Anyone ever go into rehab voluntarily? How do you navigate BON/Work?

[spiritualconfront]

Hi All -

RN here - currently in Alcohol counseling and AA. My counselor and PCP have recommended I go into a treatment program for awhile. I am uneasy in how to tell this to my current employer, as it would be for 6+ weeks. To be clear - I don't divert drugs, I do not come to work under the influence. My life outside of work is becoming unmanageable and I would like to seek treatment. I am afraid of

A) being fired

B) getting reported to the BON for a voluntary rehab/detox stay

Anyone have any advice for how to navigate this? Personal experience?

Thank you

[Nursekat22, CNA, LPN, EMT-I, EMT-P]

Hi- also in recovery . Go to rehab . Get yourself some help- and then it's up to you if you self report or not. . They can't report you because of Hippaa. Though they will pressure you. Just do it.  Eventually it will all come down on your anyway

[Healer555]

They CAN report you. If you work in Healthcare HIPPA doesn't apply.  We're all supposed to report each other for even suspected substance use disorder 

[ThatLady]

#1- take care of YOU. 

I would strongly advise against telling ANYONE in rehab that you are a nurse. They can and often will report you.  But- that is all secondary to you getting help and taking care of yourself.  You can deal with any of that later. Many many many nurses get treatment and don't end up in trouble with the board.  You do not owe your employer an explanation; take your FMLA leave. Get better.  Rooting for you.

[Universe93B]

Don't tell your employer why you need a large leave of absence and don't tell any co-workers either, or friends that work there.  As long as they don't know, you can work on yourself without that threat looming over you.  

Come up with any other excuse, family member, kid health etc 

[Healer555]

I agree with not telling anyone at work. I'd also suggest not telling anyone at rehab that you work in Healthcare.  

[C.Love, MSN, NP]

It's no body's business as to why you have to take a leave. I noticed that in our field people see health issues as a weakness and can be very judgmental, until they have their own health problems. I would hold your cards close to your chest and let the rehab places help you and only trust close friends and family outside of work. I wish you the best of luck. I've known a few nurses who have gone  through this and then they continue on with their careers fine. 

[Nurse001]

You can request FMLA on personal ground and don't you dare tell them what's going on. I've heard a few stories here where the rehab place reports you, which is beyond ridiculous. I'd say lie and tell them you're an electrician or plumber or anything BUT a nurse. They may or may not look you up to confirm that story 

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Healer555 said:

They CAN report you. If you work in Healthcare HIPPA doesn't apply.  We're all supposed to report each other for even suspected substance use disorder 

So Not true

[Healer555]

Sadly it is

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Healer555 said:

Sadly it is

Well annecdotal evidence is the worst kind but there is nothging in the California Nurse Practice act that requires a nurse to turn in another nurse who is seeking help for their disease process. In my 20 years of sobriety I have helped and sponsored several peers who were nurses and never turned them in.

Hppy

[Healer555]

hppygr8ful said:

Well annecdotal evidence is the worst kind but there is nothging in the California Nurse Practice act that requires a nurse to turn in another nurse who is seeking help for their disease process. In my 20 years of sobriety I have helped and sponsored several peers who were nurses and never turned them in.

Hppy

In my required group therapy we were told we are mandated reporters. Perhaps that wasn't true or perhaps it's state specific.  I can say that 100% Hippa can be ignored to report a provider for a perceived SUD sadly.