I want to get my RRT but have a tricky past...

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I am in school finishing my pre reqs for the health sciences program. There are two programs that I am REALLY interested in, but I'm scared...I have a history of substance abuse, namely opiates. I want to rehab for 35 days in 2003, stayed clean for almost 3 years and relapsed for 2 days. I have been clean since that relapse. So to be clear, I have been sober for 10 years now. I have never been arrested or convicted of any crimes. I know you all are a nursing Message community, but I like the way that you actually help and encourage each other!

The programs are ota and rrt. I've looked at the licensing applications for both in my state (both done by the same entity) and there is a question on there that asks if you have ever been to rehab and if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol. I know that I have to be honest, I just want to know if this will keep me from getting a license. I am smart, determined, and above all, I am sober. That is something that I never imagined that I could be! I don't want to pay for my past forever.

I knew when I started back to school that I could never work as a nurse because I don't want to continually tempt myself, but helping people is ALL that I have ever wanted to do. I've worked as a mental health case worker for 8 years (the irony) and then as an activity director in ltc until I quit to persue school full time.

Any help or advice you can give would be greatly appreciated!

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Only the licensing agency from your state can really answer this question.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to Nurses/Recovery as these nurses have experience with this issue. Best wishes.

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

I wouldn't disclose anything that doesn't show up on a background check but that's just me.

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Would there be ANY chance of them finding out later?

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.
Would there be ANY chance of them finding out later?

I suppose if you relapsed and your licensing board found out - part of the addictions assessment would include questions about past issues.

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Specializes in ER, Med/Surg, Telemetry, Dialysis.

That or some horrible vindictive person from the past reporting you which I imagine would be highly unlikely!

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I live in the smallest, gossip infested town you could ever imagine...so I wouldn't be surprised at anything. When I started AA/NA meetings here, it didn't take me long to figure out that no one really kept your anonymity. I was required to do my 4th step as part of my inpatient treatment program, and since I wasn't from here (had just moved here after a divorce to be closer to family) and didn't know anyone, the treatment facility helped me find a sponsor to do it with. By the time I left treatment, a whopping 4 days later, all of my business was all over town. This lady who had 10 years clean had blabbed all of my secrets to everyone. I didn't go to another meeting here. I attend in the next towns over.

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Do NOT report that information. It is old news. I made the mistake of being too honest.. i know that sounds ridiculous.. but in the end i screwed myself. I've also been sober for many years (8) and am going through hell now all because I thought I was being honest. But if you no longer have a problem and dont feel like you need further help with addiction then keep it to yourself because they will make you participate in ALL KINDS OF PROGRAMS THAT YOU DONT NEED. I feel like a fool in these recovery groups because i know i dont belong there. I was a teenager when i got clean!!! Sometimes sharing too much information can be damaging. Only offer what you must.

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I feel really bad saying this, but honesty is not always the best policy. Licensing boards do not ask these questions out of concern for your welfare, you know.

Only you know how strong your recovery program is. Since you say you wouldn't feel comfortable in nursing, because of access to drugs, I would say you have some good instincts about maintaining your recovery intact without undue temptation. Much kudos! Go with that. Keep up with your home group and your sponsor--helping professions all have their stresses, which can cause additional problems for those in recovery; we have to keep up with good habits to maintain our healthy coping skills. However, I'm a great believer in the worth of the "wounded healer"--we have so much to offer people who are hurting. So happy you want to give of yourself to others--I wish you all the luck in the world!

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Thanks to everyone who has weighed in on this. I am still not sure what to do, but I will update later as the time to apply approaches.

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

Problem is, if something did happen and they did find out, they could accuse you of fraud and your license in that other field would be in jeopardy.

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