Can I become a Nurse Practioner?

Nurses Recovery

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Hello all, thank you for reading :)

At this time I am on probation for narcotics diversion. I was a nurse in labor and delivery.

I have now been sober for 2 years :) I do having a nursing job in my field as a WIC nurse at the health dept. Which I consider myself completley lucky as hell. I graduated from nursing school top of my class and recently decided I wanted to go back to school for my Master's in Nursing. I beleive this may help me to enter a new chapter in my life to prove to everyone and myself that I am a successful person, look what I did after my whole life went down the drain. I feel like it would help me get my confidence back. I would love to be a pediatric nurse practioner, but if I went through all that schooling and paid all that money would it all be for nothing?

My thoughts are if I specialize in Peds and work in an office I would hardly ever if at all be in the position to dispence narcotics. If for some reason that was the case my supervising physician would be able to write the script instead and it would not be a problem because of the infrequency. By the time I get done with school I would have put at least 7yrs between me and my downfall. Is there a chance for me?? What do you think?

In a year I will go before the BON to petition to get my license back unencumbered.

My restrictions right now are that I cannot pass narcotics, work nights or work more than 40hrs a week, I can't be a travel nurse. I have been in a recovery program for the last 2 yrs and have done everything asked of me. Im trying so so hard and yet I still feel like I'm at the bottom of the barrel. I recently read a quote saying "Don't let your mistakes define you"

I wish I could do that but even 2yrs out I still feel a large amount of guilt. If anyone has any advice I would love to hear it. Thanks so much for reading this book of a post.

Specializes in FNP, ONP.

I initially said misinterpreted, and I thought it was a misunderstanding. However, you are certainly misrepresenting me in your last post, intentionally it seems. I am not sure why you want to make me out to be the villain here when I am not the individual who broke the law or breached the trust of my patients. What I did do was offer an honest opinion on the likelihood that an individual who did do so would be hired into a private practice like mine, should they get by the other obstacles. And yes, we would be more likely to hire someone who made an error that resulted in sentinel event, provided they were not drunk at the time. ;)

Well, I'm a bit shocked by blue devil's comment. This place we call earth is getting more and more harder everyday. The part where Blue devil said they liked a doctor and didn't hire him because he declared bankruptcy and got a divorce made me feel sad. Clearly he's accomplished but had some trouble in his past. I was sad because the judgement wasn't based on his skills. Yes, everyone in our population doesn't have the perfect life. I've had circumstances beyond my control. Like a bad evil family member who has tried to destroy me because I wouldn't give them money. Yes, their accusations are all lies, but you are going to judge me because of my past? I tell you, the coldest awful people work in healthcare. Best of luck to you.

I wonder first of all if you could get into a NP program with that albatross around your neck. DEA privileges could also be an issue for you. They might forgive a provider whom is already licensed, but I can see them denying a first time DEA license to someone with a diversion "conviction."

Assuming you could get past both those barriers, I think once you are "forgiven" by the BON, the past is past. However, you will have to divulge that stain to every potential employer, and I do see that being a very large obstacle. My group, for instance, would not consider you. We didn't hire a physician we sorely wanted because he had declared bankruptcy in the past associated with a divorce. We really liked him, we really wanted him, we just didn't want to take any chances. A narcotic issue would have meant we never even seriously reviewed his credentials, and we certainly would not have taken the time to interview him.

I am not saying this to flame or shame you, but narcotics diversion has got to be the worst thing a health care provider can do and it will be very difficult for you to get past it. In short, professionally speaking you would be better off if you had killed someone. It is too bad that some mistakes really do ruin the rest of your life. I do wish you the best of luck.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but why didn't you want to hire him? How would that affect him doing his job?

Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

And I am not a she, BTW. I guess I am not all that well known after all, lol.

Now that explains a lot ;-)

I will read your comments under a new light now.

And BTW, I understood what you meant originally and agree. The OP is better off knowing the reality now instead of putting years and money into something that won't go anywhere.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

Specializes in FNP.
I initially said misinterpreted, and I thought it was a misunderstanding. However, you are certainly misrepresenting me in your last post, intentionally it seems. I am not sure why you want to make me out to be the villain here when I am not the individual who broke the law or breached the trust of my patients. What I did do was offer an honest opinion on the likelihood that an individual who did do so would be hired into a private practice like mine, should they get by the other obstacles. And yes, we would be more likely to hire someone who made an error that resulted in sentinel event, provided they were not drunk at the time. ;)

I understood what you meant and agree your original comment is being deliberately skewed out of context. People who want to be offended will be. That's on them. Those who want to try to "get it" can grasp it without too much effort and without getting all butthurt. It isn't enough to just say, Gee, I don't agree with that point; have you considered xyz? There will always be those in a group that demonize you for making a good point that they disagree with or that they just don't want to hear. That's how it goes on the interwebz.

From one Duke alum to another, I say keep on keepin' on. I agree with you for the most part.

Specializes in adult health , critical care.

I am a Nurse Practitioner who is the BON state program after reporting a DUI several years ago. I do have an active DEA number as well as an active Advanced Practice license. I have been a nurse and a nurse practitioner over 20 years. During this time I too got divorced and filed bankruptcy. I am so grateful for employers who are practical and nonjudgmental who realize people have hardships, make mistakes , fall down and pick themselves up ! I certainly didn't let my past mistakes define me but I will tell you they made me the competent, skilled , experienced and practical NP I am today! If one wants to enter into advanced practice nursing or higher education in any field that should be supported and welcomed as long as you are doing it for the right reasons. You feel confident enough in your skills and profession to want to practice at a higher level of nursing. I can't speak for the BON or the DEA but if you are seeking more professional autonomy and feel you will be an asset as an NP then start taking some classes to see if it's feasible . Good luck too you .

Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

You might also consider a consultation with an experienced license defense attorney. They can provide an opinion based on the administrative laws and the nurse practice act in your state. The cost of a consultation when compared to the tution of an advanced practice nursing program is well worth the money.

As far as acquiring an advanced degree in order to prove something to yourself and/or others. I tell the clients I work with as an addiction counselor to keep one thing in mind. We are not bad people trying to become good. We have a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disease and are trying to become and remain well. Speaking as a former advanced practice nurse (a CRNA), attempting to obtain an advanced practice degree is difficult when you really want to enter that particular profession. Attempting to do so to prove something to yourself or others can make achieving that degree even more difficult. I'm not judging your desire to achieve that degree, I'm just giving you something to consider that may not have occurred to you. Also, it has been my experience over the past 8 years as a peer advisor for nurse anesthetists, that people with less than 5 years of solid, continuous recovery struggle with the pressure and stress of an advanced degree program. Focusing on your recovery program and re-entering practice as a nurse will provide enough challenges without the aded pressure of trying to obtain an advanced practice degree/license. Once you have returned to practice and remained clean and sober, you'll have the much needed experience to determine if you want to obtain an advanced degree/license.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Jack

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but why didn't you want to hire him? How would that affect him doing his job?

He could steal drugs at the office and sell them for money etc. Anything illegal of that sort and then bluedevil would suffer the loss bc its his practice. After working at a bank for 4+ years its amazing what people will do when they are hurting for money.. people you call FRIEND that you would never suspect. Which is why we would NEVER hire someone who has declared bankruptcy.. too big of a risk it isn't worth it!

Specializes in Neuro Intensive Care.

He could steal drugs at the office and sell them for money etc. Anything illegal of that sort and then bluedevil would suffer the loss bc its his practice. After working at a bank for 4+ years its amazing what people will do when they are hurting for money.. people you call FRIEND that you would never suspect. Which is why we would NEVER hire someone who has declared bankruptcy.. too big of a risk it isn't worth it!

Regarding the post by vebb, your response is unfounded. You quoted a response as to why it would effect him doing his job. The first sentence of your response is that he could steal drugs and sell them......however, if you read the full post, you will see that the presenting issue was bankruptcy as a result of a divorce. No drugs were mentioned. Just needed to clear that up. Secondly, I feel BDDNP is being condescending. Your reply to the original question was invalid. You did offer your opinion in your response, but it was a negative opinion demonstrated by your example of the doctor with the bankruptcy and divorce. Obviously you don't believe in second chances which is fortunate for you being that you haven't experienced any life changing events in your life. Personally, I feel bad for you. While your response may have been genuine, it was degrading. I could sense it in your answer. Personally, I am curious as to why you choose to post on a recovering nurses site. I look to this site for support. Perhaps your character defect is to seek pleasure in discouraging those who have made mistakes. Sorry we cannot all be as wonderful as you or your practice. It's clear that your practice doesn't mind hiring murders vs someone who just hit a rough patch. Your sheltered life has bred your ignorance and I feel bad for you. Karma is a ***** and bites real hard, so watch your back end.

Given your degree of education, you should have easily picked up on the persons low self esteem and shame regarding his/her situation. They need our support. While your answer may have been factual, it was still inappropriate. He/she is seeking help from this community. There's a deeper issue then just pursuing a NP degree.

Sorry, it was late and I wasn't very clear. What I was trying to get across is that it doesn't matter how well he does his job.. he would still pose too much of a liability for those reasons in my eyes. I agree that it is sad situation and people absolutely do deserve second chances! But... in the world we live in today I can understand why people don't want to stick their necks out.

Specializes in Trauma/Critical Care.
My comment was misinterpreted. I am saying that honest human error (not malpractice or negligence) that results in even tragic patient outcomes, including death, is often more easily forgiven by professional boards than is narcotic abuse/diversion. Savvy?

I genuinely wish the OP the best, but I do think they have a very difficult road ahead of them. Perhaps it is not impossible, but I don't think they are well served by pretending that the challenge is easily surmountable. In many environments, that Scarlett letter makes them an undesirable job candidate even if they get past admissions committees, state boards and the DEA. If I were making life plans, I'd be very, very careful knowing that. And being pragmatic, as you so correctly point out, I'd be appreciative of honest appraisals of my situation.

Thanks for the vote of confidence in my intentions. As a "well-known, long-time member here with the majority of her (sic) posts falling in the pragmatic and sensible categories, I'm quite certain I deserve it. ;)

And I am not a she, BTW. I guess I am not all that well known after all, lol.

I have to agree with the above poster. It is ok to be a supporting bunch...but the OP came to this site looking for honest feedback. I work as an NP, in a neurology group and I have to be honest...someone's application with her background would not even be considered. The reality is that ( like it or not) in this economy, with hundred of schools spitting out new grad NPs, a potential candidate with a diversion conviction would have a very difficult (if not imposible) time finding employment.

In Missouri you can. I was on probation the whole time I was in NP school. As a matter of fact, the BON released me from probation a year early so my license would be clear when I took state boards. I am a highly sought after NP in the area I live. No trouble getting credentialed in the least. No problem with . I went to SLU and they were glad to have me.

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