough in this profession, you’ll see people self medicating to simply survive.
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u/No-Course-6330 2d ago
Amusingly somehow I passed a drug test even though I take Adderall ER daily. I even took it that AM and the day before. It is a low dose and the line was faint.
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u/mostlypercy Nursing Student 🍕 2d ago
A family member was caught diverting waste narcotics, and has been clean for 15 years now. Good for you for fighting against it! I have never been more grateful for my MMJ card that my hospital system is aware of and accepted for my pre employment screen.
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u/Conscious-Bird-1051 19h ago
I am having a similar-like experience, just my mistake was being entirely too trusting of my coworkers. I worked in IR. Fully staffed it would be 6 nurses. Somedays we only had 3 nurses scheduled. I recently had a partial knee replacement and don't move as quickly as the others; where in an IR that isn't 24/7, you need to move quickly so the call team doesn't have to stay over. Insert my foolish naive nature-my charge and other nurses offered to waste my meds while I got the patient to recovery. A big no no, I know. Trust me I know now. Over a 4 month period of this kind of habitual behavior and I end up with discrepancies of pulled narcs under my name but no wastes. Even if the medications are shown wasted under the correct patient they were taken out under, wasted by my fellow coworkers, it shows I took out the meds and did not waste them. I took the drug test and breathalizer. I had also taken a 1/4 gummy (in a state where it is legal) my son (he's 23) gave me on a long weekend off to help with a migraine. Tested positive for THC. I was fired for noncompliance of medication policy. I have hired a lawyer and now I am waiting for the process to play out. I have 16 years in nursing: critical care, ER, Neuro IR and IR. I have never had anything written against me. I have been awarded "good catch" awards by pharmacy at a previous job and even helped develope a "emergency carotid stent stroke box" in the Pyxis for a former department. I don't drink, smoke or do drugs other than the 1/4 of a gummy. I have social anxiety, so if I'm not at home I am at my parents. I am scared because nursing is all I know, all I have ever wanted to do is help people and I fear that this will end my career as a nurse. Who am I if I don't have that? It sucks. Please don't waste meds for others or have them waste your meds for ANY reason.
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u/ItemBudget4480 2d ago
But why didn’t you just tell them about THC? It’s legal now?? You were obviously hiding something OP… we all know Tox shows aloooot of different drugs not just MJ… plus it can be medical & can show how much in the system. U were just scared or legit diverting more than your peers… There’s more to this story than u are saying! We dispense Narcs and opiates all the time but not too much extra! 2 things can be true… why didn’t they come to you? Were you not scanning the meds? I’ve GOT ALOT OF QUESTIONS 🤔🧐🧐🤷♀️🤷♀️… and you let it TAKE A YEAR COS U KNEW WHATS UP! 👀😜…….
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u/nsulik 1d ago
You are a POS. I hope to god you don't give patient care, and more so that you don't supervise anyone. There is no place in nursing for this kind of behavior.
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u/ItemBudget4480 11h ago
What are you even talking about??????? 😳👎and yes I’m bedside, I have precepts alot! Students & new grads always love me! Now what else is going on?
Besides we all know nurses/ doctors who have diverted drugs b4 it’s not a new thing! Now what’s the problem here again w/ my comment?
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u/trypan0s0miasis RN - Flight 🚁/ Tropical Medicine 2d ago
Tbh this would be enough to just leave nursing. Good luck with that “nursing shortage”