[TazziRN]

Originally Posted by LilPeanut

I just had to throw out there after reading this whole thread - A Million Little Pieces is a piece of fiction, as is the one after. Just to keep in mind

On the issue itself, I am torn, but think that perhaps that narc addicted nurses should find nursing positions that do not allow them access to narcs.

Not all addicted nurses can go back to direct patient care, but many of us can. Much of it has to do with your support system in recovery.

[grannynurse FNP student]

Originally Posted by LilPeanut

I just had to throw out there after reading this whole thread - A Million Little Pieces is a piece of fiction, as is the one after. Just to keep in mind

On the issue itself, I am torn, but think that perhaps that narc addicted nurses should find nursing positions that do not allow them access to narcs.

A Million Little Pieces was presented as a non-fiction book. I have not read it and have no desire to, especially after the information that has been revealed about it's author. And after watching him on Larry King.

Nurses who are addicted to narcotics are not always addicted to medications containing narcotics. This being said, I believe that any nurse who has sought treatment and has successfully completed an impairment program, should not be prevented from returning to a position that does not bar her from access to narcotics. Do we automatically bar alcoholics from establishments that serve alcohol? The answer to that is no. Why should we automatically bar a nurse?

Grannynurse

[earle58]

Originally Posted by grannynurse FNP student

This being said, I believe that any nurse who has sought treatment and has successfully completed an impairment program, should not be prevented from returning to a position that does not bar her from access to narcotics. Do we automatically bar alcoholics from establishments that serve alcohol? The answer to that is no. Why should we automatically bar a nurse?

Grannynurse

not my opinion but some would think that a once impaired nurse would be too risky in dispensing narcs to pts, in that they (mgmt?) are trying to protect the pt population to ensure that none of their pain meds are taken.

lesllie

[LilPeanut]

I know A Million Little Pieces was presented as non-fiction, that's why I was pointing out that it was. It's fairly disgusting what that author has done.

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by earle58

not my opinion but some would think that a once impaired nurse would be too risky in dispensing narcs to pts, in that they (mgmt?) are trying to protect the pt population to ensure that none of their pain meds are taken.

lesllie

My spouses has a part time job as a group facilitator for impaired nurses.
He says that while relapse happens many nurses when the receive proper treatment can return to nursing sucessfully in jobs where narcs are present. They usually are eased back into it. First having narcotic restrictions, then gaining priviledges, all the while being randomly drug tested and still having to attend therapy.

I think with ongoing support and monitoring, I am in favor of allowing good nurses to return to the workforce.

I also agree that patient safety is first and foremost.

[cantoo]

I saw that author on Oprah and he presented himself as having actually lived through the experiences he wrote about. It was compelling. Are you saying that he lied? I'd be interested in a link to this subject if you know of one.

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by cantoo

I saw that author on Oprah and he presented himself as having actually lived through the experiences he wrote about. It was compelling. Are you saying that he lied? I'd be interested in a link to this subject if you know of one.

There is an ongoing controversy that he exaggerated and fabricated some of his story.
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/...1/11/frey.lkl/

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/6/...ectID=10363125

[cantoo]

Tweety, 80% of the nurses in Florida's IPN successfully complete the program....due in part to caring IPN facilitators. Tell your spouse that he is a God-send to those of us in need and we appreciate his help. The job pays little, but the help these folks give is tremendous.

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by cantoo

Tweety, 80% of the nurses in Florida's IPN successfully complete the program....due in part to caring IPN facilitators. Tell your spouse that he is a God-send to those of us in need and we appreciate his help. The job pays little, but the help these folks give is tremendous.

I will. John is very well liked by his members and they are very loyal. He recently had to change their meeting time twice in the past years from Teusdays to Fridays and then to Mondays and every one of them followed him rather than switch groups.

[earle58]

Originally Posted by Tweety

My spouses has a part time job as a group facilitator for impaired nurses.
He says that while relapse happens many nurses when the receive proper treatment can return to nursing sucessfully in jobs where narcs are present. They usually are eased back into it. First having narcotic restrictions, then gaining priviledges, all the while being randomly drug tested and still having to attend therapy.

I think with ongoing support and monitoring, I am in favor of allowing good nurses to return to the workforce.

I also agree that patient safety is first and foremost.

ita...as i stated, it's not my opinion but was speaking on behalf of the naysayers.
honestly though? i would be nervous if a recovered nurse returned to the workplace. but with random/scheduled testing, proper support and close supervision, then more power to them. i truly do support those that can succeed in rehab. my dh was an active alcoholic for 34 yrs and has been dry for close to 9 months now. now if he can do it, then anyone can. i never thought i'd live to see the day when he was sober.

leslie