Caught diverting

Nurses Recovery

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I was called into my managers office yesterday for discrepancies in charting narcotics. I live in Arizona and was hoping someone can give me advise on what to expect in the CANDO program

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I'm not from Arizona but I can say you should start attending NA/AA meetings and getting a slip signed to show attendance because as I understand all programs would require meeting attendance. Plus, they are an amazing way to a recovery path (which I am assuming that you are an addict, hence the diverting).

I'd imagine to start the Cando program, you'd need to give them a call! If you were diverting, the board will get told, might as well get started in the program!

Generally, programs say no working as a nurse until they say so, meeting with addiction specialist to get your "recommendations" on treatment (either outpatient or inpatient), a required number of 12-step meetings to attend, some states require attending nurse support groups as well, and then of course the lovely checking in daily for drug tests!!

It sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but once you get into the swing of things it is actually pretty manageable. The money part is the hardest. I work as a cashier right now and am still attending a 12 step meeting a day, plus aftercare once a week (some states have this after you complete outpatient therapy) and a nurse support group once a week. It's exhausting at times, but I know that I want to be a nurse. All of the struggles is making me a better me and a better mom and most importantly making me stronger in my recovery!

Wishing you the best of luck!

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Thanks. I went down and spoke to the CANDO lady yesterday. I am trying to find a rehab facility now that might work for me or with me financially. So far the hardest part has been the shame and guilt of telling my family. I so want to get better. I'll do whatever it takes

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Good luck! You have a long road ahead but you can do it! Stay strong and work your program. You will be thankful in the end,

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Hi I am also a nurse from Az in your same situation. I started CANDO December 15th so I'm only a month or so ahead of you. I saw your post about looking for an outpatient program, I am doing mine with Terros. CANDO is overwhelming, I cried on my way home from my meeting with Jan. I don't have much experience with it but if you have questions let me know.

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thank you I am also doing TERROS as they were free. Have you been able to start looking for a job? I've been doing meetings and IOP so it feels really busy and overwhelming. Thank you for replying

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I have been looking at the job market but haven't been able to start applying yet. From what I remember we have to be cleared first and that typically happens when the outpatient therapy is halfway done. I'm in my fourth week with Terros so I'm hoping to be able to start applying within two weeks. I'm nervous about the job search but it will be a step in the right direction.

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