can a recovering addict get into nursing

Nurses Criminal

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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

I don't know what state you are in, I am in PA. Before beginning the nursing program we had to get a criminal background check to get into the program & drug tested. We just graduated 12/11/08 my friend in the program had a prior DUI case on her criminal background check & about a month or 2 before graduation she got her second DUI they allowed her to finish the program but when she applied to state boards for her temporary permit they denied it & are making her go through all kinds of drug & rehab programs & see a therapist, and they are not allowing her to sit for her boards until this is all completed. My advise call your State board of nursing prior to beginning the program so that there are no surprises when you go to apply for your license after you graduate. Good luck to you!:up:

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

If you have a clean criminal record and have never failed a drug test for an employer, and you know in your heart you are clean, there is absolutely no reason you have to disclose this history.

You have a right to leave the past behind you. It is part of your medical history and in the pas is where it belongs.

I wish you luck...you seem to be heading in the right direction. :heartbeat

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Specializes in US Army.

Just go to your state's board of nursing web page, most have the applications available online. That way you can take a look at the questions you will have to answer in order to get a license. If you need additional info about your situation, contact the board.

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Specializes in (Hopefully one day..) neuro/urology ^.^.

I think so. If you want to become a nurse badly enough, then anything is possible.

I used to smoke quite a bit of marijuana, but when I decided I was serious about becoming a nurse and helping others, I quit it. 100%. I even had to stop talking to some of my friends who I would do it with a lot. I have a drink every now and then, but I know that doing anything else could jeopardize my future! Plus, I'm so over it all. I like to think that the majority of people experiment in their younger days.. but once you reach a certain age & level of maturity it should all go away.

Pain killers and the like are a little more tricky, though..You'll be handling the stuff on a daily basis and if you think you can be able to do that without wanting to use, then I hope it all works out for you. :)

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Did you ever find anything else out about this?

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Specializes in CCRN, ICU, ER, MS, WCC, PICC RN.

Wow, OK, coupla things...

You said that you had an addiction to painkillers but now you don't. I read through some of your postings later down the thread and the language you use tells me that you have some knowledge of the recovery world. So let me ask you this ... are you an addict? There is a huge difference between tolerance, dependence and addiction. Addiction is the compulsive use of drugs despite negative consequences. If you answered yes to the addict part, then...

An addict can be a nurse. BUT, to be successful you must have a strong recovery program, which includes the idea that addiction is not a disease with a cure. It's always there, and the strength of your recovery depends upon the committment and effort you invest. That being said, the statement that you're not addicted anymore was unsettling. It's exactly that type of thinking that gets addicts into trouble. And there's plenty of trouble to be found in the stress and availability of controlled substances if you're not dilligent.

I live in a very small community, and this is where I lived in my active addiction and also where I experienced recovery. I am not afforded the same level of anonymity as others who may live in more urban places. And when I was asked on my job application about why I didn't get my interim permit on time with everyone else, I told the simple truth. And good thing, too, because she already knew everything about me.

I am, every day, the same person I am ... a recovering addict. There is no shame in that. It keeps me honest and tells others what I'm about.:yeah:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Sorry, but we just can't adequately address your concerns - best bet is with your state's board of nursing.

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