Is the board assistance program the way to go?

Welcome to the site and to recovery since you are admitting you have a problem thats a great start. My advice would be to NOT report this to the nursing board or peer assistance program . I would not get them involved its a pain in the a#333ss. Call your insurance carrier mental health behavioral division and talk to a counselor who will guide you on the next step AND TREATMENT options. Good Luck stay safe.

Hi wakeupnurse. I am pretty new to this site too, but agree with jmo1231. I have been in nursing administration myself and had to look at if "it"..the "job" was part of my addiction. All nurses know the pressure of front line nursing..being in administration is just as hard...we are reminded daily..if not hourly..that it has nothing to do with the welfare of the patient..it is all about the bottom line and God help you if you can't produce within the paltry budget.I found myself so conflicted with this..and the reason I wanted to be a nurse..it was not healthy for me.

Back to your question..do not.. I repeat do not self report to the board or peer review. Seek out your recovery elsewhere and find work that supports your recovery. I know the admin pay is hard to give up, but without recovery..you will lose it anyway..and much much more.

I liken our situation to my son's as an officer in the Army after 3 tours in Iraq...he had huge PTSD issues and had to seek help under an assumed name and pay cash for his treatment to maintain his career..very sad..but our's is not the only profession that faces such ignorance.

Wishing you the best life has to offer..stay in touch.

I agree with backtowork,

Get help on your own. You have already acknowledged that you have a problem which is a major challenge for other nurses who are reported to the board. Get the help you need, commit to your recovery and take it one day at a time.

I agree also, stay away from the nursing boards at all cost. Do get help though!

A

Hi, Thank you all for your feedback. I'm finding it very sad that everyone has said the same thing. All the peer programs and nursing boards encourage nurses to seek help EARLY before something could happen to your license, but it sounds like that's not the way to go... What a shame. Thank you for all of your support. I will keep you posted.

Depends what state you're in. New York does have peer assistance support groups for nurses who may, or may not, be enrolled in a non-disciplinary alternative program. Why would you self report to a state program if your license isn't in jeopardy? They were created to provide an alternative to punitive actions. Your body fluids will be scrutinized for years if you self report an alcohol problem. You're NOT person for whom these boards were created. Some states are more punitive than others. Do your research to see if your state provides confidential support groups - I think they're probably more rare than common. If you live in New York, go to the NYSNA website, click onto SPAN and find a meeting near your house. You'll be welcome even if you're not nrolled in the state's professional assistance program.

Do not ask your employer for assistance!!! I did & after 2 yrs of being in TPAPN, I just rcvd an order from the TX Board ordering me to enroll in TPAPN.??? It took 2 yrs to investigate? I would be done with TPAPN on 11/4 (today) had I been able to find employment after being terminated after self-reporting. It took me 17 months to find a job & my TPAPN was extended 6 months so I can fulfill the number of hrs employment stipulations. Just get into treatment & document everything you do! I wish you the best!

I agree with the NOT telling post, since you say your drinking is OUTSIDE of work and assuming you don't come to work hung over, etc... Then I would check into some AA support groups in your area so you can get the support you need. Remenber you may run into others you know in these groups, even though it is supposed to be private but, you know how that goes. My friend (she lives in FL though) not sure that makes a difference, she was "outed" by a coworker that did self report and was in AA. So maybe you can go somewhere in a different area of where you work. That's about all the info I have on this subject. Congrats to you for realizing you even have a problem, that is a HUGE step. Also, look into some counseling to address the underlying issues of your drinking, because people are addicts, alcoholics, etc usually because they are trying to mask some sort of emotional pain.

Good luck to you, will be sending some prayers your way!!

Pink

Do not expect any voluntary assistance from any licensing board!!! You are setting yourself up for investigation. Boards of Nursing are not your friends, they function to keep the public safe only. You have a job, you have medical insurance, most likely you can afford (make it a priority) to seek counseling about addiction privately.