Looking for advice about Oklahoma Peer Assistance Program

[RNinNeed2004]

Help!

I have been advised to enter into the PEER assitance program in Oklahoma an was wondering what to expect, like can I still work, how long will it last, just basically an overview of your experience. I was given the opportunity to voluntarily enter the program or a formal investigation would be launched on me that would lead to a "mar" on my license. The letter stated if I enter into the program and complete it them my license would not have a ding on it. I plan to enter into the program and will be calling tomorrow to start the process but I just want to know what to expect. I don't know what I am going to do if I have to stop working, because if I have no income I will loose my car, have no place to live ect.......I have no idea what kind of job I would be able to get if I can't work for an extended period of time, and if I choose not to enter into the program then my case will be investigated by the board which would put my license in jeopary which I absolutly do not want.....any help is appreciated, but if anyone is currently in the program or has been in recently I would appreciate the up to date advice......please I really need some advice here,

[reneern623]

I am currently in Peer in Oklahoma. Whenever you call, they should be able to answer questions about if you can work. Generally though, once you sign your contract you have to cease practice until they give you the okay to go back to work. After you sign your contract, you'll have to start attending 12 step meetings and nurse support groups. Random drug testing that you have to check every day to see if it's your time. You'll have to meet with an addiction evaluator (which cost me $600) and they will give you treatment recommendations, which whatever the recommend is what you have to do. For me, I had to do intensive outpatient therapy.

My experience is a little different because I was living out of the state when I joined and was thinking about transferring to the state I was in. I ended up just moving back to Oklahoma. I got my okay to go back to work at around 8 months, it would have been sooner had i actually been in the state. I worked at Walmart just to have a little income. It becomes easier but it is very expensive. I started work a month after I got my okay to go back. There are multiple places here that are peer friendly (much easier in OK than in other states it seems).

Just remember to take it one day and one step at a time. Let me know if you have any other specific questions and I can try to help. Sending you lots of hugs!!!

[morte, LPN, LVN]

i am not asking for details, but briefly why are you being sent?