[ktmtx]

For the past four years I have been let go/resigned from many nursing jobs. My addiction to opiates has cause enourmous problems. I've been to rehab. I relasped recently and i'm again now activlly pursuing recovery. I'm so sick of this ****. i love nursing. All I want besides to stay clean is have a nursing job i enjoy and be monitored. I told my last job I had a problem and they let me go. Easier for them to wash there hands of me. it's been very hard for me to find support because no body likes to talk about it. It's ok to be an alcoholic but addicted to drugs and you're a freak. I have never talked with other nurses or even seen another nurse with a similar problem. so it is nice to have found this web site. i need help, i need to be monitored, i need a nursing job without drugs. any suggestions.

[CABAYRN]

Dear KTMTX,

Well, the first step is admitting you are powerless over drugs or alcohol and it sounds like you are saying that. That takes courage and from that courage you can also find your path to sobriety. Since I do not know where you are, or for that matter, anything about any other monitoring program outside CA, I can't offer much advice.
However, you ask for a nursing job with no meds. When I was in the "no-patient care" time period of my diversion program, I worked for a blood bank. No drugs, healthy "donors", low stress, a wonderful work environment and the routine of methodical processes really helped me in my return to patient care nursing, where I now have been for over a year.
You may want to look into it.

Best of luck to you and take good care of yourself!