Recovering Nurses

sharona97, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2007

Recovering from......illness, addiction,? Can you please be more specific?

Thanks!

PRESLA · Oct 11, 2007

] In my case drugs, but from an disease would be a great blessing from where I came from.

Lisa

dtgaup · Oct 12, 2007

I am a recovering nurse who voluntarily surrendered my license in March 2007 for diverting pain meds. I am in the Alternative program in nevada, and will be getting my license, with conditions, back in November 2007. I will be monitored for 5 years. I have learned alot about the disease of addiction, and am in a good program. I am nervous about obtaining employment with my conditional license. I don't know who will hire a nurse with addiction issues. I am leaving it in God's hand. I have been an ICU/CCU nurse for 12 years, and I can't go back to that right now due to my issues with the BON. I will have to learn another area of the field, which is good. Any suggestions for employment out there?

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Oct 12, 2007

I am a recovering nurse who voluntarily surrendered my license in March 2007 for diverting pain meds. I am in the Alternative program in nevada, and will be getting my license, with conditions, back in November 2007. I will be monitored for 5 years. I have learned alot about the disease of addiction, and am in a good program. I am nervous about obtaining employment with my conditional license. I don't know who will hire a nurse with addiction issues. I am leaving it in God's hand. I have been an ICU/CCU nurse for 12 years, and I can't go back to that right now due to my issues with the BON. I will have to learn another area of the field, which is good. Any suggestions for employment out there?[/qu
maybe you could get a job in a DR's office or someplace where you don't deal with meds. i know you worked ICU , but maybe somewhere like nursery... good luck in the future.. i am sure you will be able to find a job.. oh also case management is a good idea... take care

PRESLA · Oct 12, 2007

]:welcome::wink2: dtgaup, Keep up the good work. I KNOW how hard it is. I am in the CDDP c the NCBON and I have recently gotten my license back p 9 months of not having it. Unable to work any in the medical field not even as a CNA. I am now in the process of looking for work c restrictions and there are a lot of facilities that will not even look at you c restrictions overall I think they are scared of having to deal c BON and not c the nurse c the restrictions. This is my second time around in the program because of a relapse in Jan so I know my way around the system better. I am blessed because I have a friend who is trying to get me on at the public health dept in my area and I have talked c my old med-surg manager who gave me the chance last time and I have an interview c her next week so keep me in your prayers.

Lisa:nurse:

RecoveringERnurse · Nov 21, 2010

I also am a greatful recovering addict with 9 months of clean time. I also surrendered my licenses to NCBON in March 2010 due to diverting opiates. I have been a CNA, LPN, and RN with experience in trauma centers and emergency dept. I have been preparing myself to approach the nursing board to ask for my licenses back...with restrictions of course! This is my first experience with being diciplined, or even drug abuse so I'm nervous for sure. I was told by my ncbon case manager that I could work in dialysis, out pt cardiac rehab, health dept., and any dr's office that doesn't have Rx pads....bow realistic is that? The nursery has also pasted my mind. Anyone out there who knows more info? Thanks y'all

Rascal1 · Dec 30, 2010

To PRESLA, Maybe bt now you have noticed the Recovery and Nurses forum on this site?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Dec 30, 2010

Moved to the Nurses and recovery forum

sist · Jan 22, 2011

I am a recovering RN who surrendered by licence in Sept 2007, I am due to be reinstated in sept 2011, I am looking for an attorney to help me with this process, anyone have any advice on the type of lawyer that would be the best to deal with the BON??

DogenRN · Jan 22, 2011

I feel very fortunate tonight as I arrive home from my Nurses in Recovery meeting. We are very lucky to have a dedicated group that is all about helping one another through this struggle and a facility that encourages such a meeting.

There is nothing like talking to another nurse in recovery who is going through the same frightening and frustrating issues related to this disease and the complications that come with it in our profession.

I've been clean for nearly 6 years now and involved with this group for 2 years. If you can locate a group in your area or start one I highly recommend it. 12 step programs are essential for most people in recovery but it's not quite the same as being able to share this journey with other Nurses. My hope is to see new groups like this form as they are desperately needed.

Also, today is the last day that my license is on probation. No more calling every day to see if I have to test and all the troubles that can come with that. No more constant vigilance about filling out the required forms and making sure that they are sent to the BON every quarter.

To those that are new and/or still struggling, hang in there, it can get better one day at a time even when it doesn't feel like it.

waldo_1984 · Jan 22, 2011

Hello! I'm "Waldo" a 26 year old recovering alcoholic, with 18 months of sobriety, and recent nursing graduate. I'm preparing to take my licensing exam in a couple of weeks and also have a pending meeting with the Indiana State Board of Nursing to determine the status of my license as well as my involvement with our state's monitoring program.

I think you will find this forum on allnurses to be a very helpful and supportive place for those us trying to juggle the demands of recovery while also trying to balance our health care careers!

For the poster looking for a nursing attorney: Contact the American Association of Nursing Attorneys @ 866-807-7133, they will be able to help find someone in your area with experience in state licensure issues.