I stumbled across this site and this specific forum and it seems to be wonderful.

I'm an RN who was caught diverting from the workplace in June 2009. I entered NC's Alternative Program for Chemical Dependency, which is a non-published, non-discipline monitoring program--I'm sure most here are familiar with something similar.

My license was suspended for at least 3 months and I was subsequently terminated from my job without eligibility for rehire.

I do random M-F drug screens through FirstLab, completed 12 weeks of IOP and currently attending the required 1x/week for 1 year Aftercare, began working a 12 step program, and obtained a sponsor. I have monthly reports that I have to submit to th BON as well.

I just submitted my reinstatement packet with a hearing scheduled for December 9, 2009, which is the earliest date I was allowed to apply for reinstatement.

If my license is returned, I will have a restricted license for 3 years--first year no narcotic access; no night shift; no overtime; no ED, home health, hospice, agency, or Critical Care; and must have a surpervising RN over me during my shift. 2nd and 3rd years I can work nights and overtime and narcotic restrictions will be lifted.

I also have to continue the random M-F drug screens for the entire time.

I have been 100% compliant and I will have 6 months 1 day clean the day of my hearing, so I am trying to stay hopeful that they will give it back to me.

My spouse is military and PCSed to VA in August. We have been living separately since then so that I can continue to comply with the program. Once I get my license back I will be allowed to transfer to VA's similar program and start my job hunt.

I must say that I am married to a wonderful man who has stuck by me through all of this and is very supportive.

I just wanted to share a little about where I'm at right now. Maybe another time I'll post the first half of my story.

One day at a time!

Hello - WELCOME!!

My name is Anne, and I am an addict. I am also an RN and have been clean and sober since August 15th, 1999. I was working at a charity hospital in our state and got caught for diverting narcotics while at work. I had been employed there for 5 months, and was terminated and lost all benefits and insurance and was not eligible for rehire since I didn't make it for 6 months without screwing up.

I can remember feeling SO angry when a coworker said something to me about her suspicions. Then I remember feeling so different, kind of relieved when sitting in the DONs office and she asked me what happened to the Demerol. I thought "I don't have to lie to her. I can actually open my mouth for once and tell the truth." I had been using, first thinking I didn't have a problem because my MD ordered these meds. He gave me a rx so it's not a "problem". Then I was working OT at a second job, and taking Adipex in the AM for weight loss and getting OOB. I was taking Ambien at night to get ANY rest at all before going back the next am. Of course, I saw no problem in taking these, and no problem that after a while I was taking an Ambien on an off day in the afternoon to get a nap and taking more than one at night after I built up a tolerance.

During my 28 day inpatient treatment, I was SO scared. Terrified - of everything. Of what to think, what to expect, wondering if I was just too screwed up to be "fixed" at treatment, as a family member put it.

I am so very glad that I took the help that was given to me, and able to return to nursing. I had a hard time at first finding another nursing job. Thanks to a friend that I made in my nursing weekly aftercare meeting, I was given a second chance, both at nursing and also at being healthy and happy. This friend I made that helped me get hired as a nurse is now my husband and we both celebrated anniversaries this summer. Both of us have 10 years clean and sober, and we had our 5 year wedding anniversary the same month.

Again, welcome. We are glad you joined us. Everyone on the forum is great, and I have gotten so much from everyone.

Anne, RNC :paw::paw: