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nambour51 · Apr 24, 2006

I can't really help you as I have not been in the situation you describe. I am not sure how things are in the US but Down Under we have a system that enables nurses to keep working under strict conditions and supervision. Hang in there! If you are determined to overcome the past and move on you will find a way. You have already made a start.

Jo

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2006

I think it really depends on the state that you live in.

This forum is for introductions and you might not get much response here. Maybe if you post in the general forum, or the forum that corresponds to the state you live in.

Welcome.

skay · Apr 29, 2006

you need to cooperate wholly with your place of employment this will probally require frequent drug testing, documentation of substance counseling. As long as you prove you are seeking assistance to stop whatever substance abuse you are doing the licensing board will consider this and will not immediately pull your license. Your place of employment may limit your access to drugs if that is the problem. Be very honset with your manager/employer they will be discreet handling the issue with your co-workers. There is no reason anyone else you work with should know anything re. the issues you are having. I have personally handled instance of one employee who was abusing and currently know of another that is currently in treatment and still working. My prayers are with you. You can do this.

rntoben2008 · May 8, 2006

I have a cousin in Kentucky who went through this problem. She became addicted to Demerol, Lortab and other narcotics. She was caught stealing meds from the hospital she worked at. They did however offer to send her through a rehab center specifically for medical staff. She was an R.N., however with her addiction problem way out of control she lost her job and did not attend rehab. She did go through a 7 day program, but came right out and started using again. She was offered this opportunity to get help for about two years before the state of Ky. would pull her license for good. I don't know if she can still get her license back one day, if she does decide to get help. It has been about 4 years now. She claims to be clean, but she still has not pursued getting her career back. Seems to be such a waste of all that hard work in school for 4 years and 8 years on the job. I do know that her employer tried to help her and they did give her ample opportunity to get her life back on track and not lose her license forever. She did not take them up on it.

rntoben2008 · May 8, 2006

One more thing. Do not be embarrassed about it. It is good your talking about it. Just follow through with what your employer recommends. Do it for yourself though, not just to save your job. Good luck to you and I wish you success.