Giving a talk tomorrow to first semester students

[TazziRN, RN]

Last spring there seemed to be a trend in topics about chemically dependent nurses. We have LVN and RN students at my hospital so I spoke with the instructor and offered to come talk to them. It went over so well she asked me to do the same thing this semester, so it's set for tomorrow. I will be sharing my own experiences and about the CA diversion program as well as the BON's program.

Funny......12 years ago I did everything I could to keep people from finding out about me, and now I'm so comfortable in my recovery I don't care who knows.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

That's awesome. You can't keep what you don't give away. :)

[Halinja, BSN, RN]

Good luck with your talk. I think that it is awesome that you are willing to share yourself with the students. It takes a special kind of courage to reveal yourself to a room full of people.

Having real people talk about real experiences moves the lesson from the realm of hypothetical into reality. It makes it SO much more immediate and real for the learner. Good for you!

[grandee3]

Tazzie, I've always admired how you share you're sub abuse stories on this forum. Anyone having a problem would certainly learn a lot from your experience. I hope your talk goes well.

[RN007]

Way to go. You're awesome! Wait ... someone's already said that ... how about awe inspiring?!

[TazziRN, RN]

Wow...thanks, guys! I expected support, but this was more than I expected!

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

Tazzi, that's so awesome! I'm a first semester student right now, and stories such as this are so beneficial. We have a faculty member who sits on my state's BON who has given us the down and dirty on what repercussions there are for diversion, etc. But, it's one thing hearing it from someone who is explaining it from an outsider's perspective versus from someone who has been through it, ya know? You ought to be very proud of what you're doing!! Thank you!

[MS._Jen_RN, ASN, RN]

I'm glad that you are able to share your story. Too often there is a feeling that "it won't happen to me" or "No one I know would do that". My Aunt is a well respected RN who, along with her surgeon husband, became addicted to IV pain meds. She told me to share her story with my class and a lot of people told me it helped. Keep up your good work. Spread the word. You're putting a face on a problem that too often remains nameless and faceless.

~Jen