Will going to Tx for Alcohol and drugs 27 years ago keep me from being a nurse?

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2009

Have you ever been arrested? I think that's the issue.

caliotter3 · Dec 7, 2009

What did the nursing school administration have to say about this? You can call your state Board and inquire without divulging your name. Most people would probably never offer 30 year old personal health information if there were no arrests and no convictions. If this is an issue, being squeaky clean for 30 years is probably enough to clear you in and of itself. Good luck.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Dec 7, 2009

Each BON is different and usually asks on application forum, just be truthful

jackstem · Dec 19, 2009

If the board of nursing isn't helpful (believe it or not...some aren't), it might be wise to contact an administrative attorney for a consultation to get a legal opinion. You can get all sorts of opinions from nursing web sites, friends, and family. Unless one of them is an attorney with experience dealing with the board of nursing in your state, or intended state of licensure, they may give you bad information which could end your nursing career before it gets started. Imagine taking out student loans, getting your degree, and then not be able to take your nursing boards or get a license. Yes, it costs money to get an attorney's legal advice. It's money well spent! (Even if you have to borrow it).

Good luck!

Jack

exnursie · Dec 24, 2009

If the board of nursing isn't helpful (believe it or not...some aren't), it might be wise to contact an administrative attorney for a consultation to get a legal opinion. You can get all sorts of opinions from nursing web sites, friends, and family. Unless one of them is an attorney with experience dealing with the board of nursing in your state, or intended state of licensure, they may give you bad information which could end your nursing career before it gets started. Imagine taking out student loans, getting your degree, and then not be able to take your nursing boards or get a license. Yes, it costs money to get an attorney's legal advice. It's money well spent! (Even if you have to borrow it).
Good luck!
Jack

With no ill will directed at Jack, I respectfully disagree with his advice here simply because he works with an attorney whose ONLY online advice is to hire a lawyer whenever a nurse is involved with the BON. PERIOD!!

Unless the lawyer is not honest, their advice will be to be honest and this means opening a can of worms that in the least will involve a hearing. Which will need a lawyer, and cost more money...

No, I am NOT a lawyer, and this is ONLY my view on this issue.

If I was in your shoes, knowing what I do about nurses and bon's... KEEP IT QUIET!! This is only if there was no legal issues involved with this... I would bet a weeks wages that the facillity does not have records from 27 yrs back, and this alone would be a roadblock for you based on lacking solid facts as to your dx and all else. It is also impossible for any BON to research all nurses medical records and to my knowledge has never been done for licensing.

I don't know the facts about why you went to tx,but the idea of having a true addiction problem as a teen and finding recovery with 1 treatment session and maintaining reccovery for yrs basically indicates that your using was more of a social or peer based deal, and not serious addiction.

foraneman · Dec 30, 2009

A few things:

If a nursing school receives federal funds (most all do) they may NOT inquire as to whether you are in recovery or have ever been treated for substance abuse. The federal Rehabilitation Act of 1974 prohibits this. Nor do you have to disclose this to them. In fact, to avoid any discrimination in admission you should NOT tell them.

Regarding a board of nursing when it comes time to apply for a license: If you are asked whether you have ever received treatment for substance abuse, and you lie and say no, and they somehow later discover the lie, your license would be immediately revoked. Depending on the state you may very well be PERMANENTLY revoked for lying on your license application, making it nearly impossible to obtain a license in ANY state. THAT is what will hang over your head every day. How would they find out? The most likely scenario would be someone who has it in for you telling them. Or, should you be involved in a lawsuit you would be asked that question, and the board would become aware. Should you apply for malpractice insurance you will also be asked (will not be a problem for obtaining insurance). How many times are you willing to lie? Every time you renew your license?

:chair:

If you answer YES, you will be given a space to explain your answer. Treatment 27 years previous should NOT prevent you from getting a license. Making an anonymous call to your state board and asking questions is your first step. The next would be to speak with an attorney in your state who deals with nursing boards. You can find one at http://www.taana.org/ by calling their hotline number listed on the homepage.

:smiley_ab

paacollins · Dec 30, 2009

There was nothing in any paperwork I filled out pertaining to treatment programs. I went thru nursing school, clinicals at many different facilities, my preceptorship, and took the NCLEX. The only thing that was asked was when I applied for my license and they asked "have you ever been convicted of a crime, other than a minor traffic violation." I'm not sure they have a right to ask about tx because that could be a HIPAA violation.

foraneman · Dec 31, 2009

They do have a right to ask and most state boards do. HIPAA does not apply since it only governs disclosure of private medical information by Health Professionals and organizations....it does not apply to a state board asking the individual for information since by providing it you consent.

The only other legal hurdle would be the americans with disabilities act. However the ADA only applies to EMPLOYERS in relationship to an employee...the board is not your employer and they can ask you ANYTHING they want.