Anyone ever get their license back after revocation?

ariel7777 · Sep 26, 2009

Dear Morganslake, I am in a similar situation. My license is nul and void but I did not surrender it.

I just decided to quit all together without telling them anything. As a result, my license is nul and void since 2002.

Recently I posted on IPN forum and ask the same question that you asked.

And I got 2 responses. Thank you Linda and Mary if you reading this post!! :yeah:

They told me to approach the Board (I am in Florida) and ask them what do I need to do.

I did and they referred me to IPN. I contacted IPN, they presented my case to the clinical committee and I got a call in the day that she told me she'll call me.

Here is the catch. IPN will not give me a contract until the Board is willing to issue me a license.

The Board is not willing to give me a license until IPN gives me a contract.

But IPN did not deny me, they basically said that they are waiting for the Board to make the first move.

The response that I got from the Board is that I must apply again as I would be a new nurse. I can apply by endorsement since I took the board and passed in California. After they receive the application, they will review it in a committee, and give the result after. :banghead:

Furthermore, the lady from the Boar told me that since I was out of work for more than 5 years, I probably have to take a remedial course and she sent me the list of approved sites.

I am scared too. I have been clean since July 31, 2001 at 1 pm. I have a good carrer in education, teaching Medical Assistant program, and I am a CPR Instructor. I make a decent living, but nursing is tugging at my heart.

I don't want to necessarily go to bed side, but I can pursue so many avenues that I am aware of and I can;t do it because I don't have a license.

Anyway, I hope this helps!

Ariel:D

dph1965 · Sep 27, 2009

Dear FLSmitty! Thank you for your help. I AM ADDRESSING THE NON LAWYER PERSON WHO IS IN NO WAY GIVING ME LEGAL ADVICE, ahem. (in case anyone's listening!) I thing that's the way I'm leaning. I gave up SO many years ago, trying to do things the IPN/12 step way, but since I wasn't buying any of the "let go and let god" and other #$@! (sorry, I don't mean to insult anyone, I just feel there are more ways than THE way to get sober and real - I'm living proof) and that's the ONLY way as far as IPN is concerned. I've gotten a little more mature, wiser, fatter etc. in the last 12 yrs and I know I'm clean, so no matter what IPN or anyone else wants me to do to prove it is OK. I'm sure I'll end up broke (er) in the short run, but hopefully it will pay off in the long. Either way, I'll know where I stand and can get on with becoming a nurse again or finding a different path. Phone sex and dog walking are other options I'm considering! (kidding, please!) I'm a pretty smart girl (now) and will figure it out, but you are right, I need to know where I stand in all this. Who knows, maybe the law will get the axe or be amended ( I DID write the FL Congress, Gov and Pres. Obama) and I'll be ready if it is! Thank you again for all your wisdom.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Sep 29, 2009

Dear FLSmitty! Thank you for your help. I AM ADDRESSING THE NON LAWYER PERSON WHO IS IN NO WAY GIVING ME LEGAL ADVICE, ahem. (in case anyone's listening!) I thing that's the way I'm leaning. I gave up SO many years ago, trying to do things the IPN/12 step way, but since I wasn't buying any of the "let go and let god" and other #$@! (sorry, I don't mean to insult anyone, I just feel there are more ways than THE way to get sober and real - I'm living proof) and that's the ONLY way as far as IPN is concerned. I've gotten a little more mature, wiser, fatter etc. in the last 12 yrs and I know I'm clean, so no matter what IPN or anyone else wants me to do to prove it is OK. I'm sure I'll end up broke (er) in the short run, but hopefully it will pay off in the long. Either way, I'll know where I stand and can get on with becoming a nurse again or finding a different path. Phone sex and dog walking are other options I'm considering! (kidding, please!) I'm a pretty smart girl (now) and will figure it out, but you are right, I need to know where I stand in all this. Who knows, maybe the law will get the axe or be amended ( I DID write the FL Congress, Gov and Pres. Obama) and I'll be ready if it is! Thank you again for all your wisdom.

ok, for starters.....1) no 12step/IPN are not the only ways to get clean & sober, but unfortunately they have the most demonstrated success, and they offer something else that tends to "attract ALL state boards" they can and do provide documentation. I resent being told that I must attend 2 twelve step meetings a week with over 22yrs. sobriety, but it provides documentation to my BON stipulations that "I am working a program." I have not been to a meeting in decades for my personal sobriety.... but I am grateful, that I have been able to help some who may of benefitted from my successes and failures. When BONs look at "the big picture" they are not interested in weather we have sacrificed, did what ever we have done to get better, they are interested in "protecting the public, which is their legal requirement by the state governments" That being said, the stipulations, requirements etc. they give us and IPNs give us, have to be ones with the "most measured success." When one gets their lis. back the BON is "gambling" that we are better, will stay better, and not make the same mistakes etc. again. They, the scientific and medical communities, have seen the greatest success from 12 step programs. I have worked professionaly in addiction, and that is just the facts. I do not like them when they pertain to me, but I do not have to like them, darn it, I just gotta do it....good luck to all, I do promise it gets better !!! :clown:

doolot · Oct 5, 2009

OMGoodness..I never, never write on these "threads" or "blogs" whatever the heck... but for today.

I totally get that the "BON", no matter the state.. is all about protecting the public and understandably so.

What I don't understand is the broadbrush approach to this whole issue.. While I agree with, you're either

sober or your not.. there are varying degrees to everything including addiction and undeniably more than

one way to approach wellness. Those who do the work, will get well, no matter. It's grossly unfortunate

that it's with discouragement rather than encouragement from "our colleagues". Should be a pre-req. before you can be associated with BON .. you must be in recovery. Perhaps then we'll see some empathy or compassion.

Tough enough row to hoe without thia added BS.

Be True To You!

FLSmitty · Oct 5, 2009

OMGoodness..I never, never write on these "threads" or "blogs" whatever the heck... but for today.
I totally get that the "BON", no matter the state.. is all about protecting the public and understandably so.
What I don't understand is the broadbrush approach to this whole issue.. While I agree with, you're either
sober or your not.. there are varying degrees to everything including addiction and undeniably more than
one way to approach wellness. Those who do the work, will get well, no matter. It's grossly unfortunate
that it's with discouragement rather than encouragement from "our colleagues". Should be a pre-req. before you can be associated with BON .. you must be in recovery. Perhaps then we'll see some empathy or compassion.
Tough enough row to hoe without thia added BS.
Be True To You!

That's very perceptive, doolot! The "broad brush approach" kicks to the curb many that might otherwise succeed.

Until there is a sea change in addiction treatment generally, and in the BON's approach specifically, those of us

that wish to continue the practice of nursing are forced to submit or hit the road.

Smitty

gr8fulnrs · Nov 7, 2009

yes, lately it occurs to me as well...what a long strange trip its been! i havent posted in awhile so let let me update all you beautiful nursey-poos where I'm at on my journey: my journey has come to a screaching halt as to not being able to secure employment as an LPN. history: voluntarily surrendered license in 2003, finally quit using in 2005, got recovery, applied for re-instatement 4 years later in 2009, did the psych eval, LPN refresher course, Got myself off the OIG list, got a fingerprint clearance card, have on - going random U/A's, go to 12 step meetings, got license back BUT...with restrictions and a 3 year probation - RN supervision, 6 month narcotic distribution restriction (to commence upon hiring) and a.m. hrs. of work only. so...where I'm at now is having a hard time getting hired as a med nurse who can't pass meds. I've tried a doctor's offices, treatment centers, LTC homes, detention centers, adult day cares...if anyone has a brainiac idea (other than hitting my knees on a daily basis and praying my little heart out) please speak up! I have been batteling depression as a result of this wall I'm up against, trying to remain optimistic but its hard, especially with the economy and all...and especially when I'm in competition with the nurse that is purer than the white driven snow who has never had to suffer from addiction. I know God is still in the miracle business so I best just get out of the way and let him do his thing. but hurry up already!!! please...

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2009

Praying might help a little.. but hitting the pavement will help the most. Hit the ground running. Keep going and going and going on interviews. Go even to the interviews where you know you won't get hired.

Look at all the hoops you have jumped through! You can't give up now,, heck, this is the easy part. Get pretty everyday and get out there... or else, what is it all for??

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Nov 8, 2009

yes, lately it occurs to me as well...what a long strange trip its been! i havent posted in awhile so let let me update all you beautiful nursey-poos where I'm at on my journey: my journey has come to a screaching halt as to not being able to secure employment as an LPN. history: voluntarily surrendered license in 2003, finally quit using in 2005, got recovery, applied for re-instatement 4 years later in 2009, did the psych eval, LPN refresher course, Got myself off the OIG list, got a fingerprint clearance card, have on - going random U/A's, go to 12 step meetings, got license back BUT...with restrictions and a 3 year probation - RN supervision, 6 month narcotic distribution restriction (to commence upon hiring) and a.m. hrs. of work only. so...where I'm at now is having a hard time getting hired as a med nurse who can't pass meds. I've tried a doctor's offices, treatment centers, LTC homes, detention centers, adult day cares...if anyone has a brainiac idea (other than hitting my knees on a daily basis and praying my little heart out) please speak up! I have been batteling depression as a result of this wall I'm up against, trying to remain optimistic but its hard, especially with the economy and all...and especially when I'm in competition with the nurse that is purer than the white driven snow who has never had to suffer from addiction. I know God is still in the miracle business so I best just get out of the way and let him do his thing. but hurry up already!!! please...

Make yourself marketable, I do not know which state you are in, but get RUGs certified for LTC nursing homes, and MDS profecient, MDS and RUGs reports are the specialized reports that have to be transmitted to CMS Medicare and Medicaid..... for nursing homes to get paid It is usually a M-f job, and MDS/Rugs nurses get paid a higher wage than other LVNs in a nursing home, cause you be the money nurse... Hey it is a way to work off the stipulations, and 3 yr. probation... I only have 5 more months to go........ you can find out abut the above at CMS or DADs websites....... look up MDS/Rugs on the "net" We get Rugs certifies in Texas at Texas Tech. SanMarcus online...... something like $35-40.00. These MDS/Rugs reports are very similar to the OASIS that home health has to submit. Good luck, you can do it. !!! :yeah:

doolot · Nov 8, 2009

Wanted to say "right on" to you and to also comment on the 2 posts that followed in response to yours... they gave such great suggestions. Align yourself with people in the medical profession, meet and greet when ever, where ever you can .. go to a meet-up group in your area for nurses.. support groups are every where find one (other than AA NA) .. learn, grow, develop sincere relationships .. even if you have to volunteer.. it's all about trust. As you align yourself with people, they'll be able to speak to your character in general. ** someone mentioned be "marketable", that's so huge... the MDS route is a great idea ..perhaps if your an lpn or lvn get your RN, if your an RN get your BSN etc. Be MORE than they want in every way possible.

***I'll encourage everyone reading this thread to go back and read post # 45..

It speaks volumes to me, the handling or often mishandling of this entire issue. Addicts are every where in every profession ... I find it W A C K E D that we, out of all professions, treat our colleagues with the least support and the most discrimination. Consider Police Officers, Firefighters where "public safety" is also at issue ... do a little research, you'll discover much more support on the part of coworkers in both instances. What is it with the BON, the profession in general.... all these hoops, loops and oh by the ways... it's discriminatory(.)There are surely plenty of active addicts wishing they could be honest, ask for help... many who wouldn't dare, knowing the stigma. If this were really being treated as "disease" .. getting well would be the easy part... it seems in the Nursing Profession sobriety's not enough. Being followed around by an RN for 6 months while you do a med pass will do little other than prevent you from getting a job. We need an increase in Education, Communication, and Empathy .. from nursing schools all the way up to the nursing board... What We, as a profession, as a board should be offering people suffering from addiction should be encouragement NOT discouragement. People do move beyond addiction, a good thing right? .. yeah! Why then doesn't it F E E L that way??

Shel216 · Nov 19, 2009

I am also a victim of this new law. I'm a new grad and had to withdraw my license application in FL due to a mistake I made over 5 years ago. I have written to the FL legislature about this law and how I feel it is much too broad. I agree it should effect people guilty of Medicaid fraud but not fraud in general and drug charges. I have had a few responces saying they will discuss this bill 1986 again in March 2010. If you want to write/email your legislature as well you can find thier contact info at:

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx

The more who write the better!! Any other advice about what to do next? I really can't move out ao FL at this stage in my life and all the travel jobs require at least 1 year experience.

adm6290 · Jul 1, 2010

I have very strong feelings about this OIG exclusion list and it's far reaching ramifications. Including nurses who have lost or surrendered their licenses due to substance abuse is DRACONIAN. First, the boards do not inform you that this is a consequence and they are dishonest about the ways to get off of it.

This list was created in 1980 as a punitive and security measure against practioners who had DELIBERATELY defrauded the Medicare or Medicaid system-i.e. felons. In the balanced budget act of 1997 they included every health care practioner who had ever lost or surrendered their license regardless of the reason. Obviously the biggest percentage of lost or surrendered licenses are directly related to substance abuse issues. Substance abuse and addiction is an illness and is recognized as such by the AMA. Just by default the inclusion of such individuals on a list (as long as they have not committed medicare or medicaid fraud) is prejudicial. Many of the people who fall into this category do not even know they are on the list. I surrendered my license in 2004 and did not find out I was on this lst until 2007 when I was denied employment at a health insurance company. As long as you are on this list you can not work for any entity who accepts medicare or medicaid in ANY capacity.

You can get off this list without getting your license back, it takes a lot of work and a good lawyer but it can be done. I hope that one day someone who "matters" will see the inclusion of sick people on this list as inherently wrong but until that day, get in recovery, decide what path you want to take and contact an attorney who has dealt with this before.

SWS RN, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2010

QUOTE:

You can get off this list without getting your license back, it takes a lot of work and a good lawyer but it can be done. I hope that one day someone who "matters" will see the inclusion of sick people on this list as inherently wrong but until that day, get in recovery, decide what path you want to take and contact an attorney who has dealt with this before.

Please note:

I agree with a lot of what you said about the OIG list and the ramifications. I found out I was on it last year about 7 years after the incident happened. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED IN ADVANCE-I found out the hard way....anyway, I was able to have my name removed from the list without legal intervention. In fact, I did it by myself. I contacted the lead attorney at the att generals office in Washington, DC. I asked what could be done. They sent me a packet with information on how to go about it.

I had several friends, business associates and former supervisors write a short letter on my behalf. Basically stating that I would never defraud the Medicare system, good moral character, etc.

THey really are more interested in fradulent practices than drug/alcohol addiction...in fact, that was not an issue at all.

I called the lead attorney weekly, she was most helpful and understanding.

THe entire process took from May 30 until August 1, about 2 months.

It felt great when it was over, and I was glad I advocated for myself. I recieved an official letter stating my name was removed and checked the next month it was published and it was.

Good luck, it can be done....I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

s