Currently working RN looking for steps to take without sinking career??

morte, LPN, LVN · Mar 8, 2017

see a psychologist, and pay privately. check your state laws first to see if they can report you simply for asking for help.

Oogie · Mar 8, 2017

You might try looking around for an IOP (intensive outpatient program) for ETOH abuse that is covered by your insurance and close to home. Your in a good place in that your not in trouble with work or the BON and looking for help. An IOP can not disclose information that you've sought treatment without signed consent by you to do so. I completed an IOP while waiting for court date to come up for DWI, nobody knew, disclosed only when I was convicted. In IOP I worked with a counsoler in a small group of people just like me struggling with substance abuse, group talk, lectures, group activites etc, all done in the evening after work. For some AA works well. I strongly recommend don't tell the BON "ANYTHING" if by law you don't have to. Take care of yourself, rally the support of family, trusted friends, plenty of help out there you just have to reach out and grab it! ... Peace...

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2017

Yeah, definitely don't report anything to your BON. I wouldn't use your EAP, either. You might find an IOP that runs a few hours a day, a few days a week which would work with your work schedule. Or a private therapist. Or go to AA. Do anything other than reporting yourself to the BON. It's not necessary at this stage.

allnurses Guide · Mar 8, 2017

Greetings,
I work as an RN currently and am looking for help and the first steps to take, ETOH related. I don't take ETOH at work or come to work with ETOH in my system but am looking for help for outside of work stress related ETOH use (no other dependency issues/addictions/diversions/etc). I'm not under investigation or a criminal history, no DUI.
My state is MN and that's the only state I'm licensed in. I have health insurance but unsure of coverage for this type of thing yet. I've done some browsing on this forum and read some real horror stories others have had about self-reporting to get help, false positive testings near the end of multi-year contracts and frankly I'm a little scared out of my mind that I'll totally sink my career by going to the wrong place for help and lose everything.
Question 1: What should my first steps be? It seems like the options are: AA, lawyer, self report to the BON, doctor, EAP, My state health professionals program or others?
I would like to get some help while also protecting my livelihood. I know there is a range of options here but I'm really looking for some careful advice.

First of all KUDOS to you for recognizing you have a problem. Now for the advice. Understand that I work in psych and addiction medicine. Depending on how much you have been drinking - you may need a medically supervised in-patient detox. Your insurance may cover this. If not your medical doctor or a psychiatrist can start you on an out-patient detox. AA is always available and it's free. You do not need to self report to get help. If you have never been in treatment before your insurance will likely approve an intensive out-patient program. Be aware that your BON will most likely require that you report any treatment for Substance abuse treatment. If you have not come under scrutiny of your employer or the BON do not invite them into your recovery. Go the AA route 1st 90 meetings in 90 days, get a sponsor and work the steps.

Good Luck

Hppy

RNOTODAY, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2017

Yeah, definitely don't report anything to your BON. I wouldn't use your EAP, either. You might find an IOP that runs a few hours a day, a few days a week which would work with your work schedule. Or a private therapist. Or go to AA. Do anything other than reporting yourself to the BON. It's not necessary at this stage.

Yes!! Correct... MOST definitely do Not contact EAP , do not contact the BON..