AA Meetings for Nurses

[mare4322]

Years ago when I first got into recovery there was a group call Nurses for Recovery. It was strictly for nurses and we had some pharmacists attend. I have not been working my program to the best of my ability and have a need to rework the steps and devote my life to it. I am still sober or better put I'm dry. I know I have a lot of work to do. I work on a chemical dependency unit. It's really helped me see that I haven't been working my program. My problem is that tonight I went to a womens AA meeting, a few minutes later in walked my 7 female patients. I had no idea that they were going to that particular meeting. I was so uncomfortable. I need a place where I can share and feel safe. I'm fine with them knowing that I'm an alcholic but I am in a vulnerable place and it is inappropriate for me to share what I need to with them there. Anyway, does anyone know of any meetings for Recovering Nurses or Professionals in Texas? So far I can't seem to find any. Thanks for any assist.

[NoMoFear]

I don't know... I have heard people share many shameful things in the rooms. People who were violent to their loved ones, got DUIs, were sexually promiscuous, broke up their marriages, and were irresponsible on the job. I don't think we're exempt because we're medical professionals... I just don't see the difference between myself and other AA people. We have way more in common than we have differences, no matter what we do :)

[bossynurse101]

It sounds like you are trying to work your program instead of the program of AA. My way did not work. I needed the input of people from all walks of life. The 1st Tradition states: Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon AA unity. In other words we are inclusive instead of exclusive. Meetings that ignore the traditions tend to forget why they are there. I would suggest you talk to your sponsor about this.

Very wise words indeed. What is said in the mtg, shd stay in the mtg. "Should" being the operative word. I cant agree more about the sponsor suggestion. This is a disease of PERCEPTION, and for me, having a sponsor as well as mtgs is vital to my recovery.

Here in Fla we have IPN (nurses) and PRN (drs). I went through the program (5 yrs) and now facilitate my own group. OH HOW I WISH, my group members cd get it tho. Most of them just kind of show up for our mtg and BS thier way through. They lie about the mtgs they are required to attend, and they think they are fooling me. If they cd only see that the program IS the easiier softer way. There are those tho that do get it, and I can definately tell the dif. I cant imagine not having the group - it's so good to be able to freely discuss our nsg issues. I hate that you dont know where one is. But at least you have this forum. Starting your own group wd certainly get a good response Im sure. I also agree w the suggestion to call you BON - most states do have nurse monitoring programs, and maybe you wd be able to attend their mtgs if youre honest w them. Good luck and let us know what happens. :loveya:

[bossynurse101]

Mare - the nurse monitoring group in Texas is called TPAPN. Hope that helps.

[wubbzy]

Does Florida meetings sign court/attendance slips???? They do here. A stamp and signature from the chairperson to show you were at the meetings. Of course, I have known of people who have stolen the stamps and stamp their own. Some people are sicker than others...

[bossynurse101]

To answer Wubbzy - IPN used to require nurses to have metting logs signed but they did away with it a couple yrs ago. I think they realize that if youre going to try to fool others, youre only fooling yourself