lost license, now what

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Jan 18, 2016

This is not entirely true. The therapist is usually obligated to report if there is potential for harm to the patient population. It's a professional ethical standard that does vary by state licensing board.

Yeah, unless the OP told the therapist she was drinking at work, I don't see how they could legally report you to the board. What a way to discourage people from reaching out for help before things get bad enough to start impacting your practice :/

ETA- I have a family member who lost her RN license for diversion. She told me she tried for years to get her problems under control, but was terrified to ask for help because of the exact situation above. Of course that is not an excuse for her behavior, but sad nonetheless. Reminds me of drug dependent pregnant women who avoid prenatal care for fear of DCF and legal involvement. Sad

allnurses Guide · Jan 19, 2016

Not to add that a therapist is held under HIPPA guidelines
and should not have been obligated to report someone.

There is actually a clause in HIPAA that releases physicians and therapists allows disclosure if they feel that withhold said information could cause a risk to public safety.

Hppy

CryssyD · Feb 1, 2016

Thanks for all the comments, I promise there is nothing left out. I have nothing to gain by doing that. I admit I absolutely hated nursing, so giving up my license was not too hard of a decision. I am waiting tables now and make almost the same amount of money with out all the stress and poop. I am not opposed to going back to school but would probably have to move to gain employment because I live in a very small resort town. Was thinking maybe public health/epidemiology. I was just hoping for some insight.
If you totally hated nursing, maybe this is all for the best, in the end. You could look into federal loans and grants for further education, because the BSN is pretty specific for nursing, and you will probably need another degree to start another professional career. However, a lot of the coursework would transfer well to health/human services fields, so it might all work out pretty well.
Good luck!

pennie4n6 · Feb 13, 2016

Obviously the therapist is misinformed about alcoholism (as most are). If you think you are an alcoholic, you probably are however NO ONE can determine that except you. Have you considered AA? Many nurses, physicians, police, lawyers, etc are members an it has changed their lives as well. From what you learn at meetings and in talking with alcoholics, you can make that determination if you are really an alcoholic and then start your recovery. Perhaps once you start recovering you can pursue your RN license then do what you were born to do.

KCMnurse, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 10, 2016

Even if you 'hated nursing' regaining your license would open doors for you that are currently permanently closed. You have nothing to lose by contacting the BON and seeing what it would take to get it back. Even if you don't go back to the 'poop and stress' having RN behind your name bolsters your marketability tremendously.

Rox0978 · Jan 11, 2022

Rnnolonger

what ever happened? Updates?

summertx · Jan 16, 2022

On 2/12/2016 at 7:03 PM, pennie4n6 said:

Obviously the therapist is misinformed about alcoholism (as most are). If you think you are an alcoholic, you probably are however NO ONE can determine that except you.

That's why these kinds of doctors should be sued.

allnurses Guide · Jan 16, 2022

On 1/10/2016 at 8:01 PM, Isanahlei said:

Not to add that a therapist is held under HIPPA guidelines

and should not have been obligated to report someone.

There are some legal exceptions to HIPAA. A medical or psychiatric provider can report a patient if they honestly feel or have reasonable suspicion that a person presents as unsafe to practice.