Good character, the NMC & Substance Dependence

[Claddock]

Can anyone please give me advise on this: I am a registered South African Nurse and I am desperately looking to move to the uk in June with my fiance. I have received the NMC registration pack but the problem is as follows-

In 2004 I developed a substance abuse disorder and used the residual amounts of patients' scheduled medication at work. After feeling deeply ashamed and coming forward with this after a few months, I had a hearing with the South African Nursing Council. Given my previous good character and qualifications alongside the fact that, thank God, no patients were harmed, the sentence was suspended for five years with regular testing and bi-annual reports with the condition that should I test positive I would then be suspended from practice for three years. There were no restrictions imposed on my practice during the five years. This sentence was given in 2006 and since (before) then I have remained completely abstinent from all forms of mood-altering substances including alcohol. This suspended sentence is only due to come to an end at the end of 2011 (and would like to follow my fiance to the uk in June 2011).

What I'd like to know is given that I am currently allowed to practise at full capacity, and given that there were no previous or subsequent incidents, how will this affect my application for registration? I am more than willing and happy to be further monitored in the uk. I'm aware that this is an emotive issue and as I say I am deeply ashamed of what happened but I have made a full recovery and would greatly appreciate any advise as to where I would stand in relation to registration. Thank you in advance.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I think it would be really hard to predict how the NMC will rule as each case is looked at as a individual case and you will more than likely be required to submit everything relevant. May also be worth obtaining character references as well as references from your support group and employer

Congrats on making a recovery