Detox and Nursing???

Nurses Recovery

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Hi, I am new here, and am looking into nursing school. Nursing has always been something I have wanted to do, and now at 25, and 2 kids later I am ready to go. I use to work as a CNA and I injured my back, I have been off work for over 2 years. I took pain medicines, and eventually abused them. Anyhow I went through a detox and am doing much better, not taking any pain medicine. My question is am I able to be a nurse even through I went through detox for abusing pain pills???? Is this detox on my record and if so looked down upon???

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You really have to discuss the history of drug abuse with your State BON. One of the reasons nursing as a profession has such a high degree of public respect is our collective reputation for integrity and honesty which is enforced by the BON. (I just took a course at work about substance abuse amongst health care professionals. One of the key points was an emphasis on self referral for treatment and that the vast majority of those who completed treatment were able to resume practice.)

This is one of those things where TOS doesn't allow for advice other than to contact your state BON for guidance. Best of luck in your endeavors!!!!

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Specializes in ICU.

HM is correct,, look on your states BON website. Read what it says about getting your license for the first time, and see what it says about history of substance abuse. You might have to write to the board, I would definatly do it before you go into nursing school. They will tell you if you are eligible. Wish I could tell you more.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

The end decision is with the BON as mentioned you really need to contact them, we just can not guess at this

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

You're personal medical history is private. The BON is not privy to that.

However, we are asked about our history when going into nursing, and two things stand out to me, your drug addiction and your back injury. Nursing is a profession with a high degree of back injuries. You're likely to injure your back, require pain medicine and then you're off and running.

Is this a risk you're willing to take?

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Download the application for RN license by exam from the Ill board of nursing. In Virginia there's a series of questions, among them is whether you've been in treatment for substance abuse issues or abused substances within the last five years. Your answers will depend on when you complete the RN program and sit for the exam. If you answer yes, you'll likely have to provide a supplemental written explanation of the circumstances, and the board will decide then what to do. At worst, they'll question you in front of the board and require you to participate in Ill State's monitoring program for a specified period of time (VA's HPIP program is five years). It SHOULDN'T keep you from getting licensed.

ETA: You don't have to reveal that history to anyone in your nursing education program - it will only become an issue when you apply to take the NCLEX, but is in absolutely no way or form a dealbreaker. I say go on and apply/enroll...so long as you don't pick up, no matter what.

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Specializes in Trauma/ER, Dialysis (yuck!).

ETA: You don't have to reveal that history to anyone in your nursing education program - it will only become an issue when you apply to take the NCLEX, but is in absolutely no way or form a dealbreaker. I say go on and apply/enroll...so long as you don't pick up, no matter what

That is correct...now that the NCLEX is computerized....one of the questions is concerning past substance abuse and/or legal proceedings related to this (DUI).. I was in the program with a very nice, very well intentioned guy who, like yourself, was clean for like 2 years, but had a suspended drivers license for 2 DUI's. He answered "yes" and subsequently had to enroll in MI's HPRP program that I was in for diverting narcs. Seemed a bit unfair, but he became a valuable asset to me as he had 2 or 3 yrs clean and helped me allot.

Think about, it may or may not happen to you.....I say do it! Good luck, just don't be dishonest when the time comes.

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Specializes in Med-Surg., Agency Nursing, LTC., MDS..

It happened to you and happens to millions of others. Don't let it hold you back. If You were stealing drugs from when you were working,then it would be on your record.You dealt with your problem and addressed it.Yes,Your medical history is your business.It is private.The most important thing for you to do is to remain clean,because without that you can lose everything....How are you achieveing this ?

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Specializes in ICU.
It happened to you and happens to millions of others. Don't let it hold you back. If You were stealing drugs from when you were working,then it would be on your record.You dealt with your problem and addressed it.Yes,Your medical history is your business.It is private.The most important thing for you to do is to remain clean,because without that you can lose everything....How are you achieveing this ?

She never said she stole drugs... but you are right, it is important to remain sober, medical history is private. However, it is a law in most, if not all states that you must disclose any history of drug abuse when you apply to take the NCLEX.

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