Starting School, Do I disclose my status???

betc · Jun 12, 2008

my dos is 8/31/83

I don't disclose, however, do not deny what I am.

*tattooed~princess* · Jun 17, 2008

I just worry that with less than 2 years clean now (even though I am only pre-nursing) they will think I am too close or something. I wouldn't say anything except my 2 trips to detox and my 33 days in rehab are documented... I'd be scared to be found out... anyways- it's going to be a while- unless they ask when I enter the actual nursing program after my pre-reqs... I know I am powerless and probably need to quit future tripping since the issue may never even arise- that's just where I'm at on it though- I think about it a lot....

mummasheesh · Jun 17, 2008

The legal consequences of not disclosing and being found out probably differ from state to state, but here in NH your license will be revoked. It is explained that they (The Nursing Board) feel that it (Not being truthful about past treatment for addiction) would reflect a pattern of dishonest behavior. The question of whether to disclose or not arose as part of the admission paperwork for clinicals, not for the prerequisites. It says "Have you ever been treated for drug or alcohol addiction". Pretty straightforward. The schools policy for not disclosing is immediate suspension.

bigredrn57 · Jun 22, 2008

I guess I knew that I should, and I will, but I am so afraid of being judged. Do you disclose your status as an alcoholic on any form that asks the question? Are there any exceptions? Could anyone out there share their experience? I think I need a good talk with my Higher Power on staying in the faith and out of the fear.

Do you have a police record of any alcohol related offenses? Check on the state and local level. If not, do not disclose. This will only give "ammunition to your critics." As far as the forms and applications go. I would not disclose here either. It is an invasion of privacy. This is an isssue tht is best kept between you, your HP, and fellow alcoholics on a need to know basis. It's one of the reasons AA is called Alcoholics Anonymous, not Alcoholics Association. Do what is in front of you, do what you think is right. If in doubt pray over it and talk to your sponsor. Remember sobriety has priority over everything or we will have nothing.

Goozgog · Jun 22, 2008

When I applied to nursing school I was afraid they would find something out if I was not honest. I was arrested in another state and have had DUI's from many years ago. I was also court ordered to go to treatment. Therefore, I disclosed my status and took the chance I felt I needed to. After graduation, when I applied to take the boards, I had those dreaded questions, #21-25. I wanted to lie, but wanted to be honest...I called a women on the BON and asked her what I needed to do. She said that if my convictions are more than 5 years old then I am not likely to have any difficulties obtaining a license, but I still had to write letters, get copies from police etc...(BIG HASSLE). Anyway, after years of the usual fear, and months of uncertainty etc, I found out that the DUI's didn't matter because they were over 10 years old, and my arrest in the other state was expunged and I didn't even know it! DUH! I disclosed all of that information and wasted all of that energy for nothing!

On the other hand, a friend of mine, in nursing school was expelled from school becuase of his criminal record.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2008

Hi all. I'm very glad to see that there is a place for recovering people here. I have a question, please. I have FINALLY been accepted to a 2 year program, and I am filling out the many medical forms that have to be turned in on day one of clinicals. On the med histotry form, the very first question is "Any history of drug and/or alcohol abuse." I am wondering if I have to disclose the fact that I am a recovering alcoholic? I am clean and sober 6 1/2 years.
I am also new to this site, so hopefully I am doing this right. Hope everyone has a safe and pleasant holiday!

That's a tricky one... I had a friend who was in my nursing program who was a recovering addict (and frequent relapser), but it either wasn't disclosed or they were ok with her passing meds as there was never any special consideration that I noted where narcs were concerned.

My GUT says to disclose, but my smarter brain says not to... that's just me.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2008

The legal consequences of not disclosing and being found out probably differ from state to state, but here in NH your license will be revoked. It is explained that they (The Nursing Board) feel that it (Not being truthful about past treatment for addiction) would reflect a pattern of dishonest behavior. The question of whether to disclose or not arose as part of the admission paperwork for clinicals, not for the prerequisites. It says "Have you ever been treated for drug or alcohol addiction". Pretty straightforward. The schools policy for not disclosing is immediate suspension.

that's a good point. I worked with a guy nurse who had been to prison, for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and was implicated in a drug deal. He had to serve time for it - he went before the Board and explained his story, was accepted into nursing school (he had no previous problems with the law prior to the incident). He never outright told anyone about this, it only came up when he knew you well and then not even that quickly. He's an exceptional nurse with a great work ethic, but I'm sure he struggled, like you, with what to do.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2008

I sure wouldn't tell them, and I'm sober 8 years, off and on for 29.

Freedom42 · Jun 23, 2008

I question whether the OP's school even has the legal right to ask that question as a condition of enrollment. Asking about convictions is another matter: Those are public record. But past medical history is not.

I see nothing on the New Hampshire RN application that would require you to disclose, either. The board asks if you've been impaired in a manner that would impact your ability to practice and whether you have a mental or physical problem that makes you incompetent to practice. Neither question would require someone to disclose drug and/or alcohol addiction per se.

If I were the OP, I'd contact the state BON and ask for clarification. I wouldn't disclose unless I was certain it was legally required by a regulatory body.

CHATSDALE · Jun 23, 2008

i believe that people have a right to privacy-alcoholism per se is not a crime unless you have dui which is really a different situation

do what you feel is right but if someone else comes to a different decision that does not make you or them wrong

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

I question whether the OP's school even has the legal right to ask that question as a condition of enrollment. Asking about convictions is another matter: Those are public record. But past medical history is not.
I see nothing on the New Hampshire RN application that would require you to disclose, either. The board asks if you've been impaired in a manner that would impact your ability to practice and whether you have a mental or physical problem that makes you incompetent to practice. Neither question would require someone to disclose drug and/or alcohol addiction per se.
If I were the OP, I'd contact the state BON and ask for clarification. I wouldn't disclose unless I was certain it was legally required by a regulatory body.

wow, you make a fantastic point..... Freedom42 is right, find out from a legal standpoint if that can even be asked...

lovelynurse123 · Jun 27, 2008

I have chosen not to disclose my status except with a few close friends due to the conservative nature of my state. I feel that my recovery is important to me and God, and that He will let me know when to "come out". I think the best time to tell my stuff is when it would benefit or help the still suffering alcoholic/addict. The first members of the Fellowship were annonymous because they were treated differently because of their condition. That was the advice of my sponsor, and he rocks.