I don't think I want to be a nurse anymore...

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A month ago, I admitted to diverting and was fired from my job. I reported to ISNAP, Indiana's nursing assistance program and began the intake process. I have not received my letter from the attorney general yet, but I spoke with my former employer and know they have reported me. My question is this, if I don't want my license reinstated, is their any point in following through with the bon's requirements? I still want to continue with my therapist, which I will do since I am paying for it out of pocket anyway. I just don't want to drag this process out any longer than necessary when in the end, I most likely won't be able to get a nursing job nor do I think I want one. I don't ever want to see a narcotic again! If I drop out of the isnap program can the attorney general give me criminal punishments such as (non nursing) probation or jail time?

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Another vote for "don't make major decisions while early in recovery" because you may regret them later. Work on your recovery first--nothing else will fall until place until you do that.

There are a lot of nurses in recovery who are working...even after going through assistance programs, even with stipulations/restrictions on their license. There's also a lot of nursing jobs out there where you don't go near a narcotic. So if you do want to keep being a nurse, it is possible. It won't be easy, but it is possible.

But IMO, worry about your career later. Right now, worry about getting your recovery established.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Psych, ICU, LTC.

I think there is a lot of good advice here already; I just wanted to say that you are definitely not alone. And despite how you might feel now, your feelings about many things may change as you go through therapy/treatment. A while back, I was not going to renew my license ... I still feel ambivalent at times. But I was encouraged to keep it up and it's nice to have the option ... there are a lot of career options in which your license could be valuable, but don't necessarily have to be anything similar to the nursing you were doing previously. I attended ISNAP support meetings in the past; it was actually incredibly helpful ... meeting people who look like they "have it all together" but are struggling with similar issues; I don't mean just recovery, either. The support group meetings are good for learning new ways to cope with life and work problems and re-experience some of the (positive) feelings lost through burnout or other issues that get folks into recovery. Occasionally, nobody else showed up for a meeting (usually in winter) and I was always bummed to be the only attendee ... the meetings can really become a positive and something to look forward to!

No matter what you ultimately choose, I wish you the best in recovery and future!

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I have been in nursing for a long time and I am getting a little burned out also. Some nurses have started their own nurses registry business. One of my friends went to a website that helps get it started. The cost was pretty good around $200 for the contract & $50 for the Marketing package. She told me that she already started her registry. I can contact her for info if you like. I'm planning to the same thing soon.

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