Co-worker stole my ID

leslymill · Oct 1, 2007

Jesus had a friend who did something like that. He knew it would be his last supper. I think it was the hardest thing he had to deal with. He sweat blood over it. There is hope for her, you have to forgive her though she tried to destroy you she secretly hoped it wouldn't be noticed. She has deceived herself because narcotic addiction is a violent disease and we all try to avoid it. You can't you know both your lives depend on it. It all has to come to light.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2007

There is a certain amout to any system where you have to leave things to the integrity of the working nurses.

Thats why I feel that nurses who get busted, should lose their license forever,

They have violated that integrity

DaFreak71 · Oct 2, 2007

Wow. I've read all 21 pages of this thread and I'm not ashamed to say that many of the pages made me cry. I realize that the discussion has morphed from the original post, but this is such a heavy issue that it absolutely needs to be discussed.

I've been on both sides. I was raised by an alcoholic mother, my best friend was addicted to heroin and ended up committing suicide. I vowed to never engage in that "lifestyle". Additionally, I recently had to cut ties with my current best friend because two days out of rehab she took a job as a bartender (she is in nursing school with me). When I asked her if she thought that might be a problem for her, she exploded on me and told me I had no room to talk because I'm bipolar. She took the one thing that would hurt me the most and hammered me over the head with it. I didn't just cut ties with her over this incident, but over the course of two years of the drama that also followed her. It was a lopsided friendship--she would vent to me and I'd be empathetic, but if I vented to her, she would respond by telling me to give her a call when I was feeling better. Gee, thanks for the reciprocity, but I digress....

I've known others (including a nurse with about 15 years of experience and is highly respected) who is recovering addict. I knew a guy in nursing school who had ten years of sobriety under his belt and quit nursing school because he felt like the stress of it was going to compromise his sobriety.

My life has been dramatically impacted by the addiction of others. But here is why I do not judge them or think they should be punished forever by having their livelihood taken away....

Despite my negative experiences with friends who are addicts, I never really understood how someone could "allow" themselves to become an addict. Until this past February (my second year of nursing school). I had some leftover lortab from the previous summer when I had kidney stones. I had a lot left over because it took me a month to pass the stones and my doctor was very liberal with prescribing them to me. I remember feeling really happy when I was on lortab, but was able to stop taking it when I passed the stones.

In February something happened to me that I did not understand. I was flying high as a kite, was irritable, didn't sleep, couldn't study (was a straight A student) and eventually got a 63 on a test during this time period. Before getting that 63, I was drinking a bottle of wine (the big bottles) and taking the leftover lortab EVERY night. I didn't know why I had suddenly started doing this. When I got that 63 on the test, I knew something was very very wrong with me. I went to the doctor, described my symptoms and he diagnosed me with bipolar I disorder. I was so unstable at that point that I withdrew from school (I'll be returning in January). Until I got my meds straightened out, I was still wanting the wine and lortab--after all, they made me feel better when I was unstable. It was then that I realized that despite my negative experiences with addicts, I was on the road to becoming one myself. It was then that I developed an understanding of how addiction could occur. Nobody ever aspires to become an addict, it progresses slowly and it usually takes a major incident to realize there is a problem.

Through therapy, the right medications, and the loving support of my husband and nursing instructors, I no longer desire alcohol or lortab. I understand why I was abusing them and once I dealt with the underlying cause of my desire to drink and take opiates, I was freed from needing/wanting them. I am lucky.

I have a deeper appreciation for those with mental illness and those who suffer from substance addiction. I too thought it could never happen to me, but it did. In fact, before I had my kidney stones and while I was manic, I drank about twice a year at the most. I had never taken opiates before.

To those who argue for the harsh punishment of nurses who struggle with addiction, let me say this: until you have been on both sides of the coin, your opinions are uninformed ones. You absolutely have the right to express them, but you are coming from a place of ignorance. I don't mean "ignorant" in a derogatory way, just in the context of not knowing what it's like.

Luckily the BON in most states, and most hospitals have a much more enlightened attitude toward those who have struggled with addiction and have dedicated themselves to recovery. Someone stated that certain posters were "patting themselves on the back". You know what? They have every right to! Someone who has realized they have a problem and set about to correct it is someone who should be recognized as being a strong person who is willing to examine their thought process and become humbled by their addiction/actions. How many times a day do most people spend time being introspective about their problems, whatever they may be? Not many.

I now realize I have an addictive personality and that I need stay on top of my bipolar condition by taking my medication, attending therapy and being aware of my thoughts and moods. I assess myself daily.

I would much rather work with a nurse who has struggled and overcome than a nurse who thinks he/she knows it all and has the attitude that punishment is more appropriate than compassion. This by no means is meant to say that accountability shouldn't be a factor, it is my understanding that those who are dedicated to recovery are required to make amends to those they have hurt and to take responsibility for their actions. It's not like they get a "Get out jail free" card.

That is all.

Cattitude · Oct 3, 2007

To those who argue for the harsh punishment of nurses who struggle with addiction, let me say this: until you have been on both sides of the coin, your opinions are uninformed ones. You absolutely have the right to express them, but you are coming from a place of ignorance. I don't mean "ignorant" in a derogatory way, just in the context of not knowing what it's like.
.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and your strength. It's all about hope and recovery and moving away from that lost place. I'm glad you found help for your bipolar disorder, it can be debillitating I know.

I too understand where some that don't "get it" are coming from but I love it when more and more of us share our experiences.

And to those that question why we ever picked up the "first one". Well, not all of us have the same coping skills. Not all of us started out with strength. Consider yourself blessed if you've never turned to drug/drink to cope with emotional stress,life burdens, pain, etc.

angel's RN · Oct 3, 2007

Good morning one and all-

I just finished reviewing the last few posts on this thread, to refresh this old brain :bugeyes: . I did start traveling, by the way, and I am now at a facility that actually signs the narcs out of a double locked drawer. The only time someone needs to co-sign a med. is when we need to waste. This is the most dangerous way of handling narcs. that there is. Anyone can sign out a med. for any patient and divert :eek: . Trust me, I am going to be sure that I stay on everyone's good side :bowingpur. As you all probably know, a hospital will side with staff over agency EVERY TIME. Personally, I don't think that is's fair, but who am I :confused: ?

Keep me in your thoughts!!

's RN

leslymill · Oct 3, 2007

I've read both sides on this thread. But I gotta say, I agree with Jess to a point. Whoever did this to cherryrose deserves to have their license yanked permanently, as well as being court-ordered to pay restitution to her (money spent on bail, attorneys and for her lost wages over the past two years) AND to enter into rehab. After which a 2nd strike? Jail.
Rose should file a civil suit as well for damages due to loss of her livelihood and reputation.
If that is too hard hearted for some, sorry. Part of recovery is learning to be responsible for your actions and owning up to your past mistakes. In this case, it should be loss of license for good.

I second THIS. I don't think she should get away with damaging someone like this.

sharona97, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2007

I agree ,put yourself and license first. You did work very hard to achieve it. Don't worry about others at this point except your manager, and yes, go quietly.

So sorry you have to deal with this, but you need to detach yourself from this person or it will drive you nuts! (I have an alcoholic husband has had 3 bouts of tx and it sucked).

Take Care

banditrn · Oct 3, 2007

You are far from alone, East Texas, but a member of a very large club.
One day at a time, my friend.

Tazzi - just had one thing to say - Mr. Tee it Up isn't as perfect as he lets on - he's voting for Hilary! Kinda makes me wonder sometimes about him!! :lol2:

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2007

You can wonder about me all you want. I am also consistent. And yes I liked Hillary, but now Im disappointed in her. I didnt change she changed

banditrn · Oct 4, 2007

You can wonder about me all you want. I am also consistent. And yes I liked Hillary, but now Im disappointed in her. I didnt change she changed

Sorry, Tom - that lady has never changed a minute! What people think they see in her - and a lot of political candidates - is pure smoke and mirrors. I have researched the lady for years - and she scares me to death.

I tell people not to be so impressed by what these people SAY - they have publicity people, speech writers, etc. And when they are on the campaign trail - they are going to promise the absolute moon, and do what ever they can to make themselves look adorable.

It's what they have done behind the scenes, their voting records, etc., what they do when they are actually in session that counts.

I have to say that I have found no one yet that I'm 100% behind - right now I'm kind of disillusioned with them all.

So, keep on golfing - and hit a hole in one for me will you?!:)