[mjan43]

This is my first time on this site and it is such a God-send to know that it exists. I have struggled with addiction for the last 6 years, have been diverting narcotics and my license is suspended at this time. I realize I can work to get it back, but honestly, it would be hard with that temptation around all the time. I know that I am not the only one struggling with this. I have never been able to vent my frustrations like this to others in this profession without being judged. I deeply care for my profession and my heart aches for the pain I have caused myself and others.
Does anyone out there know of work that can be done with the experience I have but does not involve working around narcotics or even not having to go through the process of getting my license back. I realize the pay would be greatly diminished and it truly doesn't matter to me. The caring aspect of the nursing field is so important to me and I miss it tremoundously. I have felt alone in this mess for so long, but I know there is hope and I long for the ability to be of service again for people in need of it. Anyone with any ideas, please send your ideas. Thank you and God Bless you......MJ

[hppygr8ful]

If you are sober now and working a program have you considered going back to school and becoming an addiction counselor. I am currently working in a rehab facility (The same one I detoxed at) I still have my liscense but am in a diversion program. I take care of patients help them through detox and while I can give meds as I did recentlty get my narc access back - the facility does not require me to and I only do it in an emergancy. I share the gift of my sobriety (19 months) everyday in an open and accepting environment and I help myself while helping others. I sometimes think this is what God had planned for me all along. Think about it!

Happy

[mjan43]

Thank you for your reply. This is something I would love to do since I am in a faith based programs now and am clean and sober. But, my license is suspended . There was never any intervention by anyone as I feel there should have been, but never the less, I am the one who did wrong. So the law was involved and once that happens, the diversion program (?) or impaired professionals program as we call it in Wisconsin does not get involved. I'm looking for other options to help me get back into the field of nursing and to again prove I can be a responsible professional. There is just not a lot of help out there in this state. Send your ideas. Thank you,,MJ