can a recovering addict get into nursing

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 10, 2009

Do a search,...this has been discussed in great detail on here.

morte, LPN, LVN · Feb 10, 2009

hi all,
I'm about to go into the nursing profession after going to grad school for art and earning my MFA. Because of the economy, there are no jobs in my field and I have always loved nursing so I'm going to do it.
My question is that I used to have an addiction to pain killers after having 6 surgeries because of severe endometriosis. I no longer have the addiction and am wondering if during my exam or entry into the program I will be asked that question? If so, would I be no longer able to start or graduate or get my license? I appreciate any answers.
tiffany

did this result in a legal issue? or was it all handled medically?

we can t discuss the legal aspect....case by case with the bon in whichever state you are in

cjmjmom · Feb 10, 2009

In my opinion, unless there is some legal issue involved with your past addiction, I would not reveal your recovering status. The overly optimistic part of me would like to believe that the school you apply to would be progressive enough to know about recovery issues. HOWEVER, the realistic part of me knows better. I am NOT suggesting you lie during your application process but just be careful!

tumnus · Feb 10, 2009

thanks for your posts!

I never had any legal trouble, never lost my job, never had a driving issue or any problems whatsoever. I did enter treatment however. I went to a rehab clinic for help.

I wasn't planning on answering yes if asked but someone alerted me to the fact that perhaps the licensing board could ask me to sign a release about my health issues. Although I think HIPPA would prevent this, I am not 100% sure.

Thank you for your replies. I really want to go into nursing as I have always thought about it.

I will do a search and again, thanks

tiffany

Quark09 · Feb 10, 2009

I'm not sure of what the legalities are, but I do hope that you're able to go into nursing. I think having a background like that may give you some insight into what others in your (previous) situation are going through. Best of luck!

MB37 · Feb 10, 2009

I believe my state's licensure application asks if you've entered into treatment for psychiatric or substance abuse issues in the last (3? 5? not sure) years. I haven't, so I could truthfully answer no, but I remember disagreeing with them forcing people to disclose their private medical history. I'm sure it's not an automatic disqualification, but they probably look into it on a case by case basis as they do with criminal history. Your state may vary, so see if you can get a copy of the application for licensure from your BON's website. They might just want a statement from the facility verifying that you actually completed treatment. I did wonder how they could ever find out if you lied on this question though, since it's your PRIVATE health care information and they shouldn't have any way to get access to it...

rn2bnwi, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2009

Having an aunt who was an rn and lost her license after many, many chances and support to overcome her prescription addiction i would personally be leary about putting myself in a stressful job with the temptation always there. But obviously many people have won the battle she was unable to. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide!

Jules A, MSN · Feb 10, 2009

Do a search,...this has been discussed in great detail on here.

Well most every topic has already been discussed in great detail here. Whats wrong with getting more opinions?

To the OP, you have gotten excellent advice. I wouldn't disclose this if you don't have to and as sschrader suggested I'd do some soul searching also. Wishing you well with whatever you decide. Jules

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2009

I agree that it's a personal medical issue that you don't have to disclose if you don't have to.

However, also good advice that being pain pill addict and becoming a nurse is like an alcoholic working behind a bar. You have to have a strong program of recovery and be vigilent with that program every single day because it just takes one tiny moment of weakness/insanity and you're off again and your life is ruined.

Good luck!

tumnus · Feb 10, 2009

thanks again for posting.

wow, I didn't realize on thinking to get into nursing that this may be an issue. I have thought about the stress and the being around those who need drugs for pain etc. and I think I can handle it. I work a good program and as I said, I became addicted because of chronic pain and then just couldn't stop. I have over 2 years clean but that is still a pretty low amount of time. I have a daughter now and would never think of messing that up.

sschrader, that's tough hearing about your aunt. It sounds as though she had active addiction while working (if i read it right).

I am going to call my school and ask about it. It would be heartbreaking to enter the profession only to be told get out later.

also, I never went to the er and begged for meds or anything like that.

thanks again

tiffany

BEDPAN76 · Feb 10, 2009

Tiffany, Welcome to allnurses.com. Best of luck to you, and let us know how things are going and what you find out. Normally I would say honesty is the best policy but the previous posters have made some good points....You are entitled to medical record privacy but..and a BIG but...you don't want to be accused of lying....for better or for worse.... :nurse: