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Nurses Recovery

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I needed advice from all the nurses in recovery. I just graduated nursing school with honors as a single mom. I have a felony drug record from 12 years ago and I have been clean for over 11 years. The NV board is allowing me to take the NCLEX so I am very happy about that. But I still have to go before both the Disability Advisory Committee and the BON. I am willing to jump through whatever hoops I need to become a nurse. But I am still so scared that after all this hard work I will be turned down. I have recommendations from teachers at my school to the dean and president. Any advice is greatly appreciated! And yes, I was honest with everyone since the beginning. The school knew and so did the hospital where I did my clinicals. I was VP of the honor society, a mentor to incoming students and even tutored in my spare time. I don't want what I did when I was 21 to hold me back now.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

when do you go to the BON and advisory committee? i can't give any advice just wish you good luck and prayers... you sound like you got it together and just tell them what you said here. let us know how things go with the bON and advisory committee....

i'm sorry i have never been through this problem before , but i do wish you lots of luck in your future. if they let you take boards , thats a good sign.

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Thank you so much. Prayers are why I am being allowed to be able to take the NCLEX. I take the test this Sunday. I go before the DAC in August and the BON in September. I have been through a roller coaster of emotions but I'm still optimistic. I'm hoping one day I can be an advocate for others who have to go through this. People can change, it just takes time.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

yes i agree. i lurk on this thread once in awhile . i wish you the best for the future. keep us posted please !!

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I needed advice from all the nurses in recovery. I just graduated nursing school with honors as a single mom. I have a felony drug record from 12 years ago and I have been clean for over 11 years. The NV board is allowing me to take the NCLEX so I am very happy about that. But I still have to go before both the Disability Advisory Committee and the BON. I am willing to jump through whatever hoops I need to become a nurse. But I am still so scared that after all this hard work I will be turned down. I have recommendations from teachers at my school to the dean and president. Any advice is greatly appreciated! And yes, I was honest with everyone since the beginning. The school knew and so did the hospital where I did my clinicals. I was VP of the honor society, a mentor to incoming students and even tutored in my spare time. I don't want what I did when I was 21 to hold me back now.

First of all... CONGRATS on your recovery and your nursing school accomplishments.

I am not familiar with NV BON but it is common that they would request a hearing before issuing a license. What is not clear to me is the hearing with the Disability Advisory Committee. What is that all about??

In any case, my advice would be as follows:

Present lots of paperwork including initial proof of treatment, completion of criminal charges with something to indicate compliance, then have letters from addictionologist, counselors, AA people, pastor, and other past employers. Provide all the things that you have incorporated into your life that support a recovery based life, ie, AA, volunteer work, family support, church, etc,,,

When speaking with the BON, be humble, be honest, take ownership for your past, and express remorse, outline your openness and desire to advocate to others how recovery is possible, and be open to ideas that may involve monitoring.

I would guess that since you have established long term recovery, that they should not require monitoring, but again, I am not at all familiar with NV. Some states would want this, but all states have their own policies.

Good luck, keep us posted!

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From what I understand the DAC is primarily nurses and counselors who will meet with me and their decision is recommended to the BON. I guess I'm just really nervous. It is frightening to put your future in someone else's hands. I have no problem owning up to what I've done and have just come to accept that for the rest of my life I will always just have to "prove myself" harder than most.

I will be honest. The only time I've ever been to NA was with my behavioral class. I did a drug relapse prevention program 8 years ago after my youngest son died of SIDS. And no, I didn't turn to drugs then but I didn't want to risk it with my depression. My family and friends have been my support. That and the fact that my oldest son needs me. There is nothing in this world that would make me risk losing him. I was a "raver" 12 years ago and would do drugs for days straight. That is not my lifestyle. I love my life now! What I've been through made me the person I am now. Strong and very geeky :)

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I said I'd keep everyone posted so...took my NCLEX on Sunday, 75 q and just found out I PASSED!!!!!!!!! Woohoo:) That is one hurdle down. I am so happy that I started crying. My 10 year old son was so funny. When I told him he just said "mom, of course you passed..I've been praying for you every night" Thank you GOD!!!

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Well if I was a patient, I would find it a privilege to have a nurse that has accomplished as much as you have and I hope that all your hard work and accomplishments will overshadow the mistakes of your past. Although I don't have any wisdom to give on this subject, it would be a horrible thing if they didn't give you your license...to let a good nurse go to waste... I wish you the best. I know it's hard not to worry but I say if all does not go well, we will all protest on your behalf!!!!!

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Specializes in Case Mgmt, Anesthesia, ICU, ER, Dialysis.

Find an attorney who specializes in administrative health care law and have them go with you in front of the board. Do not go it alone. I made the mistake of doing that in Florida and I almost didn't get to be a nurse.

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Thank you for everyone's encouragement! It really does mean a lot to me.

And as for the attorney, unfortunately I do not have the money for that. I'm just going to go and pray that they see the person I've become. I'm hoping between my accomplishments and the fact that my record has been clean since 1997.......gotta put my trust in God that everything I've done was not in vain. And hey, my son believes in me:) I will keep everyone posted as to what happens in the DAC mtg in August. Yes, I'm scared but hey I just passed the NCLEX.. Cannot keep this kool-aid grin off of face LOL:p

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:wink2:Oh and Seyma Thank you so much! I'm going to try and stay optimistic. I've made it this far right? I just hope my story gives hope to others. You guys will be with me each step of the way

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:wink2:Oh and Seyma Thank you so much! I'm going to try and stay optimistic. I've made it this far right? I just hope my story gives hope to others. You guys will be with me each step of the way

Yes keep me/us posted. I will prepare the picket signs just in case :D

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