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.
You don’t need an attorney to file. But when I read up it’s says you have to be ineligible to work doing almost anything...which is not true for me at all. I’m sure you need a physician to attest to that but I’m not sure.
Thanks, guys. I was probably too wacked out of my mind (mentally, not substance abuse wise) about a year and a half ago but now obviously I've had a job since then and performed above standard so I don't think it would work in my situation. My doctor would not attest to it I highly doubt. It would never be something I'd want in the long term anyways, but it was worth a thought while I deal with the sh*t storm I'm currently dealing with. You can all relate, though mine involves a criminal element so that's the icing on top.
I’m sorry this is happening. Try to stay in the here and now, the future will always be there and you can’t change the past. Use this time away from nursing to heal and get yourself where you need to be so when you do return you will be the best version of you. In my experience the stories I told myself in my head and the anxiety of the situation were often much worse than the reality. Hang in there!
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 12/2/2020 at 10:12 AM, SNB1014 said:
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
Different states have different states have different rules for collecting state disability in these cases. Social Security disability is typically not paid for conditions related to Alcoholism or drug addiction. However I did get state disability for a year in California under a DX of Major Depressive D/O.
It’s going to take time, and it’s going to be hard. But you’re going to be so proud of yourself when you conquer this!! You will get past this, and it will be a memory some day.
How did you manage to get through the suspension and all it's requirements?
I’m not through it yet, only about 6 months in! But I already completed IOP treatment and found a non-nursing job. I go to NA meetings 1x a week and see a therapist 1-2 a month. I have to get a pain management assessment within 60 days of petitioning for reinstatement, letters from 2 non-relatives attesting to my sobriety, letter from my GP stating I notified her of the order and whatever else the board decides. I can petition 12/4.
I’m not through it yet, only about 6 months in! But I already completed IOP treatment and found a non-nursing job. I go to NA meetings 1x a week and see a therapist 1-2 a month. I have to get a pain management assessment within 60 days of petitioning for reinstatement, letters from 2 non-relatives attesting to my sobriety, letter from my GP stating I notified her of the order and whatever else the board decides. I can petition 12/4.
How did you manage all the drug test payments? And are you not worried about the 3-5 years of monitoring they'll force you to do afterwards?
How did you manage all the drug test payments? And are you not worried about the 3-5 years of monitoring they'll force you to do afterwards?
I don’t have to drug test until I re-enter monitoring. I was in it for 5 months before my license was officially suspended. Testing cost $20 and my color was called 4 times in those five months so it wasn’t bad.
Yes I’m worried about the years of monitoring, but I have no other choice if I want to keep my license.
Plus I’ve already gone through outpatient treatment, counseling, etc. I originally signed a four year contract so I am really hoping it’s a three year contract when I get my license back.
Plus I’ve already gone through outpatient treatment, counseling, etc. I originally signed a four year contract so I am really hoping it’s a three year contract when I get my license back.
I just wonder if it’s worth it to you. Thousands and thousands later..
I was in my states monitoring program for 3 years. I can't speak for anyone else but for me, yes it was 100% worth it for several reasons.
1. I love being a nurse, I love my job. I can't imagine doing anything else.
2. I'm not trained to do anything else. I've been in healthcare since I was 19. I've been going to work in scrubs for over 20 years!
3. My job allows me to live comfortably and I would like to continue to do just that. I can't think of one thing I could do that I wouldn't need to go back to school for and make what I currently make a year. I have zero desire to ever go back to school.
It is costly but doable. I cleaned houses my first 9 months in and I managed to get by. IOP was 12 weeks long and based on a sliding scale. Testing was $75 and I tested 2 times, sometimes 3 times a month. So, I was paying about $450 a month for the first 6 months, then about $150-$225 a month after that. Each state is different but I would still do what I had to do. I did some stupid things and put my license in jeopardy and I felt lucky to be given another chance to redeem myself.
Scared2020
54 Posts
You don’t need an attorney to file. But when I read up it’s says you have to be ineligible to work doing almost anything...which is not true for me at all. I’m sure you need a physician to attest to that but I’m not sure.