Having been in Detox

[twicexmommy]

I have posted a thread about abusing narcotic pain pills while suffering a back injury. Most people that replied said that I should get ahold of the BON. Since I am wanting to be a Nurse, do I really need to let anyone know about it. I went through a detox program, and want to start classes soon for my prerecs, will I need to admit to this for nursing school? Since the detox program is HIPPAA, could they find out... I am clean, and have NO intent to use it was more of an upping of my dose to get pain relief, although I took more than what Dr. prescribed I never illegally purchased narcotics.

[twicexmommy]

TO be honest here, I appreciate everyone's response. And although I would never want to be dishonest as a Nurse, again I don't think it's anyone's business, unless perhaps I were legally abusing narcotics. I had an injury inwhich I needed to take pain medicine, overtime the dosage wasn't helping, so without dr's approval I took more. And yes I did this over a period of time, and realizing I needed help to stop. Another reason I did continue taking, was so that I didn't go into withdrawal. I went into detox, mainly so I didn't have to withdrawal at home around my kids, I thought it was better for them, that I go elsewhere. I have no intention of using, and it wouldn't matter anyways, I have such a high tolerance, and hardly even got a buzz in the first place. Oh, and mind you, I was addicted to Tramadol, and it's not a narcotic, I considered it one since I was so dependant on it. But anyways, thanks again for all the responses, and I will do what's best for me!

[Magsulfate, BSN, RN]

twicexmommy,

I am glad that you came on here for advice, and I didn't mean to make it seem like I was saying that YOU would divert or otherwise get tolerant or addicted again, or that you have a problem. My scenerio was hypothetical to try to explain the reasoning for the questions on the application.

[isabella19]

Being a nurse usually means being around quite a bit of narcs. Nobody intends to get addicted. Maybe if you attend some NA meetings, while in nursing school you could make this decision better. School is long time & then to apply for the boards & get turned down would be crushing. I few thoughts came to mind. If your state has a prescription monitoring program, you may get caught that way. Or at least questioned. I'm not sure what you should do. I would probably not tell them. But think about all the consequences of getting caught lying. The board is not forgiving. I'm learning that right now the hard way.

[Eirene, ASN, RN]

I checked "yes" to the box for nursing school and NCLEX. I was in an inpatient psychiatric hospital hospital for one month way before nursing school. I did have to jump through a few hoops to sit for the NCLEX, but it has been smooth sailing from there.

I'm glad I did. Not so much for honesty purposes, but to do my little part in showing that anyone, even the mom next door can be addicted so easily.

My choice of drugs were cocaine and alcohol, not opiates. I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

I'm not proud of my past, but I'm proud of the person I've become because I survived it.

[isabella19]

Good luck to you. Sometimes jumping through hoops & going what we have gone through will make you be an even better nurse & realy appreciate the small things. I'm sure you will be fine. Stay with people that support you & avoid the many that eat their young. It's really nobodys business what you have gone through. You had a problem, admitted yourself to detox & were proactive. that counts for so much. Once again, good luck!!!

[Magsulfate, BSN, RN]

I checked "yes" to the box for nursing school and NCLEX. I was in an inpatient psychiatric hospital hospital for one month way before nursing school. I did have to jump through a few hoops to sit for the NCLEX, but it has been smooth sailing from there.

I'm glad I did. Not so much for honesty purposes, but to do my little part in showing that anyone, even the mom next door can be addicted so easily.

My choice of drugs were cocaine and alcohol, not opiates. I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

I'm not proud of my past, but I'm proud of the person I've become because I survived it.

This is great, I'm glad that you did this and look how proud of yourself that you are now! I kinda feel the same way. Hey, look at what we went through, that we wanted to be nurses sooo bad that we did all this! I also like to encourage other nurses that have graduated from their state's peer assistance program. Go out there and volunteer to help other impaired nurses get through their hoops! I know that texas needs volunteers really bad to advocate for TPAPN. It really helps me put into place my sobriety and give back what was given to me.