License Suspension

Published

So my license is going to be suspended for 12 months by the board for diversion.  I self reported to my state’s alternative-to-discipline program but I’m getting disciplined anyway.  I can apply to have it reinstated at 12 months and the requirements are basically the same as my monitoring program.

 

I feel like I’ll never get another nursing job after all of this.  I’ve been out of work for four months and have not even been able to find work anywhere yet (applying anywhere and everywhere including grocery stores/gas stations/etc.  it’s so hard not getting really depressed over this.

 

I’ve been under monitoring since 9/14 so not long.  I’m still in outpatient treatment once a week.  I just really want to work.  I can’t seem to forgive myself for this horrible mistake I’ve made.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Keep your head up.. I know your pain all too well. A job will come! I looked on indeed for awhile before something called back. Try not to stress about things that haven’t happened yet (never finding a nursing job again) and take it one day at a time. It sucks and it’s awful but we aren’t the first ones to go through this and won’t be the last. Definitely try to forgive yourself because everyone makes mistakes, nurses aren’t immune to bad decisions.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg & Psych.

My license was suspended for 9 months in 2018. It was a dark time but things will get better. I just celebrated my 2 years as an RN at a job I love! I have 2 1/2 months left in my states program. Just never give up! While my license was suspended I had a job at a house cleaning company.  Money wasn't great but they hire anyone and it least it was something. It was definitely humbling. Good luck!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you both SO much.  I was feeling really down the other day and your kind words mean so much.  I know I’ll get through this, one day at a time.  I will never give up!  

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I’m so sorry to hear this. What state are you in? If you are deemed “safe to practice” from your monitoring program are you able to appeal for Reduction of suspension? How about unemployment or disability for substance disorder? Prayers and love... this isn’t easy for anyone 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am in Minnesota.  I am still in outpatient treatment and have not been approved safe to practice yet.    
 

I did not apply for unemployment because one of my state’s rules is you cannot have been fired for failing a drug test.  I will check out disability but I doubt it, I know it’s a long hard process and I can work, just not as a nurse you know?  

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yeah, look into disability. I read on this forum that some were able to get on it b/c of their diagnosis. What type of work are you considering while for the next year? 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Absolutely apply for disability. Do not feel guilty about that. It’s there for that reason. You can take that time to mentally heal and be able to work on the things to get your nursing license back. Half the nurses in my nurse support group are on disability.
We all make mistakes but  it’s what we do after which makes the difference. You are not a bad person you just made a bad choice. It will get better.

I got a dui in 2018 and thought I would lose everything.  The first 3 months after the dui were the worst in my life thinking of all the what if’s.  The fear of the unknown is what mentally exhausts us. Try your best to not try and fill in the blanks of what lies in the future and focus on what you can control day to day. 
 

4
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

I never knew SSDI was an option!  Thank you so much for clearing this up.  I’m in Texas and will be looking into this

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@SNB1014

I believe your State has to recognize substance disorder as a disability to qualify

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Would one have to get an attorney for such a thing, the SSDI that is? I have a dual diagnosis (actually several), and if applying for it wouldn’t cost a crap ton of money I might be worth it as I’m losing my non-nursing job and am unlicensed. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I’m in California so here it is pretty simple according to the diversion nurses in my nurse group who applied for it. They did not use an attorney for that. They went on the state disability site and applied. Then had to go to a Dr to get a letter stating the disability. 
I personally did not apply for it because I was able to keep my RN job post DUI but there are 5 nurses in my weekly nurse group who applied and all have it. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion