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Begrudgingly (not really) I return to nursing work!

Little background. Got caught diverting. Got sober and attended AA. Got 6 months of sobriety before meeting with the board investigator, signed my contract at that meeting, it was approved by the board a month later.

I started fulfilling my contract obligations and finished treatment, continued getting help for PTSD, found a beautiful job in the nonprofit sector. I made the decision I wanted two years of sobriety before returning to nursing. I developed a relationship with my monitor, one built of mutual respect.

I lost the shame and guilt that came from my addiction and subsequent stealing. I lost my fear. I forgave myself. I became an activist, a good friend, I learned to play the banjo and the guitar. I got involved in all things music and developed interests far outnumbering what I had before my addiction. I hike. I do cartwheels. I laugh and smile constantly.

And now? I have a nursing job so I can continue to fulfill my obligation to the board. It is one more step in righting what I did wrong. Y'all...I loved my interview.

Ask me what I thought my life would be like three years ago.

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

So glad to hear this. You do a lot for those that are still entrenched in the intricacies of their contracts and trying to find jobs with stips on their licenses, and those of us that are just trying to come back period. Keep up the good work, congratulations!

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So glad to hear this. You do a lot for those that are still entrenched in the intricacies of their contracts and trying to find jobs with stips on their licenses, and those of us that are just trying to come back period. Keep up the good work, congratulations!

Thank you for this! I still have 3 and a half years left on my nursing board contract (MOA in my state). We have 5 year contracts here. I will say that waiting on going back did wonders for my self esteem.

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Your are on a roll sweetheart. After all the healing you have done, the shame and anger will be muchly processed. In hindsight I realize now that I had to work thru these painful things while I was working full time and fulfilling my strict board requirements. At times it was almost too much. Smart of you. It will go quickly for you... Congrats and (((((hugs)))))

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Specializes in Critical Care, Addiction, Peer Support.

How wonderful for you, congratulations, wish you the very best. One question, did you end up with any criminal charges?

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Specializes in Critical Care.
Thank you for this! I still have 3 and a half years left on my nursing board contract (MOA in my state). We have 5 year contracts here. I will say that waiting on going back did wonders for my self esteem.

Congratulations!! Very happy for you! It is so tough to go through those interviews and to finally land one after revealing all the baggage!

Having said that, I believe the hardest and scariest part after all those happy things occur like getting a job was that one week before finishing up 5 years. The mind plays the scenario: "Can I really go back doing what I did but to be in control this time?"

The answer is NO!! I remember telling my home group it is quite possible they may never see me again after my contract is up. Because I don't have to provide a sample! Fast forward four years after "marbling" out and still sober (no etoh no meds). I saw so many go out and come back more miserable than they were.

There are times I miss the good times, but when you play that "tape" through you know it progressively gets worst. And, all those "yets" become reality.

Congratulations again on your new job TwoYearNurse. And, pretty soon you will have that quality problem of figuring out what to do when you are about to finish. It's exciting and scary!!!

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How wonderful for you, congratulations, wish you the very best. One question, did you end up with any criminal charges?

Hi, no I did not receive criminal charges. I did, however, get turned into the DEA. Diversion in my state is a felony crime, and thus they have five years to file charges should they choose to do so. We will see!

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What awe Inspiring story. Thank you so much for sharing. It always feels good to hear positive experiences with sobriety and life!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Addiction, Peer Support.

OMG, I hope that they don't best of luck to you. Peace.

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