Florida RN, Diverting

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HI to all! I am so glad to find this board, I found it kind of comforting that it is so active.

I want to start by saying I love NURSING! I have many times refered to it as my spiritual gift, which makes it so much harder that I am in this position.

I have already done the intake forms for IPN in Florida, from what I am reading I am in for a long haul, and an expensive one. I am divorced, mom of 2 boys, I have a mortgage, car payment, debt and no longer have an income. Luckily, my Ex was able to get the boys on his insurance, but after this month I will no longer be covered. Looks like my retirement will take a beating....

I am not ready to go into the details, but I take full responsibilty for my actions. I did what I was accused of. I never even tried to deny. I escalated because I knew the only way I was going to stop was to get caught. I have had so many co-workers and friends give me support. I have to say I feel like I can totally overcome this.

A couple of questions for Florida peeps. DO I need to self-report to BON? I was under the impression that calling IPN would take care of that, but I want to be absolutly sure. Also, being told not to practice is understandable, but I need a job. Did anyone else find themselves in this posisiton? And where did you work?

I know that it is early in the process, but I feel strong. I am a task oriented person, and I am ready to have a plan! thanks in advance for reading and responding!

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Hey mom2!

Welcome!! Glad you're here with us at AN. I am an addict. I was caught diverting at work and was terminated - and lost my benefits. It was a dark, lonely place for me when I lost everything. There was not ONE person at work that would admit to knowing me after i got caught.

It's ok if you're not up to talking about some stuff right now. We are here when you're ready.

In Louisiana we get reported to the BON - I guess get reported to a part of the board instead of the IPN. If we jump their hoops it is confidential.

Please holler with any questions or problems - or if you just have a crappy day - we're here.

Anne, RNC

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Hello and welcome! Congratulations on getting help (I am so so happy you are out of that place, I remember clearly that feeling of "well imm just going to die from this I guess). Even though you got caught, you are no less brave to come clean and get help (some people I know *cough*me*cough* decided to go a little more off the deep end (I.e. drinking). Just remember: the pink cloud diminishes so keep your guard up! There is an amazing high that follows getting clean, excitement and optimism when our heads begin to clear and we feel saved from ourselves. There will be some devastating times when you will be angry and sorry for yourself while at the same time feeling like you shouldn't have the right to feel that way. It is all part of the grieving process. I don't know if you go to aa or na yet, but my favorite thing is the promises, the best one for mme being "we will not regret the past, nor wish to close the door on it". This is truer than you will know yet! Keep posting, eventually you will be able to PM. I have way more ups than downs now, and so will you. As for jobs? Work anywhere! Right now I am working on a losing dock and I love it. You will be amazed.

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Loading dock* eash cell phones

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I know when I self-reported it went something like this: sent to visit employee assistance therapist (who acted totally bored and actually YAWNED through my whole appointment) who told me about my state's recovery program. Called the program's line and self-referred. Set up for an intake about a week after that, signed my contract another week after that. Took at least a month after that for the nursing board to call me and let me know about Peer Assistance and ask if I wanted to be referred to participate. When I told them I was already enrolled and had a contract going that was it as far as contact with the board. So the way I see it, signing myself on saved me at least a couple month's time as far as getting this over with.

Glad you're here, it's nice to be around other medical professionals who really understand the pain we feel as addicts as well as the shame and hopelessness of losing our careers and having to rebuild everything. But it's doable, many of us here can attest to that as well!

The journey of a thousand miles starts with a step...

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Thanks for all the input and support. As far as it goes right now, my really big concern is financial. Any guidance about how y'all handled the money concerns?

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I luckily had PTO that covered my first month. Cashed in my 401K and when that ran out cashed my stock. I got a job working at a gas station about a month after I came out of rehab. I did what I had to do to have income coming in. Had to cut back...satellite..cell phone...luxuries...etc. I haven't had a vacation in 3 years. Only go out to eat every 3-4 months. Paying $152 to $228 a month for testing when you're only making a $1000 kind of makes going out impossible. But keep that on the top of your list(aside from your recovery)!!! I made sure, come hell or high water, I would go without before my testing was unpaid. It's not easy but it is possible. I didn't have help with daycare but there is assistance if you become low income! Good luck to you and welcome to the bright side!

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