being kicked out of IPN.. help with understanding

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I've been in the Fl IPN program for 7 years. Initially self-reported because I was caught diverting opiates and I became addicted via motor vehicle accident and abusive marriage situation. Was sent to good in- patient and out patient treatment and have had good results going to AA and keeping up with everything. Lost 3 nursing jobs while in IPN because of stupid residual behavioral issues like calling out sick for no reason . Have since worked with a good therapist on THAT issue:)) My last job I had made a minor med error because I gave 650 of tylenol instead of 325.... I had never worked a med cart before and was thrown onto to it... My fault I should read the labels but they called my IPN manager. Sometime in the past 7 years I started using DXM cough medicine for "mind altering" affects mostly to listen to music, doesn't matter the reason. When my last job called IPN because of the med error, I told IPN that I had taken cough medicine ( Because I really was sick, not for effects ) That raised red flags and I was sent for another $3500 evaluation. Because I'm honest with everything their recommendation was for 10 weeks in-patient treatment because of the relapse on cough medicine. I feel good because I kicked the alcohol and opiates.... but crappy because I started using this stupid cough medicine....

SO after all this time and money spent for IPN and treatment I cannot afford to go to $15000 treatment for freaking cough medicine .... Just really sucks.... loosing my license over this ... but I don't know what else to do.....

Any thoughts?? What happens when IPN closes your case?

Thanks!!

Tristan

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Women's Health, LTC.

My heart goes out to you. Your honesty will serve you well. I know that I am an alcoholic and I cannot use ANY mind altering substances simply for the effects.

The fact that you stated you were using the cough syrup to listen to music is very telling. You should be able to enjoy music without having to use a substance for that enjoyment. I am not shaming you here, I am merely suggesting that you get with your sponsor (if you have one) and/or a therapist and try to understand the underlying issues that go with the need to "medicate" for enjoyment of simple pleasures.

It has been a long road for me...14 years clean and sober. I thought I would never make it to one month, let alone 14 years. I am happy today and do not need something to enhance my enjoyment. I have learned to love the things I do simply because I can do them. It was a battle to find the enjoyment in life, but, with hard work, you can and I hope you will.

I am not sure about Florida's program/IPN, but, I wish you the best and hope for a long recovery for you. May you find peace in your sobriety. You stated you cannot afford another treatment, so maybe look into a type of grant/scholarship, or possibly a not for profit rehab. I know when I finally got sober, it was in a very sketchy area and not the 5 star rated type, but, I owe my life to them and the women who helped me get sober and stay sober. I was ready. That is the main thing.

Good luck, my friend! I am sending positive vibes your way.

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So I'm feeling very frustrated with IPN-- they let another nurse in my support group to a free rehab..."Jesus Is" for alcohol... but I can't go to the same one?? Because it's not part of my recommended treatment??? Does this make any sense?

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Specializes in OR.

You might try finding a program that you can afford (or your insurance covers) and requesting to go to that one.

I have always found it mighty unethical that IPN selects the evaluator and invariably sends the majority of its victims to a very small pool of people who are all affiliated with very expensive treatment programs who invariably don’t take insurance. Follow the ?. It goes in a big ⭕️.

Anyhow, having dealt with these people for this long, you already know that they don’t care one bit about your sobriety, your recovery or wether you go broke trying to keep your license or give it up.

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There are scholarship beds. What about asking to place your license in 'inactive' status while you wait for a scholarship bed somewhere IPN will approve. That way, they can be assured you won't be working while you're waiting.

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Very sad situation and my heart goes out to you. I wish you all the best.

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