i need help...please

[Magsulfate, BSN, RN]

My suggestion would be to self-report yourself to a peer assistance group. In Florida it is IPN, I know most states have their own version of it. If you try to wait it out, you are just going to delay the time it takes to get processed and cleared back to work. Hopefully someone from your state can give you better information on the process there.

If you aren't in some type of monitoring program it is going to be very difficult to go back into nursing and maintain your sobriety. I know for me if I hadn't called IPN I don't think I would have been successful. Having the random UDS is a good sobriety tool for me to use.

The most important thing is to realize you are clean and sober for today, and that makes this day better than any day high. Things get better, it will be tough but they get better. Best wishes to you!

Matt

06/18/2006

I agree with matt... You need to get with your state's program. The longer you wait, the longer it will be before you graduate the state's program and are back practicing on your own again. Most states have a peer assistance program that once you have went through it and graduated, it doesn't show up on your license.. there will be no record of it. So that is one good thing. But, go to aa/na NOW and get onlline and look up your nursing board website to find the peer assistance program. It may look like a lot at first, but it is what you need to do. It always looks better if you go first, instead of being turned in by your employer.

[southernbeegirl, BSN, RN]

I agree with everyone else. be proactive towards your recovery not reactive to your situation. believe me, it will help when you meet the BON.

i also suggest treatment.

i was in and out of the rooms for years and would have other nurses tell me "you need treatment". "Not me", I would think. "im not like them".

well i was just like them and i couldnt do it without treatment. i wasnt able to stay sober until i went to treatment.

good luck to you.