lpn in recovery now board hearing

eileenis1 · Oct 1, 2009

I really don't know but I would like to offer my emotional support. I hope it all goes well for you.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 1, 2009

Let me move your post to the Recovery Forum where there will be more folks to answer.

caliotter3 · Oct 1, 2009

Have read accounts of people wishing they had taken along legal counsel or at least consulted with an attorney beforehand. This is your license and your livelihood on the line. Don't put yourself in a position to be steamrolled by the system. You are the one at a disadvantage here. The American Association of Nurse Attorneys has a referral system. You should be able to find an attorney there who is experienced in dealing with nursing administrative boards. Good luck.

Cherybaby · Oct 3, 2009

What I found helpful when I went up before the Board (Florida) was to have my "story" written out on a piece of paper. Not long and detailed accounts, but rather, a letter stating what I did, that I was willing to seek treatment and how I intend to be a better nurse should the Board allow me to continue practicing. I did not have an attorney with me. I have gone up before the Board on three separate occasions for the same charge. They may do that to you too. Be prepared for that. They are going to grill you...and may appear very angry. Don't let that intimidate you. Just read from the thoughts that you wrote down, speak from the heart and let them know what you intend to do to change your situation. I have to be honest in the fact that, from what I saw, the nurses that did have attorneys with them were treated more harshly than I was. The attorneys did all the talking and it appeared to have irritated the members of the Board. You can, however, consult an attorney...by all means! I showed a lot of remorse. I made sure to get myself into therapy BEFORE the Board mandated it so I could show them, at very least, that I was taking steps to repair my addiction problem. They took that into consideration when making their final decision on my "fate".

Good luck to you. I hope that all goes well. Just remember...above all...be HONEST with them. They have heard it ALL before and can detect nonsense from a mile away.