[Mazrim]

Back in 1994, I was admitted to a hospital for amphetamine treatment. I just attended the nursing info seminar as required for application, and noticed on the questionnaire it asks if I was or had ever been treated for substance abuse. Then I read on the bottom of the page that saying yes to anything could bar me from being able to test for my license. Am I wasting my time with this? What happened was a looooong time ago, something done while I was young and stupid, but if theyre going to judge me based on something that happened one time, and over a decade ago, then I don't need to be spinning my wheels.

They have a number I could call, but I was told they can't tell me anything regarding what the boards decision would be. So they want me to take all these classes, work my ass off, to possibly tell me "Sorry sucker, you can never test for your RN license. But thanks for the tuition, and all the fish."??

[ZASHAGALKA]

NO, you don't have to go all the way through the program before you ask.

But, by the same token, the board cannot speak to your specific situation, unless you ask.

The BONs have no inherent interest in wasting school space on somebody they do not intend to license, in any case.

Most BONs allow you to get a preliminary finding regarding your specific situation. You CAN ask in advance that they make a determination on your specific case. Check out their website or ask someone at your State board for how.

~faith,
Timothy.

[zoeboboey]

Originally Posted by Mazrim

Back in 1994, I was admitted to a hospital for amphetamine treatment. I just attended the nursing info seminar as required for application, and noticed on the questionnaire it asks if I was or had ever been treated for substance abuse. Then I read on the bottom of the page that saying yes to anything could bar me from being able to test for my license. Am I wasting my time with this? What happened was a looooong time ago, something done while I was young and stupid, but if theyre going to judge me based on something that happened one time, and over a decade ago, then I don't need to be spinning my wheels.

They have a number I could call, but I was told they can't tell me anything regarding what the boards decision would be. So they want me to take all these classes, work my ass off, to possibly tell me "Sorry sucker, you can never test for your RN license. But thanks for the tuition, and all the fish."??

Who is "they" (who have the # to call)

There are zillions of nurses - ok, I exaggerate - MANY of us - who have been treated for addiction of one form or another. And successfully went on to, or continued, nursing.

Of course, it could vary state to state, but I cannot IMAGINE that they would make someone complete their education and THEN deny you the right to practice. I hope you get some good responses to this, and good luck!

[Daggummit!]

Quite a few state BON's have programs in place that allow nurses found guilty of drug diversion/substance abuse to keep their licenses, as long as they adhere to a strict recovery program. So, a problem you had over a decade ago shouldn't be a huge issue as long as you recovered and have had a clean record since then. It would be wise contact the BON like Timothy said and see if they will deliver a prelim finding for you though. That way you would have a formal statement from them that you could point to if you encounter licensure issues later on.

[traumaRUs]

I'm sorry but we can't provide legal advice at All Nurses. Please contact your state board of nurses.