of all the nurses on this site, i guess i'm

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Specializes in Main O.R. and CVOR.

the only one that has a criminal background and in a monitored program for impaired nurses. I have asked and posted many questions to find others like myself and I never get any replies. all I want to know is if there are any nurses that have had substance problems that have had more than one arrest and currently in a monitored state program to recover their license.... it's lonely being the only one.... I really need some insight and learn from other's experiences

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

You're not the only one with both criminal and recovery histories...you just may be the only one that is posting about having both. Hopefully others who are in the same boat will be encouraged to post and share their experiences. And even if you don't meet others exactly like you, there's still a lot to be learned from other nurses who are either in recovery or dealing with a criminal history.

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Specializes in Main O.R. and CVOR.

thanks Meriwhen!! i'm just really having a hard time coping..... so depressed. I was a traveler for 18 yrs and every hospital wanted to hire me before I left, now i'm just another criminal. my self esteem is gone. thanks for the encouragement!

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...every hospital wanted to hire me before I left, now i'm just another criminal...

I'm sure it's hard to realize at this point in your life, but you are the same person you were - maybe even better (by society's standards)!

This, too, shall pass. Be who you were. Keep trying.

(Enough cliches?) :o

Good luck, you'll be OK!

-Tom

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Specializes in Main O.R. and CVOR.

thank you tom! I love clichés! thanks so much for the encouragement! just having one of those days....:cry:

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Virgo - I am SO sorry you're having such a hard time. I don't have a criminal history but my dh and I have recovery issues. When I got out of treatment, it was the hardest thing trying y

To find a job. My now dh got me an interview at the facility that hired him. Otherwise, I don't know what I would have done. I delivered pizza until I finally got another nursing job.

Hugs to u, hope it gets better soon.

Anne, RNC

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I did once know, years ago, a nurse who not only lost her license for drug diversion but actually got convicted and served prison time for dealing. She got out of prison, worked at succeeding in her recovery, jumped through all the hoops to get her license back, and was able to continue with her career. I was involved in making the decision to hire her (which is the only reason I was aware of her background -- it was not public knowledge at our facility), and we never regretted that decision.

I agree that there are lots of people in your same boat -- people just don't talk about it.

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Specializes in Main O.R. and CVOR.

thanks so much you guys!! I am just so frustrated and really need to hear from similar situations.

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