Has anybody here ever had to enter into a providers recovery program in order to sit for the NCLEX-RN? In MI we have the HPRP, for reference.
I just finished my accelerated BSN in August & am facing a 2nd OWI (arrested a month and a half before graduation). I also have a previous BA in psychology. I am doing everything possible to get my life back on track, but I'm afraid the BON in MI won't even let me sit for licensure testing. I'm feeling really alone and have yet to connect with anybody that is in a similar situation to me – pre-licensure. MI only allows 2 years from graduation for a nurse to successfully sit for and pass the NCLEX.
I have some significant mental health issues that essentially drive my addiction to alcohol (never used elicit drugs of any kind), and while my issues are severe, they are more of the binge drinking variety than an everyday user; I never detoxed or has withdrawal symptoms of any kind. I've had years of sobriety, followed by short relapses during manic or mixed phases, each one causing significant life issues like being involuntarily committed, or getting arrested. I know that in a lot of ways addiction is a choice the first time you pick up a bottle, so I don't negate my culpability whatsoever. Additionally, however, I have several diagnoses which I been attempting to successfully treat for quite a long time, and it seemed like nothing was really helping.
The major of the 4 diagnoses being Bipolar Disorder Type 1 (more severe type) and chronic complex PTSD. I was in psychotherapy for 2 years, have tried 10+ medications and med combos, and did AA for a number of years too. When the stress of school got to be too much and I had a terrible med change that put me into a severe mixed bipolar phase – characterized by severe suicidal ideation and mania – I went off the deep end. How I even got to graduation was simply by God's divine intervention. My drivers license was even suspended for a year on the day of my last day of classes, and I don't think that was a coincidence.
Since my arrest I've started seeing a new psychologist who is a Ph.D and certified in addictions and tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation), started seeing a new psychiatrist who is more aggressive and practices from a Christian modality, changed my meds and gotten off of any meds that could possibly cause mania (like the antidepressants I was on after seeing a psychiatry resident), been going to AA and SMART recovery meetings several times a week, and am about to start an intensive outpatient recovery program. If this doesn't work, I am going to elect for ECT.
My criminal defense attorney is working to see if I can be given a diversion program, particularly if it would be possible for a mental health diversion, but it seems somewhat unlikely given the circumstances of my OWI. I also met with an RN who is an attorney, and she advised me to get help and put the NCLEX on hold, and do not enter the HPRP (health providers recovery program in MI) until forced to do so by the BON. I'm concerned that I am wasting time by not entering of my own free-will now, especially since the contract will be for 3 years since I have a significant dual-diagnosis. More concerning even, is the possibility that they will just look at my application and tell me to take a hike.
I'm just trying to connect with anybody that might have had a similar experience to what I am going through and give me some hope that I didn't waste years on my education, and that there is a light at the end of this. The RN JD said that I am lucky this happened before I was licensed, but I'm not so sure that is the case. I'm taking it a day at a time.
I think Michigan's program is self-referral only? At least people used to post on here that you could only be eligible if you self-referred. You've really got two hurdles to overcome here -- the second DUI is one (plus whatever other arrests are on your record) plus the bipolar disorder with history of involuntary commitment. That by itself in some states can be reason to deny licensure. The BON will probably want proof that you are mentally stable before they let you sit for the NCLEX so think about getting references from your treatment providers on top of the alcoholism stuff. Hopefully they will be willing to give you a chance.
These monitoring programs all require multiple drug tests a month. Sometimes several a week. You usually check in first thing in the morning and than have to get to a testing site within a few hours to the end of the day. You'll have restrictions on your license that will make working in a hospital, home health, and some nursing home settings almost impossible for a few years etc. Good luck!
I am beginning my 3 yr contract for HPRP. In Michigan... BON takes forever and if you don’t self report ( I have heard years)... it may be considered regulatory... meaning public. Non regulatory is voluntary.
Here is the gist..from my experience. First of all you make the call. They have an hour intake interview on the phone. Then they send you to a therapist and an Addictionist and psychiatrist of their choosing, which you pay $400 each. Unless you have insurance for the psychiatrist. Looking back... I would secretly have ALL Evaluations done prior to HPRP of my choosing instead of using theirs that will drag you into a guaranteed 3 yr contract!! Because the contract is based on their recommendations... which is ALWAYS 3 yrs.
from intake to actual monitoring agreement is 2 months.
Once monitoring begins... you call daily mon thru Friday for random drug tests that must be done by midnight. Driving involved:(
you have to attend 3 AA meetings a week and turn in signatures monthly.
you have to attend an HPRP therapist group meeting weekly ( mine is ONLY offered an hour away on a Tuesday 530 to 7pm)
you must see the addictionist and psychiatrist of their choice.. every 4 months.
you can only accept a job if it is approved by hprp and it must be between 5am to midnight. You cannot work overtime or more than 2 12 hr shifts in a row. You cannot pass narcs for 6 months. And if you do get a job offer.. you must have a supervisor write a report on you every 4 months. So basically at an interview you have to disclose hprp and so in my eyes it is not confidential.
I have also been looking for a job and I have 20 yrs experience.... but it is very difficult to find as far as I am concerned. It’s either full time days which means running around to meetings 4 x week plus drug screens will be very difficult/ or 7pm to 7am.. which is not allowed.
good luck!! Keep your chin up! Use your lawyers advice!!
the hprp program is in no way intended to help you... beware.
I think Michigan's program is self-referral only? At least people used to post on here that you could only be eligible if you self-referred. You've really got two hurdles to overcome here -- the second DUI is one (plus whatever other arrests are on your record) plus the bipolar disorder with history of involuntary commitment. That by itself in some states can be reason to deny licensure. The BON will probably want proof that you are mentally stable before they let you sit for the NCLEX so think about getting references from your treatment providers on top of the alcoholism stuff. Hopefully they will be willing to give you a chance.
These monitoring programs all require multiple drug tests a month. Sometimes several a week. You usually check in first thing in the morning and than have to get to a testing site within a few hours to the end of the day. You'll have restrictions on your license that will make working in a hospital, home health, and some nursing home settings almost impossible for a few years etc. Good luck!
Hi Hippiegirl, thank you for responding.
MI is not a self-referral only. You can either self-referral, which they say keeps the treatment confidential, or can be referred in by the BON or employer etc. If the BON requests a person to be evaluated by HPRP, then whatever contract is signed will become public and will show on a license.
For me, I'm not even to that stage yet since I am pre-licensure. I'm going to see how my DUI case pans out, and then speak to the RN attorney about self-referring to HPRP before applying for licensure, since I'm almost positive that the Michigan BON will refer me there if I am not already in the program. We will see.
Also, in regards to the involuntary commitment, I was involuntarily committed a few times on 72 hour holds, but was never actually court ordered. So it doesn't show up on a background check as far as I am aware, at least in my case.
I'm trying to find remote/online jobs right now since I can't drive and am struggling with exacerbated agoraphobia and find leaving my house difficult. Once my new meds are established and I am starting to feel a little less off my rocker, I'm going to take all of this by the horns and see about starting the self-referral process, if my attorney advises it.
Thank you, Bravo. I wish you all the best in your 3 year contract as well. I wish I had 20 years of successful RN experience behind me to try and help me gain employment and plead my case to the BON. I feel strongly that because of that, you will successfully gain employment and come out the other end of this okay, even though the journey will be rough.
I feel that in my situation, self reporting might ultimately be my only option. The only reason I feel that way is because I'm afraid that if I am not in the HPRP program when I apply for licensure, they the BON will very likely just decline to allow me to sit for the NCLEX all together.
I doubt they would let me get licensed without being in the program or referring me immediately to it. But, as you said, if I don't self-report before I am forced into it, my contract will be considered regulatory and open to the public (more than it already is, with all the employment stipulations which would require one's job to know and be involved, as you stated).
Can I ask you what you mean when you said "I would secretly have ALL Evaluations done prior to HPRP of my choosing instead of using theirs that will drag you into a guaranteed 3 yr contract"? Is the process such that you can get evals before entering the program? Also, would I be able to work with my current psychiatrist and psychologist if they would be willing to enter into the HPRP system as providers? My therapist actually inquired about the process and sent HPRP his CV recently. My psychiatrist said he would also be willing to work with HPRP. Do they let you choose from their list of providers or do they just assign you to specific providers? It's been so hard for me to find providers that I trust and feel are competent to handle the scope of my issues, and I don't want to be thrust into the care of anybody new unless I have absolutely no choice.
I'm a little shocked that from the phone intake to the monitoring agreement it is a 2 month process. They don't mind dragging their feet, huh? It's a little baffling that that would be the case. But I guess who am I to complain; I'm all but guaranteed a full 3 year contract with my history and dual-diagnosis, so what's another 2 months in limbo, really?
As far as a job are concerned, I know there are some dialysis centers near me that hire new grads, so I'm hopeful that if I can get over these monumental hurdles of my criminal case and eventual licensure, that I might be able to land something like that. I have to keep it in God's hands. What might be a potential issue for us both, I think, is the requirement of not working more than two 12-hour shifts back to back. That's a tough ask, I think. I can only hope that somebody will give me a chance. I've got a lot of issues I have to deal with, but I truly am a caring, competent new nursing grad that would be a patient advocate through and through.
Thank you a lot for writing me and caring. This is a scary process, and I know the HPRP is not there for my benefit. They are a money making entity that gives the BON ultimate control (which is why they've had lawsuits against them), but it's the program I'll likely have to get on board with regardless of my feelings toward it. If life and recovery has taught me one thing, it's that *** is going to happen whether I like it or not and all I can control is my reaction to it and attitude about it.
i self reported July 23rd... had an intake interview 2 weeks later. Then had eval with hprp psychologist that took 2 weeks to get in.. then it was 3 weeks after that they said they would “accept me into the program”. Then I had a week for a drug urine test...Then sent monitoring agreement and I had a week to sign and have notarized ... and actually start monitoring this Monday. I think it takes that long for everyone. That’s why the 2 months... for me anyways?♀️.
And yes they have a list of psychology, addictionists, and psychiatrists that they choose... they give you 3 options to choose from. I absolutely looked at all their reviews before I would call for an appt. One of the addictionist has terrible reviews and is 83 yrs old! I said no way...only because if that guy says I am not to safe to practice etc... I am screwed. And if you need an addendum to work midnights or go on vacation... it’s the addictionist and hprp therapist that approves or disapproves!! So ya gotta have a good rep-ore.
I am pretty pissed I have to see a psychiatrist because I don’t have any mental illnesses...not even depression(although I am close I am sure?) etc... it should be a 1 time visit?. Again... just another kick back hurdle BS...
My thought is... if you have your own doctors... have them write up a full history and recommendation.... to prevent you having to go thru the whole process with docs you don’t need or want just because they are in hprp program. I have seen that other nurses have done that in advance and fought hprp as an advocate for themselves. That way you may be saving yourself from quarterly appts with addictionist/psychiatrist along with seeing your own supportive/trusted physicians. AND if the hprp docs wanted to change all your meds up? WTH can you do!? That would be a disaster for you! They even have to approve in writing if a nurse takes Benadryl for God’s sakes. So they have to approve your current meds in writing at all times.
In general... all the evals for me have been like 40 mins of your life history. Give as little information as you need to. I stated I smoked pot in college In the 90’s.. and now diagnosed with moderate marijuana user?
As far as a job... believe it or not... a new grad is really wanted! You are eager and fresh!! You aren’t tainted by working in this tough profession yet.. lol. And even tho I say I will take a pay cut... I think they feel hiring at the top of the pay scale isn’t cost effective!
dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN
1,571 Posts
I think Michigan's program is self-referral only? At least people used to post on here that you could only be eligible if you self-referred. You've really got two hurdles to overcome here -- the second DUI is one (plus whatever other arrests are on your record) plus the bipolar disorder with history of involuntary commitment. That by itself in some states can be reason to deny licensure. The BON will probably want proof that you are mentally stable before they let you sit for the NCLEX so think about getting references from your treatment providers on top of the alcoholism stuff. Hopefully they will be willing to give you a chance.
These monitoring programs all require multiple drug tests a month. Sometimes several a week. You usually check in first thing in the morning and than have to get to a testing site within a few hours to the end of the day. You'll have restrictions on your license that will make working in a hospital, home health, and some nursing home settings almost impossible for a few years etc. Good luck!