How long does it take to get your license back after narc. diversion

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Specializes in trauma, ER, PACU, CCU/ICU, Management.

Hi

New to the forum. I am a 23 year RN and made a foolish decision to divert pain medication in June after hurting my back. I was working 4-5 12 hour shift, having break-thru pain. I was pushing myself so hard to take care of a family. Not justifying, but I was not in my right mind. My husband was out of a job and I had been the sole support for the past 9 years. I was physically, mentally and spiritally broken. I have been without a job since then and still have not heard from the BON. I am in weekly counselling and NA meetings. I wanted to repair my self-esteem and licensure. I have gotten off of my medications for my back to get my life back on track. My neuro-surgeon told me during my back injections in X-ray, I had the spinal stenosis and arthritis of a 70 year old, not someone that was 42. I feel like this nightmare will never end and having a hard time forgiving myself to move on. Any advice or help would be appreciated. :cry:

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You've been supporting your hsband since you were 14?

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Specializes in trauma, ER, PACU, CCU/ICU, Management.

No I am 42, I have been an RN for 23 years. Sole support of the family for 9 years...LOL. sorry I worded it wrong.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.
Hi

New to the forum. I am a 23 year RN and made a foolish decision to divert pain medication in June after hurting my back. I was working 4-5 12 hour shift, having break-thru pain. I was pushing myself so hard to take care of a family. Not justifying, but I was not in my right mind. My husband was out of a job and I had been the sole support for the past 9 years. I was physically, mentally and spiritally broken. I have been without a job since then and still have not heard from the BON. I am in weekly counselling and NA meetings. I wanted to repair my self-esteem and licensure. I have gotten off of my medications for my back to get my life back on track. My neuro-surgeon told me during my back injections in X-ray, I had the spinal stenosis and arthritis of a 70 year old, not someone that was 42. I feel like this nightmare will never end and having a hard time forgiving myself to move on. Any advice or help would be appreciated. :cry:

i wish you luck in the future... i noticed first you said you wre 23 year then you said you had the back of a 70 year old not 42... are you 42 or 23?

take care of yourself and keep us posted

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Specializes in trauma, ER, PACU, CCU/ICU, Management.

I am 42 years old. I have been a nurse for 23 years. The physician noticed how full of spinal stenosis and arthritis that had already set up in my back and hips at the age of 42. He said it looked like the back of a 70 year old person.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, ICU, OR, PACU.

You didn't say whether or not the BON had put you in a nurse recovery program (a diversion program). Each state has their own time frame. Where I live, it's a 5 year program, after you attend rehab. You can work, although you may lose the keys for 1-2 years. You would attend a weekly group meeting, and be required to have random drugscreens and provide proof that you attend AA/NA 3-5 times per week.

I've been sober for 9 years, and I couldn't have done it without the BON--the support and the accountability was key. PM if you'd like.

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Specializes in Rehab, Infection, LTC.

technically, you still have your license until you meet the BON. at that time they will tell you your options.

in my case, i had to go to rehab and then sign a 3 yr contract with peer assistance. i was a first time offender so got the 3 yr contract, not the 5. my license was on probation the length of my contract.

my advice? start saving your butt NOW. if possible, get ina treatment program now so that when you do go to the board, youve allready started the process. go ahead and turn yourself into your state's peer program and sign a contract with them as soon as you finish rehab. do you have EAP? go to weekly meetings. go to AA.

when you go in front of the board, take a letter from everyone...your counselor, your rehab, your sponsor...anyone that can attest to that you are working a program of recovery.

when you go in front of the board do NOT make excuses for your behavior. dont tell them "my back was hurting" etc. do nothing but apologize for your behavior and ask them for help.

if they see that you are sincere then they will help you by making sure you are in recovery and working a program and staying clean. if not, they will take your license.

i've noticed a trend in the past couple years to revoke licenses instead of the prior trend of making nurses sign contracts with peer.

i went to them completely humble and told them the truth on everything they asked. and believe me, they will ask you tons of questions. how long have you used drugs? why do you deserve to still be a nurse after you've stolen drugs for your patients and worked impaired?

remember...their job is to not help the nurses but to protect the public. so you gotta go to them knowing that.

since i met with the board i have gotten to know a few of the ladies. each of them told me that what saved my license literally was the support i had around me of my employer, my EAP counselor, my weekly drug tests i'd done weekly for 5 months.

you gotta go in there with a plan for your recovery and show them that you are working your program. they will know if you arent sincere. they see it all the time.

good luck to you! and pm me anytime.

stay strong! the best days of your life are ahead of you, i promise!

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Specializes in Rehab, Infection, LTC.

ooh one more thing. make up a sign in sheet and get it signed for every meeting you go to. i'm sure you've seen people do that in meetings. put it in the money basket and they will have it ready for you at the end of the meeting, no questions asked.

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