[IdahoRN]

I could really use some advice on how to proceed with a problem. I am an RN with an addiction to opiates. (Norco, Vicodin, etc). I recently resigned from my job after I was caught diverting Vicodin. As part of a misdemeanor plea bargain, I voluntarily surrendered my license in Oregon. I live in Idaho, and would like to try to obtain an Idaho license so I can go back to work. I have been in Intensive Outpatient Treatment for the past 3 months, attending group and individual sessions four nights per week, plus I attend AA/NA meetings 2 or 3 times per week. My recovery is very important to me, as I've been battling this addiction for years. I lost a paramedic license 12 years ago because of the same addiction. I relapsed about a year and a half ago, and as a result lost (surrendered) my nursing license. I know that I would have to have a restricted license and be in some form of program for recovering nurses. That would be fine, and I wouldn't want to work around narcs until I am sure that my sobriety is progressing well. What I need to know is: 1): How do I proceed in trying to get a license ? 2): Do I stand any chance at all of getting a license ? 3): Where do I go from here ?

I'm pretty discouraged about this whole thing, and this forum has really been a bright spot in a pretty gloomy existence. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and wisdom. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[RhondaRN]

OK......I am going to give you some hope here....I am a KY nurse who has recently reinstated her nursing lisc....Most states have an alternative recovery program for nurses----Just go ahead and call the Board of Nursing in the state where you want to get a lisc....they may tell you that you have to wait...they may not...of course you will be able to get a lisc...it is really just a question of when...OPIATE ADDICTION IS A *****>>> I know first hand...this is not something that is going away quick...it sounds like you already know that by your history....I cannot pass narcotics for 3 years...and honestly that is too soon...I think it will be something I will battle for a lifetime. Let me know how it is going...feel free to email me...GOD BLESS

[Penny65]

IdahoRN,
I also had charges pressed for diversion, but fortunately me surrendering my license was not asked from me. It is amazing how some health facilities allow nurses to retain their license if they agree to get in recovery/monitoring program (and not alert the local DA), and others just see nurses as criminals, not deserving of a second chance. My state (FL) required that nurses who had surrendered in previous states have that license reinstated, and then FL BON would have a hearing (with that nurse present) and determine if that nurse could obtain licensure with a condition they be in the state's monitoring program. State's do vary in their requirements, and the states I am familiar with, in the southeast, usually require at least a 2 year wait before the nurse can apply for reinstatement of the surrendered license. One point I noticed that was very important at the BON hearing was that there be documentation of recovery efforts, including documentation of AA/NA meeting attendance, similar to court-cards people get signed off at those meetings. So, if you do have to wait for reinstatement in Oregon, or even if Idaho will bypass all that and give you a license with stipulations, I would definitely document everything starting now as it will only work in your favor. Although I couldn't give you specific info on Idaho, I just wanted to let you know how it works in my area, and that it is possible. There are lots of nurses who have been in your shoes, and are nursing again.