[JACRN1]

Thanks everyone! I have to make up my mind by morning. I have been going back and forth trying to make up my mind if I am going to go with peer or give up my license. I have a lot a fears either way.
I am actually at work right now in a nursing home. I have not used or deverted since last year. I purposely did not go back to work in an acute care setting because I did not want exposure to injectable drugs. I feel terrible being here at work. No matter which way I choose, I will not be working in nursing after early Sept. I think That I will miss part of my job. However, the guilt is overwhelming! I had a patient tell me tonight that she was glad that I am her nurse and she trusted me. I could not help but to feel about a centimeter tall remembering how I have falsely documented and deverted..no stolen drugs for my benefit. Not only is that against the law, our nursing code of ethics, but my personal religious beliefs as well. Both of my parents are nurses and I have no idea how I am going to tell them!
On the other hand, I have thought that perhaps there are other avenues to persue in nursing after recovery, like psychiatric nursing or surgical assistant, but I think that ICU and that CRNA dream is over. I know I should concentrate now on why I deverted and not my job. I'm so confused! I have to make a living for my family....I am the only one that works. My earning potential without my license is so dim
Thanks for welcoming me! I am feeling like I am going to have the evaluation.

[shoregirl]

Hello everyone,

After surrendering my nursing license 7 years( and in active recovery for 4 of those years), I have decided to pursue getting it reinstated.
I live in NJ.
Does anyone have information on the NJ BON Process they could share?

Look forward to hearing any stories or advice.
Thanks,
shoregirl

[mkeep74]

I have a co- worker friend who has been caught diverting drugs. I don't know what to do. He's my friend and I care about what happens to him, but I'm also so angry he did this. I'm scared for him and want to support him but don't know where to begin. Any help would b appreciated.

[CABAYRN]

To mkeep74: The best thing you can do for your friend is encourage him to contact his states diversion program. I think almost all states board of nursing have one. Remember though, the decision to seek recovery is intensely personal. If he doesn't want it; there is nothing you can do to give it to him. If he does want it; there is nothing you could do to keep him from it.

[jewels123]

I was cleared for work August 27, 2007 by IPN (Florida's Intervention program for nurses) and have been unemployed in nursing since I was caught diverting in April 2007.

I went to my first interview to a small privately owned hospital last week. The nurse manager asked right from the start why I had left my employer over 4 months ago. I knew I would have to tell, but hoped to get my feet wet a bit before going headfirst. I told her everything. She said "Everyone makes mistakes, everyone is entiteld to a second chance." "Would you be willing to discuss your situation openly with my staff". I agreed. She hired me, pending further approval from hospital administration.

I'm not counting my blessings. Say a prayer i get a call back.

[nrsaddic1]

That is so cool, they say in the program H.O.W. Honesty is such a freeing thing. You are very brave and I know they admired you for being straight with them. I am impressed with the nurse manager also. I will keep you in my prayers. I was honest in my first interviews and I will never regret it.

[nrsaddic1]

Here is a fact that I learned regarding states with programs since I am doing my masters project on addiction and alcoholism. All states have some sort of program except Iowa. I emailed the president of the Iowa nurses association to make her aware of this as well as the ANA's stance on impaired nurses. The ANA is in support of treating nurses who have the disease like human beings and helping them to get well and go on. Thanks for letting me share.

[jewels123]

I GOT THE JOB!

For anyone reading this that is making the decision to go into a program or surrender your license. Choose the program, choose recovery!

[nrsaddic1]

To ICULynn,
Regarding your addiction to nicotine, you have an even tougher challenge than we alcoholics and addicts do. I have been a smoking cessation facilitator for 6 years and I have never seen people have more problems quitting than do smokers. Experts report that nicotine is right up there with heroin and crack in it's level of addiction. People are having good results with the new drug, Chantix. It competes with the nicotine receptors in the brain and helps with the desire to smoke.
Good luck!

[orionseal]

Well, Nrsaddic1, I have to agree that to quit smoking is a difficult prospect, I have been trying to quit for some time now. I am also a recovering alchoholic; Feb 02,2000 is my sobriety date. I have recently decided to try Chantix to help improve my chances in this; my most recent, attempt to quit.

I feel the need to correct your statement about what/how Chantix works.

From my own; recent, experience I found that Chantix only blocks the physical craving for nicotine and I am left fighting the mental obsession all by my lonesome self.
(THE MAGIC BULLET, ISN'T SO MAGIC)

I also have to say this battle is harder to fight than that of quiting drinking.

On a different note:: It is distressing to me how socialy scorned I feel being a smoker, people in general are more accepting of me as a recovering alcoholic than they are of the same me struggling with my nicotine addiction.