New RN in crisis

Nurses Recovery

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I am new to this site, so I may not be posting this in the right area. I am an alcoholic and went to work intoxicated on Friday. They tested me and my urinalysis showed a high ETOH. I was working the unit clerk position, as I don't start my RN job for two more weeks at another company. Does anyone know if my company can report me to the BON even if am not an RN there? Does Florida have an impaired healthcare provider program? I have hit rock bottom and I am desperately searching for hope. I'm not sure where to turn. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Go to an AA meeting now.

If your employer is healthcare and knows you are a licensed nurse even if not working in that role they may be legally obligated to report you.

First step is admitting you have a problem. Check.

Google says:

IPN: Intervention Project for Nurses Florida

Good luck and I hope you find the help you need moving forward.

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Thank you for the response and advice.

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My advice: find a meeting. I personally recommend AA, but there are other groups--Google it (alcoholic treatment, support group, something like that). AA meetings are all over the place--I promise you can find one near you. Go to a meeting and just listen. Let your ears and your mind be open, and try to learn something. The people you will meet have been where you are and can tell you where to go from there. There is plenty of wisdom and good advice on this site--but the best place for you is a meeting. Get a sponsor, and learn how to live without the insanity. I wish you the best of luck--please keep us posted!

As far as your work problems, I think you will probably get reported if they know you're a nurse. I would be amazed if you aren't. But who knows, you could get lucky...

But don't count on it, OK? Find a meeting, then find a sponsor, then find out what is happening with your license. Your health and happiness are far more important than any license. Showing up to work drunk is a bad sign--you are way out of control. Stop the insanity--get thee to a meeting!

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Do they know you have an RN license..if so the odds are they will report you to the board.

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Yes, they know I have my RN license. I just haven't worked in the RN capacity yet. I am supposed to start with another company on the 16th of this month.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

If you are an alcoholic and showed up to this job impaired you shouldn't start an RN job until you get help. You can kill someone!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

You can count on being reported. So it's critical for you to take the steps of going to meetings and finding treatment before the BON comes calling.

Being proactive and brutally honest will help.

I am sorry for your pain and crisis. I hope you find help and healing, soon. Take care of YOU first.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

You have been given very good advice

i personally would tell anyone in your position to attend a meeting daily....for at least 30days.....

there are even AA meetings on line....

you do not even have to believe that , The 12 step meetings will work in the beginning, just go, listen, and keep an open mind....try to identify with someone that appears to be living the steps......as a sponsor....it is suggested this sponsor relationship, should be someone of the same sex...ie female sponsor for female, and male for male etc.....

please do visit this site frequently.... There is a wealth of recovering nurses at this site.

we keep what we have, by helping newcomers, by sharing our experiences, hope and guidance.

best wishes, keep us posted...you are not alone.

Sally

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Thank you for your very compassionate response. I truly appreciate the support.

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Thank you for the advice. I appreciate the compassion.

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Yes, I am aware of that. Thanks for the reminder though.

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