Need opinions

allnurses Guide · Aug 20, 2015

I was arrested on drug charges in 2010 and lost my nursing license. In 2013 I entered into a probation agreement to get it back and have been successful for the last 2 years. I have not resided in the state that held my nursing license since before entering into the agreement. I have a meeting scheduled with my new states alternative monitoring program for the end of the month in hopes of transferring my license...heres where it gets tricky.
They sent me a draft agreement. They want me to meet with a new provider for substance abuse evaluation and treatment as well as commit to 3 meetings a week for a new 5 year duration and twice weekly contact with my sponsor. Currently I have no requirements to my monitoring program other than passing drug tests and alerting any providers to my treatment. I have already completed all requirements set forth in my evaluation. I cant imagine going to 3 meetings a week and have 0 desire to do so. I have a 1&2 year old as well as a very sick husband which means I would also have to be paying a baby sitter to attend said meetings or additional therapy. And frankly I just dont know how to make that work financially.
I am considering holding off on transferring my license until my probation period is up. Does anyone know if they could still require me to enter a second probation/monitoring when transferring if i have already successfully completed one? I need some insight because Im truly at a loss for what to do!

Depending on the regulations of the BON in the state you are in is yes they can compel you to attend meetings after you complete your current program. There is a question that asks if you have had treatment for Addictions and certain mental health issues in the past 3 to 5 years. If you answer in the affirmative you will likely face monitoring of some type. Your evaluation with the addictionologist is just an eval. They may not feel that you require treatment and 3 meetings a week is quite generous from a board perspective. I have heard of several nurses who had to go back to 90/90 then 5 days a week until approved to work. The bottom line is how bad you want your license? Boards require "Humble Obediance" not sure it's always the best plan but it's the formula they follow.

Hppy

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Aug 20, 2015

Yeah, they can compel you to re-do everything.

CryssieD · Aug 21, 2015

I was in kind of the same boat--I came from one state before my monitoring had been arranged, then had to apply for a license in another state; a condition I was asked to meet in order to get my license in the second state was monitoring (evaluation, testing, counseling, and 3 meetings a week) by their program for 5 years; the monitoring was essentially transferred from my previous state to my new state of residence. My old state required much less than my new state, kind of like your situation.

Unfortunately, a nursing license is a privilege, and in order to keep yours you will have to do pretty much whatever they say; you may be able to appeal the length of time required--you've already completed 2 years in your previous state and maybe they will count that toward your new program's required monitoring period--but requiring meetings is pretty standard and I don't think you'll be able to get out of them.

I will tell you that I was not happy about having to go to meetings either--I really didn't believe I had any reason to go; however, I'm now very glad that I was forced to go by the program, because I learned so much about myself and really grew as a person. I often wish everyone was required to work the steps, because it teaches you so much and really does make you a better person.

Anyway, good luck to you! I know it's hard, but you can get through this--you really can!

Biosphere · Aug 21, 2015

They definitely can and usually they reach an agreement between the two states and customized a spcific contract. Generally speaking , the BON can do whatever they desire in this regard one way or the other.

ddani23 · Aug 22, 2015

I recently got a dui and am petrified . I currently am a Canadian nurse ,working in one province looking to reinstate or tranfer to albertA. Do you know how dui plays getting albertA nursing license . And one I receive that how hard is it to get work with a dui I would love advice from anybody that has similar situation or has had. This is my first one I have been employed for a year at same place and will be going back home to Alberta just worried. I'm praying to the gods I can get y nursing license wi having a dui or if they will make me do treatment or anything like that . I currently am seeing counsellor to better my situation . Nursing is something I value very much so. Any help be appreciated . Thanks

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · Aug 22, 2015

Each state is different and can basically require whatever they like. Some require a minimum of 3 and other 5 years. I feel for you. Good luck!!!