[Just42day]

Tracy thanks for the welcome!!! Ihave a problem I'd like some help with. I lost a job because i was accussed of soliciting narcotics at work. I wasn't doing that but it was a he said she said deal. I'm not a nurse yet ( in school ) and was wondering if this can come back to haunt to? No charges were brought against me, I wasn't arressted or anything, but this is in my personell file at the hospital. Can this be sent to the state nursing board or anything to prevent me form praticing? Thanks for the input

[longrd4me]

New to this site. Have suffered disease of addiction (opiates) for 39 years. Treatment x 5. RN license suspended/probated x5; revoked x2. 2nd reinstatement of license 1/07. Blessed with 2 yrs, 9 mos recovery now. Many restrictions, stipulations, on license--unable to find a job. Happy to find this site. longrd4me

[CABAYRN]

Wow, you are a survivor longrd4me! I like this site but lately the postings have been few. I have 'chatted' with some amazing people here so keep checking in. I am not familiar with Texas nursing protocol so I can't really offer any specific advice. In California, it is often easier to practice in non-patient care until you have proved able to return to patient care. When I did non-patient care I had a great job as a blood bank nurse. I don't know if you have considered that but just a suggestion. Good luck and keep your chin up!

[recoveringtxrn]

I'm not sure which state you are in, but in Texas, if a nurse has surrendered a license, there ARE steps you can take to apply for relicensure. In TX, you must demonstrate (with documentation) 12 consecutive months of sobriety and abstinence in order to reapply. This documentation must include support group attendance, eval by a LCDC or addictionologist (MD), etc. Googe the "Texas board of nursing" for exact details. Also look at your state's BON policy for relicensure. TX BON is the most strict in the country, so our Board will be the "worst case scenario" per say... If accepted for relicensure, expect to be restricted or encumbered for about 3 years - you may be able to participate in a peer assistance program (which is the best route by far). Also, another idea to consider is to contact a nurse attorney (RN, JD) -- they specialize in negotiating with nursing boards regarding these exact issues.

Don't give up. I am in a precarious position myself, and have been considering surrendering my own license due to addiction - despite the fact I have been clean for 3 1/2 years. Know that the Board is NOT your advocate -- they are strictly mandated to protect the public.

Hope this post helps. Chin up -- the Board can not come to your house and swallow you. : )

[newme]

I am new to this site. I lost my lisence 1yr ago due to addiction and I am now able to apply for reinstatement. Does anyone know the reinstatement process works? Do I need an attny? I've gone through a lot this past year and I am stressing way too much about this!

[newme]

I am recovering in TX.

[recoveringtxrn]

Originally Posted by newme

I am new to this site. I lost my lisence 1yr ago due to addiction and I am now able to apply for reinstatement. Does anyone know the reinstatement process works? Do I need an attny? I've gone through a lot this past year and I am stressing way too much about this!

You'll need to get on the TX board of nursing website and go to "discipline." The BON's policy outlines the steps you will need to follow in order to reapply for relicensure. You'll need "documentation" of 12 months of abstinence/sobriety, and the board may ask that you be re-evaluated by an addictionologist. There are many cases where nurses are granted relicensure after surrendering, but typically all of them are probated for anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Did you participate in TPAPN? If not, your best bet would be to seek enrollment in TPAPN if the board gives you resistance. Even if you were in TPAPN before (and got kicked out or something), you may still be eligible for reenrollment. By the way TX just added an "extended evaluation program" designed for nurses who submitted positive drug screens! So, it appears that TNA and the Board are negotiating to reduce discipline of addicted nurses -- finally!

My suggestion is to get the info from the Board, follow the relicensure policy, and reapply. If you encounter problems, you may consider hiring an attorney. And take it from me (from personal experience) -- hire a "nurse attorney" versus a plain atty. You'll need someone experienced in licensure and BON cases such as yours. Google "nurse attorney in Austin" -- there are several who exclusively handle these kinds of issues. Years ago, I paid $ 15,000 to a "big name" atty, and ended up with the same outcome if I would have represented myself. Now, I am hiring a nurse atty (RN, JD) to represent me (for approximately $ 3,000). If nothing else, hopefully this info will give you a place to start. Do the research now, and hopefully your fears will turn into faith. We all make mistakes, but indeed, we should have the opportunity to right our wrongs.

[jenniferleigh]

I too suffer from addiction. My first treatment center was in 2001, that lasted 9 months however I was given the choice to report myself or go on my way. I reported myself and I do regret it because I my career as a nurse is ruined, however I can't help but think it has kept me alive. My second attempt at treatment was in 2005, and my clean date is jan/15/05. I reported myself again that I had relapsed and little did I know what would happen next. I did the whole wait a year thing and got my license back but could not find a job. I had like 20+ rejections and finially found a job in a psych hospital. They would only put me in the child 5-12 crazy unit. I hated it and was there for three months. Then I said F it and decided not to work as a nurse anymore and do something else. The problem is that my what I thought was confidential information about the details that I shared about my relapse is now available to any employer doing a background check. I am so sick of not being able to move on with my life. I have never been caught and I have been the one to disclose my info to the board two separate times, but I am still F'd. Once the state sends information to the national provider network, it is all bad. States that I had not worked in for years that I did not even have a license in decided to chime in and california revolked my lic and colorado suspended it. now my info is available via me googleing myself. This is so not ok, but nobody will do anything to change it. So, be very careful what you tell the nursing boards. I would recommend not telling them any details about what drugs, or how you did it, or where unless you are legally required to. The rooms teach us to be honest but in this case honesty leads to and end of a 18 year career as a nurse. Be careful out there. Always consult a professional (lawyer) before you say anything to anyone, because it will follow you forever.

[lpRN13108]

I am so grateful to you for starting this network of support. I have been looking for other nurses who are also in recovery. It helps alot to know someone else knows what you're going through and cares enough to talk to you.
thx again
lp

[Desilou]

I am new to this site, and am so happy I found it! I am currently going through the whole process of being investaged by the Illinois Board of nursing for diversion and am so so so stressed of what the outcome will be. I went through a treatment program back last July and have obtained a lawyer but I just dont know how hard the board will come down on me. I am hoping they will give me the care, counseling and treatment program option instead of being put on probation or even worse, suspension. this whole process has been goin on so long now, I cant belive how long this whole process takes. Im just so worried how this will effect my current job as a RN on a med/surg unit and the struggle to find a job after all this mess. Can any one give advice to an overstressed depressed gal?