Ohio RN in recovery.... please help

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I am looking for advice. In 2015 I failed a urine drug test. I was ashamed and embarrassed and didn't obtain legal counsel or plead my case to the BON and my license was suspended. A few weeks ago my license was reinstated after I completed 1 year of urine drug testing and AA/NA meetings along with a chemical dependency eval and a lot of cont ed. I am in a rural area. I have 10 yrs ICU/CCU experience. I am getting a lot of calls to interview but as soon as I disclosure my probation/restrictions I can see the change on their face and I do not get offered the position. I have applied for high demand positions like ecf/ltach. Anyone in Ohio or anywhere else that can advise of restrictions friendly employers? I am beyond stressed and discouraged.

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Specializes in Telephonic and Addictions Nursing.

I feel like I'm missing 90% of the story here. What lead to the failed drug test? Why did you just allow them to take away your license because you were 'ashamed and embarrassed'? And now after 4 years what happened? You contacted them in 2018? What are the probation terms? This would help point you in the right direction.

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Hey just wondering if you ever found a job? I am having my own struggles with the Ohio BON. I am eligible for reinstatement but one of the conditions is a physical. I am having trouble finding a physician who is willing to do the physical. My family doc says that he wants me to have it done through someone who does fit for duty exams but my contract just states a physical. Did you have to have one and if you did who did you use?

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Hi Lori,

I did find a job in Addiction Medicine/drug and alcohol rehab and I absolutely LOVE it. I'd be happy to do anything I can to help you answer questions or even just be a supportive fellow Ohio nurse in recovery doing their best to get through the BON requirements without having a nervous breakdown lol

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Specializes in All.

I have some questions about your journey. Do you mind if we exchange messages?

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Hey I would like to discuss your journey through all of this if you don’t mind. I’m new on here is there anyway we can exchange messages or emails?

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Specializes in Medical Surgical\ Psychiatric.

I am starting a petition for nurses with disciplines on their licenses that did not cause direct patient harm.

Changes on how disciplinary actions are reported on the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) webpage are coming! Under Texas House Bill 2950, the BON has until March 1, 2019 to remove certain disciplinary actions from its website.

I am hoping other states will follow suit!

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Specializes in Telephonic and Addictions Nursing.

Me too!

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I have the same issue in Arkansas! I love the petition idea. I am very willing to help. Nurse of twenty years with no issues and one failed drug test for thc. I can’t believe that nurses have been going through this and I never knew!! I have reach the point that if I was ever going to start doing drugs it would b now LOL. I believe the disease of addiction is not dealt with in this profession. I am a social occasional thc or alcohol user. I happened to get tested on the wrong day. I never dreamed that none of the prior good I did would count and I am now just considered an addict at ever job if I even get the job. It’s crazy the difference in drug addicts in the community treatment options and assistance as opposed to nurse addicts or any other nurse in the program. I at the time had no idea what to do and just sign the paper and started doing what I was informed to do. After some research and seeing all the options, I do wish there was more information out there for those that never think this will happen to them. I can also see how many cannot financially or even mentally stay in these programs.

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Specializes in CCU/ED/RAD.

I am also an Ohio nurse in recovery and just beginning to start my journey back into nursing. I’m curious how the OBN process is. Are they helpful? Are they kind? Are we treated like we’re always guilty? I just want to be in the right headspace for this. I’ve been sober three years now and happy. Getting ready to live for a year under the microscope of the board makes me feel anxious. Anyone understand? Anyone have advice about the process in Ohio?? 

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