Do they have to know? I need help!!!

LilRedRN1973 · Feb 2, 2011

You are only as sick as your secrets. That is the way I see it. I know others will disagree but I see my BON as a great support for me. They have helped me build a wonderful foundation of recovery that I will forever be grateful for. And because I had the BON holding me accountable for that first year (which was a difficult one), it helped me stay sober. As a fellow vicodin addict and a nurse, I could be around my potential drug of choice every single day I work. And if the BON was not holding me accountable, it would be easier to slip back into my addiction. The way I feel (and again, this is a personal choice), by the time I am off contract, I will have build my house (recovery) on solid foundation, not a slippery slope. I am at the point now where if the BON came to me and said "you will not be able to work as a nurse ever again", I would be okay and it wouldn't mean my going back out and relapsing. That is huge progress for me. I no longer NEED them to hold me accountable, but it's nice to know they are there. The first year.....I did need them. Getting off those damn vicodin was ridiculously hard.

It's obviously a personal choice and your recovery is between you and God (or your Higher Power). For me, the BON introduced me to a better way to live and offered me a chance at a better life. Was it difficult and did I struggle? Hell, yes. Would I do it all over again? Hell, yes. I still attend aftercare, even though I was officially released in December 2009 because it's such in integral part of my recovery. This is all speaking from my own experience with the BON, of course, and my own particular state. Others may feel differently based on their own experiences and resentments. I have a colleague that feels much differently and we are in the same program. She detests our BON and hates feeling "controlled". But I see that as a perception. I see them as helping, not controlling. I think it's about surrendering and not fighting against.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do and God be with you in your journey = )

Randomnurse3 · Feb 2, 2011

I would think that the Dr prescribing them to you would have to maintain some type of Dr/patient confidentality. Does your doctor know that you are a nurse? Im not sure but I would think that if you told your prescribing Dr. he/she would help you taper down slowly or find some way to help you. I cant see your Dr reporting you to the BON for something that was given to you by him/her. Again, not sure but I would think there has to be some type of patient confidentality or HIPPA violation if they report you. As far as the therapist, not so sure about that one! Good Luck to you and do your research first!

jadedRN04 · Feb 2, 2011

Does your state have a nurse's assistance program? If so, you can start there. I don't deal with the BON for my monitoring. I deal only with the nurse's assistance program for my state and as long as I say in compliance with my agreement the BON does not get involved and my license is not in jeopardy.

It can be overwhelming at first, but it is definitely doable...and it can save your life and your career in the long run. My program has given me the accountability I have needed this last year to stay away from my DOC while I build a strong foundation of recovery.

I wish you all the best!

SassyErRn · Feb 2, 2011

I agree with RN4HUGS...start with finding info on your states assistance program. I live in MI and am under HPRP. As long as I stay compliant with my contract I will not be reported to the BON. It allows me to keep my nursing license and cont to work. It has saved my life. There was a nurse in my weekly group that was not under any sort of contract. She was not caught diverting but on her own she began going to AA and got herself into weekly group (outpatient group of health care prof in recovery). She even does random drug screens. Nobody at her job knows she is in recovery. So it is possible for you to get help without the bon getting involved...its just up to you whether you decide you want/need an assistance program to keep you more accountable. Good luck to you!

RN4Laft4 · Feb 2, 2011

First, ask you doctor if he/she WOULD report you IF you have a problem. A physiological addiction is not the same a substance misuse. You can get some medical help (like suboxone) to get you off the Vicoden. Don't tell anyone. The BON is not necessarily your friend. They are there to protect the public from impaired nurses. Think before you speak, and know that others who see these posts sometimes feel the need to report you. Just a warning from one who has been there.

code3rnval, ASN, RN · Feb 2, 2011

It's safe to tell your MD. he can't & won't tell. Just get help on your own first. I reported my self to the boards and am having a hard time finding a job now. Your doing the right thing.

RNOTODAY, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2011

thanks everyone. believe me, I am in no way, shape or form going to self report myself... my worry is that obtaining private help will alert the bon, hence them getting involved....

my state does have a peer assistance program, so i will call tomorrow.... but arwe you saying these peer things are NOT related to the board of nursing in any way? they dont give your name to the bon? im confused

RNOTODAY, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2011

First, ask you doctor if he/she WOULD report you IF you have a problem. A physiological addiction is not the same a substance misuse. You can get some medical help (like suboxone) to get you off the Vicoden. Don't tell anyone. The BON is not necessarily your friend. They are there to protect the public from impaired nurses. Think before you speak, and know that others who see these posts sometimes feel the need to report you. Just a warning from one who has been there.

really? how would they know who i am???? ( the ones reporting me)

thank you for the advice....

BEDPAN76 · Feb 4, 2011

Just taper down, like decrease by one per day. Then you will avoid getting into an UNFAIR situation with BON. :nurse:

jackstem · Feb 5, 2011

thanks everyone. believe me, I am in no way, shape or form going to self report myself... my worry is that obtaining private help will alert the bon, hence them getting involved....
my state does have a peer assistance program, so i will call tomorrow.... but arwe you saying these peer things are NOT related to the board of nursing in any way? they dont give your name to the bon? im confused

Go to your BON web site and search for information regarding the peer assistance program in your state. They may have a web site that will explain how the program works. Not all peer programs are created equal. Some are confidential and as long as you follow their program to a "T" the BON will not be notified. Others might be managed by the BON and some states have no such program. What's your state? (PM me if you don't want to post it) and I'll see what info I can find for you.

Jack

MollyLPN · Feb 6, 2011

I really don't think you should tell the BON, or your doctor. Try to quit on your own first. Go to AA and/or NA and work the program. One of the steps says to makes amends "except when to do so will harm yourself or others". You don't have to harm yourself by reporting yourself. Just get help, anonymously, decrease your dose like mentioned by BEDPAN76. Or you can tell your doctor you don't want to take Vicoden or other narcotics, and ask his/her advice how to wean off. Just say you don't want to take it anymore. Addiction doesn't have to be mentioned.

Be careful about talking to a therapist. Some have to and will report.

You know you have a problem. That's awesome, you have the first step. The physical detox will be short. The emotional/mental part will take longer. So check out a meeting (or a few). Good luck.