LPN GRAD IN PA- ? About methadone maintenance tx

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I have just completed practical nursing program in June, and I am trying to prepare a statement to the PA state board, but I am unsure if I will be ineligible for licensure if I am on methadone maintenance. I have completely turned my life around, and have weaned down to 61mg - I've been taking it for 7 years. It does not impair me, it literally has a euphoric blocker in it - if you abuse it I suppose that it can make you tired, but all of my drug screens and checks have been good. I've never abused it. They monitor it closely. I am not sure if I should try to go off of it quickly- putting myself in danger of relapse, and getting very sick, or if I should just try to see if they will allow me to get my license? I have been researching this for over a week, I did find Melinda Reynolds's  info but that is old, and she was also testing positive for cocaine and still using- she was a bad example to use for trying to make nurses in recovery look good. I have been successfully clean all this time, even weaning down to 61mg, which is not a high dose at all. I just wish I could speak to someone to guide me- I don't want to lie, but I also don't want to give unnecessary information. What bothers me is they allow nurses to take Xanax and OxyContin - I've worked with these nurses as a CNA - and they ARE IMPAIRED! But they crucify you if they find out you are on methadone. I had a lot of experiences of being treated horribly for taking methadone so I don't tell many people now at all. It's sad bc it saved my life and allowed me to get as far as I have today. I tried multiple rehabs and counselors - nothing worked until I took methadone. And I never went above 95 mg, at my highest dose- which still never impaired me in any way. Any advice, bc I have been crying for days trying to figure out what to write on this statement - and what my next action should be. I will be devastated if I come off too quickly and end up relapsing after these 8 years of freedom. 

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I apologize if there are multiple typos- I have written it in a hurry, but I accidentally put a 8 at the bottom, I meant to put a 7- although in October it will be 8 years of recovery. 

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Congrats on your sobriety and I am happy to hear you are on medication to treat your illness. Best of luck on your journey! 

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Specializes in Emergency and Critical Care.

Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with state boards of nurses. Having a letter of recommendation by your therapist/Dr. could potentially go a long way. I would anticipate that you would need to follow up with drug screens through the board, but I am not totally familiar with Pa's rules and regulations. Most boards that I have delt with really want to support nurses and those who want to improve themselves.  Be up front and speak with the board to find out what they require from you.   Good Luck and congratulations. 

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
gayle lauren said:

I have just completed practical nursing program in June, and I am trying to prepare a statement to the PA state board, but I am unsure if I will be ineligible for licensure if I am on methadone maintenance. I have completely turned my life around, and have weaned down to 61mg - I've been taking it for 7 years. It does not impair me, it literally has a euphoric blocker in it - if you abuse it I suppose that it can make you tired, but all of my drug screens and checks have been good. I've never abused it. They monitor it closely. I am not sure if I should try to go off of it quickly- putting myself in danger of relapse, and getting very sick, or if I should just try to see if they will allow me to get my license? I have been researching this for over a week, I did find Melinda Reynolds's  info but that is old, and she was also testing positive for cocaine and still using- she was a bad example to use for trying to make nurses in recovery look good. I have been successfully clean all this time, even weaning down to 61mg, which is not a high dose at all. I just wish I could speak to someone to guide me- I don't want to lie, but I also don't want to give unnecessary information. What bothers me is they allow nurses to take Xanax and OxyContin - I've worked with these nurses as a CNA - and they ARE IMPAIRED! But they crucify you if they find out you are on methadone. I had a lot of experiences of being treated horribly for taking methadone so I don't tell many people now at all. It's sad bc it saved my life and allowed me to get as far as I have today. I tried multiple rehabs and counselors - nothing worked until I took methadone. And I never went above 95 mg, at my highest dose- which still never impaired me in any way. Any advice, bc I have been crying for days trying to figure out what to write on this statement - and what my next action should be. I will be devastated if I come off too quickly and end up relapsing after these 8 years of freedom. 

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Who is prescribing your methadone?  That's the person you should be asking about the liklihood of success in weaning off.  Do you have access to an addictionologist?  Whether you are weaned off or still using your methadone, you still still have to answer the question re: a previous history of addiction.  BTW, the person using MAT, is the least likely to be the one making the best judgement re: your impairment.  Let your doctor speak to that.  I have hired someone with a history of alcoholism and she was okayed by the medical credentialing department and was a good employee and stayed in the department until retirement.  I wish you the best in your new status.

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