Millionth Time: Yes on app - IN

Published

Howdy guys. I have been reading through the forums, and I am going to contribute to the million hx of addiction questions.

I am starting my pre-reqs for nursing school soon. However, I have a hx of drug abuse (common story, back problems and pain pills...started ER drug seeking for awhile, realized what a scumbag I became and went to rehab), and am currently tapering off of MMT. I am incredibly grateful to the program. I go to a counseling and at least 1 group every month (usually more). I have had over 100 consecutive clean drug screens (never had a failed one in fact). If I hadn't stopped when I did, and if I hadn't gotten on MMT, I know I would have lost my home, children, possibly my freedom or my life. I owe a lot to the program.

However. Big however. I am aware the BON doesn't look kindly on a hx of addiction, for obvious reasons. I have no legal history outside of speeding, and the only 'proof' is in my medical records. I also have an app in to the state for a months worth of take homes (currently get 2 weeks). Tapering safely I can be off in 9 months, well before I'd even graduate. So I won't be on the Methadone by the time I'd go before them. I don't feel comfortable with either of my options. And I want to be very well prepared and aware of the consequences before I am at crunch time.

If say yes in IN that I have a hx of addiction, that I have (at this point 6.5 years) x years clean, should I mention MMT? or leave it out? If I include it what would that mean? If I don't what would that mean? If I move, does that mean I'd be subject to restrictions AGAIN? What are the chances that I not get any restrictions or monitoring (or at least not expensive years long monitoring)?

If I say no, I'd be lying and subject to losing my license and fines. But I'd not have to worry about an monitoring programs, same with if I move (which I plan to after I get my license), no worrying about restrictions or monitoring, and possibly even less chance of being found out.

Both options suck pretty hard. Which stinks. Because I got help BEFORE things got really bad. I am very ashamed of my past actions, but not of my recovery. So I feel pretty torn.

Thanks for making it through my novel :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Registered Nurse.

Why mention the methadone if you will be off of it before you even graduate from nursing school? Mentioning it either way won't mean much in terms of whether you get placed into a monitoring program. Depending on the state you are in, your application to the board may or may not ask about previous substance abuse. Some ask within a certain time interval (have you sought treatment within last 5 years? Etc) so it may be a null issue if you have that much clean time. If you disclose your history, odds are that you will be placed in some type of monitoring. If you choose to move after that, you may or may not have to repeat the program- just depends on the state. You may want to call your BON anonymously and ask. Congrats on your recovery!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Why mention the methadone if you will be off of it before you even graduate from nursing school? Mentioning it either way won't mean much in terms of whether you get placed into a monitoring program. Depending on the state you are in, your application to the board may or may not ask about previous substance abuse. Some ask within a certain time interval (have you sought treatment within last 5 years? Etc) so it may be a null issue if you have that much clean time. If you disclose your history, odds are that you will be placed in some type of monitoring. If you choose to move after that, you may or may not have to repeat the program- just depends on the state. You may want to call your BON anonymously and ask. Congrats on your recovery!!

Thank you. I'm in IN. I just didn't know if answering yes would mean they would want details of my recovery or if they just want details of my addiction. I hate the idea of lying but I also hate the idea of killing my career before it starts :/

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Why mention the methadone if you will be off of it before you even graduate from nursing school? Mentioning it either way won't mean much in terms of whether you get placed into a monitoring program. Depending on the state you are in, your application to the board may or may not ask about previous substance abuse. Some ask within a certain time interval (have you sought treatment within last 5 years? Etc) so it may be a null issue if you have that much clean time. If you disclose your history, odds are that you will be placed in some type of monitoring. If you choose to move after that, you may or may not have to repeat the program- just depends on the state. You may want to call your BON anonymously and ask. Congrats on your recovery!!

Hey there I'm going to pm you. Very similar situation when I became a nurse

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hey there I'm going to pm you. Very similar situation when I became a nurse

PM me?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OK so I got your PM but I'm too new to reply. I see where you are coming from entirely. I wish I knew the exact likelyhood that they'd actually check my medical background :/

Up Vote Up Vote ×
OK so I got your PM but I'm too new to reply. I see where you are coming from entirely. I wish I knew the exact likelyhood that they'd actually check my medical background :/

I'm sure if they did a medical background check on all nurses. Alor of us wouldn't be licensed IMO

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm sure if they did a medical background check on all nurses. Alor of us wouldn't be licensed IMO

Lol! It is frustrating that something that is in my past has such a huge potential to essentially ruin, or at least put a giant damper on, my career before it even starts.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

The only problem I see with this is if they run an INSPECT report on you that will show the MMT and any other prescriptions. I'm not sure if they run INSPECT reports on all applicants for licensure or not. It also depends on what is asked on the application for licensure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The only problem I see with this is if they run an INSPECT report on you that will show the MMT and any other prescriptions. I'm not sure if they run INSPECT reports on all applicants for licensure or not. It also depends on what is asked on the application for licensure.

methadone isn't on INSPECT afaik. The privacy laws around it are a lot different. I am not 100% but I know my regular doctors don't know unless I tell them. I don't get it at a pharmacy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

This is the question that is asked on IN licensure by examination application:

6. Do you have any condition or impairment (including a history of alcohol or substance abuse) that currently interferes, or if leftuntreated may interfere, with your ability to practice in a competent and professional manner?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's worded strangely. That currently or if left untreated...well no it wouldn't Currently and it's been treated so...???

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion