Nurses can be suspected of having a substance abuse problem for a variety of reasons. If these suspicions are reported to an employer, the Florida Department of Health, or the Florida Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN), the accused nurse may be told to enter IPN. What many nurses in this situation do not realize is that IPN is not their only option.
If you have been referred to Florida IPN or think you might be because of a DUI conviction, positive drug or alcohol test, accusations of drug use or drug diversion, or any other reason, an experienced Florida nursing license defense attorney can help you understand your options and help protect your license. Attorney Jonathan Rose has the experience and expertise you need to negotiate options other than IPN and Board action against your license. He will put his in-depth knowledge of the rules and regulations enforced by the Florida Board of Nursing and IPN to work for you.
Allegations of Substance Abuse and Florida IPN Referrals
While there are times that IPN may be beneficial for nurses who have an alcohol or drug abuse problem, it may not be the right option for you – especially if you do not have an addiction problem. Some nurses find that they get little to no benefit from the time, expense, and work limitations IPN imposes on them.
Many Florida nurses actually report just the opposite. Once they enter the program, they are seen and treated as “impaired” at their current place of employment and whenever they seek other positions. Their career opportunities can thus be limited, and if they leave the program because of the high, out-of-pocket costs and huge time commitment, they are reported to the Department of Health as “non-compliant” and could face a formal action against their license.
With these disadvantages in mind, it’s important to realize that the IPN program may not be your only option. There are less intrusive, less expensive private treatment options that can still enable you to keep your nursing license, and an experienced Florida nursing license defense attorney can help negotiate for these options. If, however, you and your attorney decide that Florida IPN is the best program for you, your attorney can possibly help negotiate an agreement that is less restrictive and less expensive than standard Florida IPN monitoring agreements.
Fight for Your Career with Help from a Trusted Florida Nursing License Defense Attorney
The best way to protect your nursing license and avoid the pitfalls of the IPN program is to consult with an experienced Florida nursing license defense attorney as soon as possible, preferably before you contact IPN Florida and before any licensing action begins. Attorney Jonathan Rose can help prepare your defense and negotiate a more suitable alternative before IPN Florida becomes mandatory.
If you can show the Board that the reported incident was an isolated situation, that you are safe to practice nursing, that you do not need active supervision, and that a lengthy period of monitoring would not benefit you, then you are in a good position to keep your nursing license and protect your career without enduring the restrictions, expense, and long-term monitoring of the standard Florida IPN contract agreement.
Attorney Jonathan Rose will fight for you and your career. He knows that nurses provide essential services to countless patients throughout the state of Florida and values the important, often stressful work you do and the sacrifices you make. He will fight aggressively to protect your reputation, assets, and career and help alleviate the stress of fighting for your nursing license.