need some support

Nurses Recovery

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I needed advice from all the nurses in recovery. I just graduated nursing school with honors as a single mom. I have a felony drug record from 12 years ago and I have been clean for over 11 years. The NV board is allowing me to take the NCLEX so I am very happy about that. But I still have to go before both the Disability Advisory Committee and the BON. I am willing to jump through whatever hoops I need to become a nurse. But I am still so scared that after all this hard work I will be turned down. I have recommendations from teachers at my school to the dean and president. Any advice is greatly appreciated! And yes, I was honest with everyone since the beginning. The school knew and so did the hospital where I did my clinicals. I was VP of the honor society, a mentor to incoming students and even tutored in my spare time. I don't want what I did when I was 21 to hold me back now.

Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I am also in NV and am on their monitoring program. I can tell you what a fellow nurse in recovery is going through; it may help you with the unknown. First, the DAC was great to me. Very understanding and appreciative of all the hard work I had put in with my recovery. Do not be too stressed, fearful, or worried. They are there to help you become/stay a nurse, not take it all away. That being said, my colleague had a drunk driving felony 17 years ago in a different state. He became a CNA and had to be on the NV's monitoring program for CNA's. Unsure about what that consisted of but when he graduated nursing school, he was placed on a 3 year contract and has to attend AA/NA meetings twice a week, meet with a nurse support group once a week, attend Aftercare once a week for a year, and see a counselor twice a week for a year. Also, self reports have to be turned in monthly until he has a job, then every 3 months after that. He has to call in daily for random drug testing for 3 years (you are chosen about once a month at $50/test). Your supervisor at work has to fill out a report once a month for the first 3 months, then every 3 months after that.

The cost to you is approximately $200-400, depending on how much Aftercare, counseling, and your nurse support group costs. I will tell you that right now, with the economy being the way it is, he's having a tough time getting a job simply because of the restrictions that are placed upon him. He cannot work nights and can't pass narcotics. Those restrictions are hard enough on me, a nurse with 3 years of ICU experience, let alone a new grad. But don't let that discourage you because my support groups are amazing and I'm glad I'm required to attend them. Without NV's program, I would miss out on so much personal growth. At times, the requirements suck and I get frustrated. But those times are far and few between. If you have any more questions about NV's program, feel free to send me a message! Unfortunately, we do live in one of the more strict states when it comes to recovery/monitoring programs. My contract is 5 years....sigh.

Thank you for all the information. I've heard how hard it is but since I'm clean, my only worry is the price. I really want to be an OR nurse so hopefully that will still be attainable even with all the restrictions. I knew this would be an uphill battle from the beginning so it is a relief to hear that others have succeeded. Would all the meetings and everything start as soon as they give me a license (See, I'm being optimistic lol) or does it begin after I actually get a job?

Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I will ask my colleage what the process was for him; for me, I had to complete an inpatient detox/rehab, then intensive outpatient for 6 weeks, 90 meetings in 90 days, and provide letters of reference before DAC would meet with me. My meeting with DAC decided if they would endorse my getting back my license (which I did) and then the requirements change a little. I don't think he had to do the inpatient (since he had been sober for almost 17 years) or the intenstive outpatient, but I'm not certain. I have my nurse support group tonight and I will ask him for you. It sounds as though you and him will have similiar contracts due to your situations.

The cost part sucks but I know in my case, my counselor and Aftercare provider won't make me pay if I don't have a job (they will keep a running tab and I will have to pay once I start work) and the nursing board will not make you pay the $25 monthly fee they require (forgot to mention that one in my previous post). Every nurse support group is different...I have to pay mine in full monthly because the nurse who runs my group has to pay rent to the church where we meet. But again, it's a case by case situation.

As for the OR, another colleage of mine surrendered her license and was working in the OR. She is back in her old job, working as a scrub/circulating/surgical nurse. Because you don't give any narcotics and don't really have access to them in the OR (that's the anesthesiologist/CRNA's job), it's not a bad place to be for recovery. She was fortunate in that her workplace has been over the top understanding and has been very supportive. I will post after I attend my group tonight and be able to provide more information regarding past addiction/alcoholic issues (prior to licensing) as opposed to mine (after being licensed).

Specializes in ER, LTC, MDS, Hospice.

A lot of encouraging comments here. It's too bad that after so much time in recovery, you are having to deal with the wreckage of your past again. But you are doing what you need to do to get thru it all and have so much support. But I was also wondering, that after all this time, can you get your felony expunged? I plan to do that as soon as I can.

Good luck with everything. I know you'll be great as long as you keep doing the next right thing......I'd rather have a nurse in recovery working on me, rather than one who just used in the bathroom!

Well, unfortunately, I cannot get my felony expunged because I was convicted guilty when I tested positive during probation. Maybe if I had a lot of money a lawyer could remove it but that would be years down the line.

So for a new update, I emailed a lawyer that is an RN who represents nurses that need to go before the board. I saw her advertisement on the NV newsletter. She emailed me back and honestly the money was too much. But I was very discouraged because she stated in the email that I needed a lawyer because the board is going to initially deny me and I will need to appeal. WHAT? Am I jumping through all these hoops for nothing? I cried all weekend. I'm telling myself now that she is a lawyer and just wants me to retain her. I can't believe that the BON would allow me to take the NCLEX if they are just going to deny me to becoming a nurse. Could this be true? I'm still going to go before the Disability and BON by myself and just pray that they give me a chance. I'll get a lawyer if they truly do deny me.

Life_is_good_1973, did they initially deny your friend who had the felony DUI from 17 years ago? Seriously, I am so tired of these roller coaster emotions. I am going to try to get ahold of someone at the board to see what they say. Unfortunately, I'm sure I'll just be told it's a "case by case basis" LOL

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I don't have any direct experience with what you are going through, but I'm here to wish you the best of luck with everything--I hope it works out in your favor.

Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.
Thank you for everyone's encouragement! It really does mean a lot to me.

And as for the attorney, unfortunately I do not have the money for that. I'm just going to go and pray that they see the person I've become. I'm hoping between my accomplishments and the fact that my record has been clean since 1997.......gotta put my trust in God that everything I've done was not in vain. And hey, my son believes in me:) I will keep everyone posted as to what happens in the DAC mtg in August. Yes, I'm scared but hey I just passed the NCLEX.. Cannot keep this kool-aid grin off of face LOL:p

If you were going before a court, would you say you don't have the money to hire an attorney? I hope not. This is your ability to practice the profession for which you have trained so diligently. Stepping in front of the board of nursing is a frightening proposition, even for nurses who have practiced for 20 years or more. You will be out of your element, facing a group of individuals who hold your future as a nurse in their hands. Sadly, these individuals rarely have even a basic understanding of the disease of addiction. To them, you are just another addict they have to deal with and "protect the public" from. They have had nurses in front of them who have been given several opportunities to return to practice only to relapse again. They don't know you or how hard you have worked to keep your disease in remission.

If you say the wrong thing or sign the wrong thing, you may start your career with a "balck eye" which will follow you the rest of your career. In a worse case scenario, you may even be denied licensure. Borrow money from a friend or family member. Sell something on e-bay. Take the advice to HIRE A LICENSURE ATTORNEY WHEN DEALING WITH THE BOARD OF NURSING. They are not your friend and they will not advocate for you.

As a peer advisor, the three biggest mistakes I see nurses make when it comes to this disease are:

  1. They enter the shortest treatment program they can find
  2. They return to practice too soon
  3. They face the board of nursing without an attorney

PLEASE heed the advise to hire an attorney. Many will be more than happy to set up a payment schedule. Go to the web site for The American Association for Nurse Attorneys and find someone in your area. You can also call them at (866) 807-7133 to discuss your situation and get a referral.

I would hate to see you get this far only to have things fall apart by trying to represent yourself before the board of nursing. A nurse attorney I know and have a lot of respect for says it pretty well in her blog:

I know you have better things to do with your money than "pay some attorney" (as a nurse told me this morning) but "paying some attorney" depending on the allegations in the complaint and the evidence gathered and uncovered by the State Nursing Board, may make the difference between you being able to say "I am Nurse Al and I will be your nurse from 7pm to 7am" vs. "Welcome to Walmart, my name is Al."

She writes about substance abuse and chemical dependence issues in nursing frequently. In one post she listed a variety of terms nurses with chemical dependency "issues" facing the board of nursing will most likely have to become familiar with throughout their career:

Criminal charges and convictions, DUI/DWI/OVI, reasonable suspicion drug testing, randon drug testing, criminal defense attorney, license defense attorney, Nursing Board investigations, Alternative Programs, Consent Agreements, Agreed Orders, Recovery Monitoring Agreements, Return to Work Agreements, suitability for licensure, diversion programs for criminal charges, law enforcement, drug diversion task force investigators, pharmacy board investigators, Nursing Board probation and monitoring, Daily Call-Ins for Drug & Alcohol testing, CD evals, psych evals, NA/AA support meetings, criminal probation, criminal parole, license suspension, Nursing Board investigator, Nursing Board attorney, license revocation, limited license, practice restrictions, diversion, permanent practice restrictions, narcotic restrictions, temporary practice restrictions, probation officer, monitoring agent, action against a license, employability, appearance before the Nursing Board, Nursing Board hearing, and others terms that you don't associate with nurses and nursing become common place for those struggling with and fighting drug and alcohol addiction.

I don't know about anyone else, but that's a pretty formidable list of things to have to learn about while trying to raise a family, find employment, and make sure I don't screw up one of them when dealing with the board.

As investments go, attorney fees are well worth every penny.

Jack

Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.
well, unfortunately, i cannot get my felony expunged because i was convicted guilty when i tested positive during probation. maybe if i had a lot of money a lawyer could remove it but that would be years down the line.

so for a new update, i emailed a lawyer that is an rn who represents nurses that need to go before the board. i saw her advertisement on the nv newsletter. she emailed me back and honestly the money was too much. but i was very discouraged because she stated in the email that i needed a lawyer because the board is going to initially deny me and i will need to appeal. what? am i jumping through all these hoops for nothing? i cried all weekend. i'm telling myself now that she is a lawyer and just wants me to retain her. i can't believe that the bon would allow me to take the nclex if they are just going to deny me to becoming a nurse. could this be true? i'm still going to go before the disability and bon by myself and just pray that they give me a chance. i'll get a lawyer if they truly do deny me.

life_is_good_1973, did they initially deny your friend who had the felony dui from 17 years ago? seriously, i am so tired of these roller coaster emotions. i am going to try to get ahold of someone at the board to see what they say. unfortunately, i'm sure i'll just be told it's a "case by case basis" lol

if the board denies your licensure and then you hire an attorney, things may be too late for the attorney to do much...if anything...to help.

as for having a record expunged, that doesn't always mean no one will find it, or that you don't have to report it. here in ohio, when renewing a nursing license, you still have to answer "yes" to the question, "were you ever convicted of a felony". if you answer no and they find out, your license can be revoked.

i found the following information by doing a google search using the words "expungement and nursing license":

expungement will not prevent the conviction from being considered and used to refuse or revoke governmental licenses and permits, such as a nursing license, contractor's license, teaching credential, security guard certificate, etc...; however, the expungement usually reduces the weight given the conviction by the licensing agency.
this is exactly why you need to hire an attorney instead of seeking advice from well meaning colleagues and friends. i'm not trying to be mean or rain on your parade. i simply have had to deal with too many nurses who had no idea how important an attorney was when facing the board of nursing over these matters. you have every right to be proud of your accomplishments. but non-recovering individuals don't share our experiences and many, many don't see this as a disease. this, unfortunately, includes our very own colleagues. don't "hope" that everything goes ok. hire someone to be sure your rights are defended and that you get every opportunity to practice your profession.

jack

Specializes in L & D, Med-Surge, Dialysis.

Just hang in there, surely Almighty God will see you through your trying time. Have faith and keep praying that is all i have to say. I will put you in my prayer. your :wshgrt:!!

Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I wanted to let you know I've spoken with several RN's in our state who have very similar stories as you. They have all been granted licenses and most with fewer restrictions/requirements than myself. The facilitator for my nurse support group said one of the biggest things you can do prior to going before the c.DAC and Board is to ensure you have evidence of being active in your recovery. This means attending meetings on a regular basis, working the steps, and having a sponsor. If you are able to go into the meeting with this, the DAC will be assured you are maintaining your recovery in the way they want to see. If you have not been attending meetings, don't have a sponsor, etc., they may place more restrictions on you or have you do the 90 in 90 AA/NA meetings, along with some of the requirements I had to fulfill, such as Aftercare group, etc.

Good luck in your meeting and from my experience with DAC, they were great. Very supportive and interested in my recovery. I never felt like they were being punitive, only helpful. I hope that the DAC in your area is the same (I believe you are in southern NV, whereas I'm up north). Let us know how things turn out!

Now for my update...... I went before the DAC last week and was a nervous wreck all weekend to find what their decision would be. They were incredibly nice and I felt optimistic when I left. But I had to wait until yesterday to hear from my person at the BON. She called and said they had decided license with no restrictions!!!! Granted I still have to go before the BON in Sept but at least I have the DAC behind me. She said the BON makes their own decision but they do take into consideration what the DAC recommends. So thank you for all the prayers. I am definitely stressing on not being able to even look for a job until after September. Does anyone know just how much the BON listens to DAC??? They definitely interrogated me but I understood because they want to make sure about my character. Thank you for going through this with me guys. The support means alot :redbeathe

Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

It's pretty much a go....the BON is just a formality. Congrats!!!! That's great news and I'm glad it worked out for you. The DAC can be pretty understanding and I have felt nothing but support from them. I'm happy you felt the same.

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