[BrendaRN]

Hi! I'm new to this site, as well as the recovery process. I was asked to resign after being discovered diverting. I went to IP treatment, and am now in IOP. I self-reported to the BON, and am now in the Nurse Monitoring Program. My question is, has anyone moved to another state and gotten a license after they finished IOP, and how does that work? There are a lot of issues going on here, and my husband and I think it may be a good idea to move somewhere else (we're thinking about California) just to get away from everything. Any advice would be appreciated.
Brenda

[Penny65]

Hi,
I also moved to another state while under a monitoring program (I am hoping I understand your message, and you completed IOP, but are still under monitoring with your current state). I know that California has an alternative to discipline program (I was in CA when I diverted, although licensed in AL). My initial state (AL) allowed me to transfer my monitoring to Florida, and I abide by Florida's monitoring requirements. Florida's IPN sends quarterly reports to Alabama, as I am still required to maintain an Alabama license until I satisfy both state's 5-year monitoring requirements. Alabama first had to review FL's contract and make sure it covered their requirements. So, basically, I am in 2 monitoring programs, but am lucky to follow one contract.
It was not a quick process. It took me 8 months from when I initially applied for FL's license to when I finally received the license and a new contract. I did have to go before FL's BON and explain everything, prove I had been compliant with AL's program, and present letter's from my therapist, nurse support group facilitator, etc., in support of the transfer. They approved licensure with a stipulation that I be in their IPN program. THEN, I had to contact AL with the new contract to see if they would turn me loose. That's where it can get tricky depending on the state you live in. Not all states will transfer. During the 8 months I awaited word from AL on whether I could transfer, I had to follow 2 separate contracts, with 2 different labs doing UDS's on me (very expensive and time-consuming). But, it did all work out in the end. Good luck to you if you pursue it. California seemed very recovery-friendly, with plenty of job offerings to nurses in recovery.

[BrendaRN]

Thanks for the info. It sounds like it's quite a long process to be able to transfer things. Right now I just started IOP, so I've got a ways to go. I didn't know if it was even possible to get another license during the monitoring period, so I'm glad you let me know. What a pain in the butt! This IOP is 3 times a week for 2 hours, and the BON doesn't want me to go back to work right away, but we're on the verge of having utilities shut off, and losing the car, etc. I've interviewed for a position with an insurance company (non-patient care) and it looks really good, so I'm trying to talk them into letting me take it. I don't know what I'm supposed to do if they say no. It's not going to do my recovery any good if I don't have a place to live. As it is, I think I'm going to have to move out of our house, and to a friends so my husband and kids can get assistance and food stamps until we get back on our feet. This sucks. Sorry I'm ranting, I'm really trying to be positive about all of this. I have to deal with 2 states also because I live on the border of 2 states and have dual license, but the state I'm being monitored by is sending reports to the other, thank goodness.
Ok, that's enough for now. Sorry to go on and on. Any advice is sincerely appreciated.