I got my BSN and I'm filling out my application to the state for initial licensure. One of the questions is asking,
"Do you currently engage in or have you ever engaged in the intemperate or habitual use or abuse of alcohol or narcotics, hallucinogenics or other drugs or substances that may impair judgement or coordination?"
I am in recovery for 8.5 years, with no criminal record to substantiate that but with extensive medical records going back many years before I stopped using.
It seems simple to just answer no...what good could come of saying yes? But then at the bottom of the page it says, "....false statements subject to penalties.....falsification to authorities.....may result in suspension or revocation of license...." and so on.
I feel like my former drug addiction is my own business and not relevent at this point in time. Its just all those medical records, could they come back to haunt me? HIPAA is not that binding when warrant squads go and grab non violent probation violators out of drug treatment programs, apparently having been informed that the person was admitted.
Specializes in Special Education (children/adults).
I JUST went though this exact issue. You MUST answer this correctly IF you have any old charges of drugs etc. because they will see that you have had issues and will not give you an ATT (authorization to test) without needing a paper from you. The paper they need is just an explanation of the charges and what you did to rehabilitate yourself.. I can go into more detail but won't unless you need it. If you have a clean record and want to be honest go ahead and check the correct answer. They will most likely just need that information from you I stated above. My one piece of advice... ONLY TELL THEM WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW. You don't have anything to worry about in my eyes. I had years clean and 10 year old charges. I just sent them that letter and they gave me my ATT. I'm here to guide you through the process if you need! I am from PA so it might differ a little..I'm not sure?
Specializes in Special Education (children/adults).
I answered "Yes" and I had nothing you stated happen to me except the letter of rehabilitation. I did NOT have a restricted license or even a THREAT to do so, I didn't have to go into a monitoring program either. YES, these are possible but with explanation of your rehabilitation, no current charges or issues you should be golden. Like I said below, please, please utilize me for information because when I went through this myself a few months ago I wished I had someone who went through the process already.
I answered "Yes" and I had nothing you stated happen to me except the letter of rehabilitation. I did NOT have a restricted license or even a THREAT to do so, I didn't have to go into a monitoring program either. YES, these are possible but with explanation of your rehabilitation, no current charges or issues you should be golden. Like I said below, please, please utilize me for information because when I went through this myself a few months ago I wished I had someone who went through the process already.
I don't think the BON is entitled to even a "Letter of Rehabilitation" when someone has a resolved addiction from 8 years ago.
People have a right to move on with their life and I don't believe in keeping the "recovering addict" label forever.
Specializes in Special Education (children/adults).
I agree 100%. I knew as a nurse I would have to deal with things I don't agree with dealing with my Recovery. All the letter stated was what Idid to rehabilitate myself, which if someone was an addict before and was taking care of me, my mom, etc, is understandable to be asked what you did to rehabilitate yourself. This isn't asking for addresses, or even specific dates. This doesn't go on your license... I have been in recovery for 8 years, I'm on a health sustaining drug., I have learned to fight the battles that are worth it. I learned also that being honest is the best even if it's taking a risk. I wish I had time to tell my story. Anyway, back to the point. Its bull**** of what they are asking but to lie is never okay as a nurse.
All the letter stated was what Idid to rehabilitate myself, which if someone was an addict before and was taking care of me, my mom, etc, is understandable to be asked what you did to rehabilitate yourself... I learned also that being honest is the best even if it's taking a risk
Every state and circumstance is different when it comes to matters of addiction recovery and licensure. In my opinion, MissCerah was simply LUCKY she didn't get crucified for her honesty.
I wouldn't gamble with my future like that, knowing what I know now of how many careers have been destroyed by a black and white "honesty is the best policy" approach.
Bottom line: Keep your mouth shut about being in recovery for 8 years if there is no criminal record to come back to bite you.
I answered "Yes" and I had nothing you stated happen to me except the letter of rehabilitation. I did NOT have a restricted license or even a THREAT to do so, I didn't have to go into a monitoring program either. YES, these are possible but with explanation of your rehabilitation, no current charges or issues you should be golden.
Comment from CT...I was in my state's monitoring program. They told me that Boards here, when licensing professionnals from other states by endorsement, will often require an inpatient eval and either send them to the confidential monitoring/diversion program or put stipulations on their license even if they SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED a monitoring program, consent order, etc in another state (one of their questions on the app for endorsement is whether you have had disciplinary action or something like that). The example she used actually was a doctor who had 12 years clean who had to still have conditions initially when he was licensed here.
Now, that is people who got clean while licensed. It applies to endorsement, not authorization to test. But, sadly, once ANY Board of nursing (or medicine, or dentistry, or whatever) knows about your history, it can follow you forever, and if you move there can be some nasty surprises. And, my monitoring program is no joke: check in daily for random drug screens that are twice weekly for 2 years, weekly for 2 years and twice a month for 1 (5year program) (you pay for the drug tests 50-250 a pop depending on what they decide to test for, plus you pay the program 200 monthly). 8 meetings a month, reports from therapist, doctors and boss q3 months, no home care/critical care, no dispensing narcs for 6-12months (could NOT find a job like that in acute or ltc and dialysis was sick of getting so many applicants from the monitoring program!) Lots of employers told me straight out they do not hire people in my situation.
Also, although they could theoretically gain access to your med recs eventually, it's unlikely theyll find or read EVERYTHING in my opinion.
I agree with others that ultimately you need to weigh the risks of each. Having gone through this program, if I were you, I would not disclose and focus on making sure to do what I needed to do so that I never relapsed and threatened my career (and life, finances, family, etc). Sadly this profession does not work like the recovery community where honesty is always rewarded. If you choose to disclose, just know that it could have serious and long term consequences. Or like the poster I quoted its possible it could be no big deal. But you never know.
Sorry so long, it's just that I learned the hard way that this is not to be taken lightly and want the op and anyone for that matter to have all the info I can offer.
Specializes in LTC, FP office, Med/Surg, ICU, Dialysis.
If you were in trouble due to drug and is documented, then you don't have any choice but to say "yes." Otherwise, say "no." Yes, it goes without saying that working under the influence isn't safe to say it mildly. But if you are taking care of that issue and working for your own betterment, then don't let anyone control your life.
Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.
I'd retain an attorney that deals with these professional licensure issues. It is always best to be honest about questions asked on BON applications and matters.
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MissCerah
23 Posts
I JUST went though this exact issue. You MUST answer this correctly IF you have any old charges of drugs etc. because they will see that you have had issues and will not give you an ATT (authorization to test) without needing a paper from you. The paper they need is just an explanation of the charges and what you did to rehabilitate yourself.. I can go into more detail but won't unless you need it. If you have a clean record and want to be honest go ahead and check the correct answer. They will most likely just need that information from you I stated above. My one piece of advice... ONLY TELL THEM WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW. You don't have anything to worry about in my eyes. I had years clean and 10 year old charges. I just sent them that letter and they gave me my ATT. I'm here to guide you through the process if you need! I am from PA so it might differ a little..I'm not sure?