Just self reported

1sttime · Jan 14, 2016

In my state you can work a non-nursing job. My old employer did keep me on for some time for FMLA and I was eligible for rehire, circumstances made it so that my entry into our states program took too long so they let me go. I was then able to file for unemployment as they could not disclose my health issue.

I did get a job in nursing during my program to complete my monitored practice requirements- look to dialysis, telephone nursing, and other areas where you don't need to be around narcotics.

I am now working in real estate- it takes a bit of money to get started so I don't necessarily recommend it if you are trying to pay the rent. I will say working a non-nursing job has been great for me.

Depending on the course of action in your state make sure to go to an evaluator or treatment facility that does not offer inpatient care- if they offer it they will recommend it. I was able to do my treatment through intensive outpatient.

I'm 4.5 years out from when I was caught diverting- I can say that yes- there will be some bad days ahead- I felt like I was drifting in the middle of an ocean with no land in sight. I can say now I am a happier, healthier person...

I would definitely recommend getting a job, structure is good. You might want to contact an attorney, if your license is still active you might be able to get a nursing job (say dialysis), then when the time comes that you are being monitored you would be covered by the ADA (Again, depends on the timing of things).

Just know you are not alone, you are not a bad person, and things will get better.

poppycat, ADN, BSN · Jan 14, 2016

You can get a non-nursing job but I'm not sure if that would fulfill the requirement for job monitoring that your program will probably have. That said, you will need some sort of income in order to pay for drug screens. Unfortunately, they are expensive & will be required.

1sttime · Jan 14, 2016

Yes, have a credit card for the drug screens- in my state they run $60-120 per test, in another state its $50 per test. Failure to pay is "non-compliance"

I took money out of my 401k as a loan to get me through too

I had to work a nursing job as part of my monitoring (work as an RN 2 years of the 4)

CryssyD · Jan 14, 2016

I can remember the fear and anxiety of those first days--my heart goes out to you. Yes, it's hard, but it gets easier every day. You will get into a routine, and life will go on. You will learn a lot, grow a lot, and come out the other side of this journey a stronger, saner person. It will be hard, but you will get through it--I believe in you!

Lots of experience and advice here on this forum--keep us posted! Best wishes.:)

Sothisisit · Jan 14, 2016

Thank you everyone. I'm in the process of telling my husband and for now it doesn't look good. I hope I can be a nurse again.

1sttime · Jan 14, 2016

Nothing will look good right now- you have to go through the steps to feel better

Force yourself to take walks, eat right, and do self care... I spent way too much time going between the sofa and patio...

Whatever your addiction, you and your brain became an agent of the drug, thats why addiction is a disease of the brain. Hopefully your husband will be supportive as you get back to baseline.

Just follow the directions of the program and you will be a nurse again...

Sothisisit · Jan 14, 2016

Thank you

allnurses Guide · Jan 14, 2016

You can work any non-nursing job you want as long as it does not have patient contact. They can't keep you from working! Retail, food service, banking, teaching etc are all open to you.

Hppy

allnurses Guide · Jan 14, 2016

Thank you everyone. I'm in the process of telling my husband and for now it doesn't look good. I hope I can be a nurse again.

Telling your husband is almost as hard a telling the BON. In the beginning mine was so angry with me! He literally did not speak to me for a year (Communicated by text and email) It was done right frosty in our house. But we slowly came back together and have a very strong marriage today.

Remember - stay humble - take total responsibility for your actions - start going to meetings right away. This too shall pass!

Hppy

catsmeow1972, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2016

[COLOR=#000000]"Depending on the course of action in your state make sure to go to an evaluator or treatment facility that does not offer inpatient care- if they offer it they will recommend it. I was able to do my treatment through intensive outpatient. "[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Absolutely, unequivocally yes. Do not, under any circumstances go through anyplace that does inpatient care. Those places don't give a **** what your needs are or what your best interest is. Just that they can suck a substantial amount of money out of you. If your monitoring program "recommends" any particular place, I highly suggest you research carefully. Long after the fact I learned that i could have found my own evaluator and probably not have needed to spend so much money and sanity on unnecessary and damaging "treatment." [/COLOR]

Sothisisit · Jan 15, 2016

I will definitely be calling places today. I have to try and find a place that might work with me financially. I will try outpatient places first. I don't know how I'm going to afford this. Our insurance ended at midnight. One day at a time. I want to get better.