Published Oct 12, 2012
4 members have participated
Fm890
4 Posts
Help! I feel like I have been kicked in the teeth. PI in 2002, and ten years later a DWI ( drank two beers with dinner). Stupid mistakes, I totally agree, but I don't feel my punishment fits. I must enter the Peer assistance group for 2 years, and will have Peer marked on my pocket license. Where is the confidentiality in that? Im just really upset with this situation. I'm sure this is going to be difficult especially since I don't have a drinking problem....I imagine my "denial" will only drag things out. I am the daughter of a recovered alcoholic/drug addict and have gone to my fair share of meeting for support. I'm a strong believer in working the program if you need it, but what am I supposed to do?
wish_me_luck, BSN, RN
1,110 Posts
I probably will be soon (private stuff), but as of this moment, I can say my Board of Nursing was very kind to me. Yes, I am in a monitoring program and yes, I have to do drug screens (no documents revealed last I checked, but "yes" next to my name), but I am trying to make the best of it. I know it is because the Board only cares about the public and not the licensee, but I am pretending that they actually do care about me. Things might change, but both the staff from the Board (I had many communications with them) and the Board members (through their decision) were very kind. Is my situation good? No. But, could it have been worse (like denial of licensure)? Yes. I feel like at least I got a chance. Now, getting a job in a few months might be a challenge.
itsnowornever, BSN, RN
1,029 Posts
So you are being bullied how? Because they are ensuring that you do not have a problem before slamming you in a work place with narcotics? The public has a right to know if their nurse/doctor/lawyer has a problem. No one is forcing you to be a nurse.
Lol, your right, not being forced to be a nurse...and I will jump threw every hoop and I won't have a problem passing any of their tests. Thanks for your input itsnowornever. Wish_me_luck am am happy for you. Unfortunately I think most of my anger is partly due to the lack of communication I have been able to have with anyone. I realize that the protection of the public is the first priority...just don't understand how my misdemeanors get the same exact punishment as felony drug charges that happen in the work place. Guess that's just crazy of me to think there is a difference.
fm, if it makes you feel any better, I did not even have a DUI. I have a mental illness that I (in the safety of my home without drinking and driving) would "self medicate" with alcohol. The Board cannot take any chances as they do not know me personally and patients' safety is at risk. Even though I don't like it, I understand and will comply because I like my license too much to lose it.
Also, you have to realize that ethanol can be detected through drug screen, which illegal drugs (felony drug charges) can be detected through drug screens. It's a drug screen period, not saying you are as bad as the others. Plus, I think alcohol is considered a gateway "drug" to other drugs. It's nothing against you personally, the Board just cannot take chances.
Also, two years is light. Mine is five years as many other states are.
Yes, I'm aware of the fact that ethanol can be detected. Like I said I will jump threw every hoop and be able to pass all tests with no problem at all. I understand the need for protecting the public, and will comply with every single bit.