BanannaBag

Nurses Recovery

Published

Specializes in ED, Critical care.

Hi,

I have just spent alot of time reading on this site and I would like to tell my story.

I have been a RN for about 20 years and have always been a party-girl. I have NEVER gone to work after taking ANYTHING. However, I was on vacation and did smoke some pot with a friend. Three days later when i went back to work aparently someone had called my job and reported this to them. I was honest and admitted what i did to them and voluntarily gave them a urine which did come back + for THC (the amount so small it did not register as + on an over-the-counter drug screen). I was FRANTIC and went to EAP and was them referred to a drug and ETOH counsler who evaluated me and determined that I needed a 28 DAY INPT REHAB. I did what everyone told me (even though i feel the in-pt rehab was over-the-top since I tested negative for EVERYTHING on admission) I am now in VRP and PNAP for the next three years and feel as though my life has been ripped away from me! I have to go to all these meetings and I never used ETOH or DRUGS like that. I feel that this is maybe not worth it. I have no problem not taking anything ever again but the things they require are too too much. Sorry to vent but feel that maybe some of you will understand my frustration.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.

Supernurse1002-

My best advice is not to take this personally. Nursing boards really have no idea how to deal with addiction or suspected addiction and lower the boom uniformly on everyone.

With a screen name like "supernurse" I suspect your identity is very wrapped up in being as "perfect" a nurse as possible. Remember no one is perfect. Also, you did use an illegal substance and are now paying the price.

It will probably be no consolation to you but you are probably in a state that has an alternative to discipline program that allows you to find work with an "unmarked" license if you follow the rules.

My state has no such program. If I had done as you did I would have a permanent mark on my license.

I understand your emotional pain, but believe it or not, it could be worse!

Catmom :paw:

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Specializes in ED, Critical care.

Thanks for responding. I suppose I really should be grateful but three years is a loooong time for a mistake like the one I made...and believe me I am very remorseful and if I could. Get a redo I would. NEVER have done what I did. I just needed to vent .

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

Be grateful it's only 3 years....lol. My state is 5 years, which was daunting at first but I'm glad after reading statistics of relapse. I guess after 3 years, the rate of relapse jumps so our state's BON decided they would have a 5 year program. I don't mind most of the time with all the requirements I have (although it would be nice to just one week where I didn't have to go to all my support groups, meetings, counseling, etc....lol). I know that it's helping me learn what recovery is about and how to deal with life from a sober point of view instead of trying to run from things. :rolleyes:

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