Nurse in recovery

[randyrn]

Hi everyone...I'm truly grateful to have this site! I've been in recovery for 14 months now, one day at a time. I've been a nurse for 27 years and within the last 7 years I became addicted to cocaine which lead to addiction to fentanyl and hit my bottom on 3/29/08 after and OD at work. This was the lowest point in my life and it took me a little to get over the tremendous shame and guilt (nursing is my calling I knew I wanted to be a nurse at age 13, kept it to myself though because men were not supposed to be nurses, HA ha) but now with counseling (had IOP immediately, and continue with OP) embracing the spiritual concepts of NA, do service work and started a NA meeting for healthcare workers. I've been able to forgive my self. I self reported to the BON right away, and they still haven't taken action against my license yet, UGH. MY counselor and I feel I'm ready to return to nursing safely. I'm getting dscouraged no one will hire me!! My councelor has been in contact with the BON and the lawyer said that I could get a job in nursing but upfornt with potential employers. Any ideas?

[Kdog]

when you apply for work, do you tell them about your situation? Not sure if you have to unless your license is on hold with a smudge? What does your lawyer recommend?
Can you move to another state and start over?
Just asking a few questions to better help you.
There should be a way to get back to work.

[dlf2007]

Here in Massachusetts the BON is very sloooowwww to respond. Try psych facilities, long-term care, detoxes and non-patient care jobs such as MDS Coordinator. I've found these areas to be recovery-friendly. Good luck and congrats on your sobriety!

[randyrn]

I had 15 apps out had 6 interview LTC and Clinical research, all declined. My counselor has been i contact with the Wisconsin BON lawyer who said I could get a job as a nurse but be upfront with prospective employers. No criminal record. I know that I'm powerless but......

[dlf2007]

I feeeeel your frustration:angry-nurse:! Have you tried a detox or psych facility? If there's something like this in your area and you got a job there, it would help establish yourself as a credible nurse again. I'm looking to change jobs and am not looking forward to the rejections. Thankfully, I have a job now but it's not the "ideal" job for me.