HELP My Alcohol Past May Ruin Career - ISNAP Related

Trauma Columnist · Jun 28, 2010

I think you might just have to bite the bullet if this is the career you choose.

I would guess their concern lie with the fact that it was your second DUI - that suggest a pattern of drinking and driving.

No need to be spilling your guts on the internet but perhaps a long hard look at your drinking habits would be in order.

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Jun 28, 2010

I am no expert, but I don't think you can retake the NCLEX once you've already passed it. And so far as fighting the BON and ISNAP, I doubt you'll have much luck. You can consult an attorney and see what he/she will advise you to do.

What concerns me, and again, this is just my two cents, is your anger over the ISNAP's apparent "ban" on your own personal consumption of alcohol. What's more important - drinking alcohol when you want to or being a nurse? Go to the AA meetings, work the steps with an open mind and see if you gain some insights into your own behaviors.

I hope you succeed, and I hope I haven't offended you.

jackstem · Jun 29, 2010

The Nursing Board has one job...protecting the public from unsafe nurses. They do not "advocate" for individual nurses. Two DUI's is definitely a warning flag for licensing boards, whether it's nursing, medicine, dental, or pharmacy.

On September 15, 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed an Executive Order requiring federal agencies to establish an employee drug-testing program. In response a comprehensive program was developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Each of the DOT administrations expanded the program in their operations: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which oversees pilots and air traffic controllers; the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which oversees professional drivers; the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA); the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); and Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), which regulates pipelines. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) uses even more stringent standards.

As you can see, nurses aren't the only groups held to a higher standard than the "average" person. Whether or not you are truly dependent may yet be determined. However, due to your choice of profession you are, and will continue to be held to a higher standard than a butcher, baker or candlestick maker. It's common for those of us who develop the disease of chemical dependence to refuse to accept the diagnosis, even after far more amazing situations than a second DUI. Personally, it took several relapses and almost dying twice before I accepted that I have this disease. This could be an opportunity to take a long, hard look at your use of chemicals.

People with chemical dependence aren't bad people who need to become good. They have a chronic, progressive, ultimately fatal disease that targets the brain. Treatment needs to be aggressive and long term in order to achieve and maintain sobriety. Not working at recovery leads to one (or all) of three things; jail, institutions or death. None of these are required.

If you want to practice nursing in Indiana (or any other state) you'll need to work with ISNAP. I would suggest you contact a license defense attorney to discuss your options and how best to respond to the board. Not understanding the nurse practice act and other laws in Indian could make your situation worse.

Contact the American association of Nurse Attorneys for names of license defense attorneys in Indiana. They have a referral hotline: 866-807-7133

Good luck and keep us posted!

Jack

catmom1, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2010

Dear IndianaNurse309-

I have been dealing with BON consequences for 10 years. (Initially got in trouble in 2000, but was so ashamed I didn't go back to nursing until 2005-2006) I have 1 more year to go of my 5 years of probation.

The cold truth is that you will have to "suck it up" and do whatever your BON says if you want to pursue nursing as a career. Jackstem's advice to retain an attorney experienced in administrative law and licensure issues is an excellent idea.

Good luck and let us know how it goes. Many of us have been in similar situations to yours.

Catmom :paw:

foraneman · Jul 1, 2010

DO NOT try and usurp the BON and get licensed in another state. You will end up having your license REVOKED in both states.

jackstem · Jul 1, 2010

DO NOT try and usurp the BON and get licensed in another state. You will end up having your license REVOKED in both states.

Listen to Foraneman's warning. He knows of what he speaks. With the internet and Nursys, any action on a license will be discovered fairly fast, and then the feces will begin to fly. Focus on building a solid base of recovery. Things will fall into place. I know that's not the message you're looking for, but believe me, if you want to have a future in nursing, trying to sneak a license in another state isn't the way to do so.

Jack

all_over_again · Jul 11, 2010

I agree with you on the point that the monitoring programs are unnecessarily intrusive. If no nurses should ever be allowed to consume alcohol, someone should probably mention that upfront. I do agree that nurses with dependency issues should abstain however.

I think AA and all its religious trappings is no more useful than any other religion based treatment, like say voodoo or faith healings. I've been clean for over three years - no imaginary super power necessary. It is unconstitutional for a government entity to require your participation in a religious activity as a requirement for licensure. Even prisoners cannot be forced into it and those who do comply should not get special treatment. Get a lawyer who believes that you deserve to be free of theocratic rule by state entities such as the BON.

Addiction is a health issue, not a moral or religious failing.

Tigerboy1 · Nov 4, 2013

Hello everyone this is my first post for this website. I will summarize my situation to the best of my ability:
In September of 07 I recieved my second DWI within a 5 year period and was put on probation for 2yrs, home monitoring for 6 mo. and also court mandated counseling. Understand all this was going on during the beginning of college for LPN. Well, fast forward to completion from probation and school 2 yrs later. Before taking my NCLEX I met with the board and they recommended that I get in contact with ISNAP which is the recovery prevention program for nurses within Indiana. So I complied with ISNAP and had an assessment at my former counseling center which I used for probation. My counselor and I discussed my drinking habits, i.e. 2 drinks the two weeks prior to our meeting and 1-3 drinks per month at the MOST, I was also drug screened and no alcohol was present, and he told me not to worry as he didnt think it would be an issue.
Fast forward the day after and he called telling me the team had discussed my progress and decided I needed continued treatment and would be reporting as such to ISNAP...I YELLED at him, which was unnecessary, but I KNEW in that moment that, though I had completed probation and state related requirements for my DWI and my actions on September 07 haunted every day for three years, I was about to be given over to a different beast entirely - ISNAP.
The result was as follows: Due to the report they were given it was determined that I was alcohol DEPENDANT - understand this is someone who previously stated to a counselor the 2 drinks in the two previous weeks and a NEGATIVE drug screen for alcohol. Therefore ISNAP has decided that I need THREE YEARS of counseling, of 3 AA meetings a month and out of pocket "random" drug screens. It is WORSE than IN state probation for the county where my DWI occured and it happened to be the WORST county for an alcohol related offense.
So what do I do I passed my boards but now have a six month probation which will be released by ISNAP only upon completion of THEIR standards. I was told that a nurse is a nurse 24/7 and as such no alcohol should be consumed and also that 80-90% of nurses with alcohol related issues will in the future have another incident and both of those responses angered me to no end. They are not taking into account my future, my feelings and my progress thus far.
Can I go to another state to take the boards, can i appeal or do I just raise my proverbal flag and be done with it. I am at my breaking point in terms of the September DWI in 07.
Help.

I too have had a DWI it's been nearly 2 1/2 years ago it was my first. I'm an RN with 7 years of med- surg and surgery experience. In the beginning of my ISNAP monitoring I was extremely frustrated I had diluted urine screens when it was 105 degrees ISNAP slapped me with 3 extra months I could go on and on. I was terminated from my position because cooperate decided they didn't want nurses on probation working in there building. I ultimately took my case to AG and they had no sympathy for me and suspended me for a year plus added a year if ISNAP. I will be in complete compliance in May if 2014 it's been a very long journey I'm earning minimum wage had to move out of my house had my car repoed. I missed two check ins in May last year due to the fact that my son was home from Afganistan but they would not excuse so I should have completed my RMA this January.. My point is get through the program and get these people out of your life. Don't ever screw up again it's just not worth it.. I am 51 years old and they have truly made me feel like a criminal. I go before the board in June hopefully and pray they cut me loose altogether I have nearly given up at least 10 times.. Hope this helps.

Stay strong and stay sober !!!