Lost my License 8 years ago

[CCRAMSEY]

I have a question that I cant seem to get answers for. I lost my license 5 years ago when a jealous ex put cocaine into my diet pills and called my job to report me. Crazy I know. But heres the deal I am not saying I am a victim. What happened was horrible. I even lost my kids because of his crazy antics. I let life get me down and gave into being a drug user. I followed the negativity to the bottom and found myself in rehab which I am proud to say i crushed it. I am now back in charge of my life and need to get it back. I have submitted to the TNPAP drug screen for admittance into the program. I do not currently have a license but I have worked like most of you for 20 years in the field and consider myself to be a worthy nurse. I do have a medicaid restriction that should be lifted in Feb of this year if anyone knows how to go about that please lmk. First I do not have a job and desperatly need to go back to work. So where can I start to look. Secondly If I complete the program is their any guarantee that I will get my license back upon completion. I know the result is worth the effort if I get my license but if I am working for 2-3 years to pay for all this drug testing among other things just to be told no its not a realistic journey. Thank you in advance for your help. I have met someone and am ready to get my life back and find happiness again.

[PANrs]

It depends on the meaning of "lost my license", if it was revoked then you can't get it back. If you voluntarily surrendered your license then you should have went into your states voluntary monitoring programs. There you would have went to a nurses group, NA or AA, urine drug screens and monthly documentation. I would contact your states Board of Nursing and they will inform you of the steps you need to take.

After you have completed this program you can contact the OIG (Office of Inspector General). They will require extensive documentation that will be mailed to you in order for you to get off this list.

It is a long road and when you're done some employers may think you are a risk to hire, but it is worth it and there are employers that will give you a chance.

Good luck, God bless and always keep your head up.

[Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

Only your BON can answer. Thats who you need to ask. You will be surprised that each board does their own thing, and they can and often bend their own rules. Look at your revocation paperwork if you still have it. Dont give up. Good luck!