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I have my evaluation coming up on September 26. I'm worried that I will get s 5 year contract. I have so many questions. My issue is with opioids, I rarely drink and don't do any other illegal drugs. I've read that drinking any alcohol is forbidden. This seems excessive. Also is the program worth it? I feel as though I've been chewed up and spit out by this nursing profession over the past few years. Would I automatically lose my license if I decline IPN? Should I get an atty and explore my options? Any insight is appreciated.

Thank you

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

I'd both self report and retain an attorney experienced in dealing with the Board of Nursing. I'll be the first to agree with you on some of the rules and requirements, but it is better if you just do what you need to get through it. No it isn't fair. But if you want to have a chance to keep your license, being honest and up front, self reporting, and admitting that you have issues are very important.

Many of us have been where you are, got through our programs successfully, and have come out on the other side. You can too.

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Specializes in OR.

Hi,

what i can tell you is that yes, alcohol is forbidden as well as just about anything else that is "mood or mind altering." Personally I've always found it mildly humorous that caffeine and cigarettes are perfectly acceptable even though those are addictive also.

Not knowing what the specifics of your opioid issue is, i could not say anything specific regarding length of contract but generally if diversion is involved, I've never seen less than 5 years.

Is it worth it? Well, as another nurse that has been chewed up and spit out by the profession over the last few years too, that is something you've got to decide. I would only make that decision after you've got more answers. If you refuse IPN, it goes to the board and yes your license gets suspended and ultimately taken. My personal decision was that i worked too dang hard for my degree(s) and for that license. There was no way i was going to let some faceless "program" that doesn't know me from Adam take that from me. (a little stubborn and angry, can ya tell? heh.)

If you are even on the fence about ever practicing again, i would jump through the hoops and explore what this thing does have to offer. Once you let that license go, it is a miserable effort to get it back again. Keep in mind that if you let this professional license go, I believe it impacts your ability to obtain a license in any other field. Verify that though.

I am one of the loudest screamers about how abusive and unfair these programs can be HOWEVER, for some they have been an opportunity to get their lives and their practice back on track. My thing is that people without addiction issues (mental health, domestic violence, single old pre-nursing DUI and the like) have been dragged into this, subjected to evaluators that are unethical and have financial interest in treatment facilities and represent the seamy underbelly of the treatment and recovery industry, and are then slammed with the same boilerplate contracts as the person with true substance use/abuse histories that could truly benefit from this kind of thing. That tendency toward boilerplate contracts is why legal representation is so important.

As SoroAKS has posted above retain an attorney. There are a couple of firms in Florida that specialize in license defense and have a good working relationship with IPN and the BON. I used one with an issue I had. They are expensive but it was worth the money as I successfully made my point. I wish I had done so prior to signing the original contract. Again, dependent on your specific situation, they may not be able to get you out of this but they may be able to protect you from some of the nastier fallout.

I hope I was able to help. I don't think you have enough posts to be able to PM yet. Once you do, please PM me and i will try to help you with any other questions you might have.

catsmeow...

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IPN only does 5 year contracts now. The 2 year ones were done away with a year or so ago. I did not hire an attorney, as I never heard of anyone that it made a difference in their contracts. IPN is rough, and you have to be constantly on your toes (don't eat poppy seeds AT ALL, no alcohol in your food, alcohol free hand sanitizer, etc) and they are a money making enterprise, but at the end of the day if you keep your head down and do what you are supposed to, you can come out of this with your license 100% free and clear! It just depends on how much you want to remain a nurse. Just be prepared to go to rehab, it's extremely rare that an evaluator does not recommend that. Find someone experienced in your support group to ask for advice, it has kept me sane through some of the rougher times in the program! But at the end of the day, when i can return to the ER, it will be worth it! Good luck, keep your head up, and remember that this mistake does not define who you are as a person or as a nurse! You are amazing!

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Well I'm not in IPN because I'm in another state but I will try to share my history & opinions about what you are facing. First, I'm sure that you are not going to be able to drink. You are going to be subject to random urine screenings and maybe even blood screenings that cab detect alcohol use for a long, long time (blood testing up to a few weeks via peth testing). As for the length of your program I have no idea. I'm in a 3 year program but if its usually 5 in your state so be it. You are going to get evaluated by a "treatment professional" in the treatment industry who is going to recommend (SURPRISE!!!) "treatment" which is costly. In my opinion this has much more to do with separating you & your insurance from as much money as humanly possible than helping you in any possible way. My treatment journey went from inpatient rehab to intensive outpatient therapy which took about 4 months all-told and during which time I could not work. I've been granted permission to go back to a nursing job that pays about 1/2 of what I earned as an ER Nurse and must still attend weekly "therapy" sessions with other nurses where we literally wait for the clock to hit the magic hour so we can leave (think detention in high-school). Of course you are responsible for paying for all this at a time when you are broke. You also have to hit a couple AA / NA meetings every week but at least they are free. This situation has led me from financial security to probable bankruptcy over about 1 year.

Is it worth it? That depends on the individual. If you love being a Nurse or are simply too old and have too much invested your present career (me) you will take this ride. If you are young and can switch careers and earn an acceptable living and don't love Nursing maybe that's a way to go. Know this, in my state if you "slip" or even have a positive urine test from ingesting something with alcohol or some type of substance that will cause a positive urinalysis you start all over. So if you have 2 1/2 years in and eat a poppy seed bagel or something cooked in ETOH you didn't know of because you weren't thinking you start all over. Its a depressing and paranoid existence that has little to do with rehabilitation but if you want (or need) to maintain your career you have little choice.

In any event. I wish you the best & hope you make the right decision for yourself. Good Luck!!!

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