Alcohol and big trouble:(

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Hello all, and thank you for sharing your stories/ info.

I am feeling rather devastated, and overwhelmed... I got a DUI in October 2020. I self reported to the BON ( North Carolina), and was told that I would have no mandatory issues except to follow the court ordered probation mandates. I was doing that... Have been attending SAIOP meetings 3x weekly for 9 months ( was only court ordered 52 meetings, so voluntarily attending more right now), paid up to wear a SCRAM bracelet for 120 days, and still have community service to complete. So... I was doing pretty good. Have a job that I love, ( OR) and where I was well liked and supported... Appreciated, as I was helping out in other units during Covid, etc. Then, I did the unthinkable...:(

I worked extra on the Covid unit last Saturday night, got off Sunday AM and slept most of the day. Had to be back to work in the OR on Monday AM. Couldn't sleep Sunday night, woke up at about 1 am Monday morning, and drank some wine thinking would go back to sleep... But I didn't . I made the very bad decision to go to work Monday AM after drinking, and it was noticed. I was placed on suspension, and the BON was notified. I have no idea how this is gonna go, but scared... I support myself, and help others in my family, and sounding like my income is going to take a nose dive:(  I applied for STD and FMLA as the hospital advised, and will try to talk to someone at the board again today, but I am so shamed, afraid... I am 56 years old, and have been in nursing on some level since I was 16 so it's really all that I have ever done, and feeling like it may be time to change it up and do something else with this uncertainty I am facing. Would appreciate connecting with other nurses in my situation to share stories and gain at least some degree of hope:(

Thanks...sorry so long.

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You are not alone. I’m not from your state but I think you will be required to join your states program for impaired nurses. Just do whatever the paperwork outlines you to complete. If your job reported you. You know you are guilty then consider self reporting. Consider hiring an attorney. Most of the nurses I’ve met are working because they have to.  The board isn’t concerned about your finances. These programs are designed to protect the public. It’s not easy but you can do it.  I am a two time graduate of my states program and the sole breadwinner in my family. I made it to the other side and I am a happier than ever before.  You can do it. 

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hey! first of all - big hugs. It is so easy to get down in the shame of it all. You are not defined by your mistakes.  Repeat.  You are NOT defined by your mistakes. I am in your state as well- I would advise to get a nursing lawyer ASAP and do not talk to ANYONE in the meantime. Anyone. Anyone. You will likely end up with a monitoring contract but how bad that contract is will be determined by how well someone negotiates for you.  You do have hope.  I promise.  this stinks but it WILL get better. 

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Thank you very much for the responses:)

I'm in a residential recovery program, and signing consent order to enter alternative program.

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Specializes in general.

Wishing you allll the best! Keep up the good work.

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You got this!  

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Thanks again for support!

Wanted to follow up with an update: I completed a 30 day residential treatment program, and signed consent order with the BON to enter AP. I'm currently doing IOP, and attending AA. The hospital where I worked when the incident occurred is absolutely awesome. In Liu of my mandatory 30 day license abeyance, the CNO met with me and offered me an alternative position that is board approved until my encumbered license is reinstated. 

I was so grateful, and humbled...that I was supported in such a way after my incident. It was apparent that nursing administration truly do care about me as a person, and want to support my sobriety:)

I will definitely not disappoint them in maintaining my sobriety, and will get through this and be better on the other side!

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Specializes in general.

amazing! keep up the good work! You got this!

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