Please, I need advice ASAP

[chaotic]

For those that did not read my story, I am an addicted nurse, with a long history of addiction. The past year I have become been addicted to opiates, sought help a month ago, and have been clean for almost 4 weeks now thanks to suboxone.

Last week I got confronted at work (hospital) for a prescription that I stole/filled 4 weeks ago. When I did this I knew I hit my bottom, got scared, knew I needed help immediately, and got on the suboxone.

I had applied for a job a few days prior at the local community health clinic because I wanted to get out the hospital work environment and start my road to recovery with a clean slate.

The day after I was suspended from work, the clinic called me to schedule an interview.

I went to the interview today and I got the feeling they really liked me and want to hire and are desperate for nursing help because they called one of my references within 2 hours. I know this because my reference called me to let me know they had called her.

I am a good, hard worker, and a good nurse. I love my patients, but I am an addict. I am serious about recovery and staying clean. I have been battling this monster for too long

I know the hospital reported me to the BON and I have already started taking steps to enroll myself in the NAP program, knowing that is one thing the board will require of me.

I wont actually have formal action taken against me until the board meets again, the end of October so until then, my license is still in good standing.

I know I will need to tell any prospective employers about being in the NAP program because they have to sign an agreement but my issue is, should I be honest with them about what happened at the hospital? I suspect my license will be put on probation when I go to the board in Oct. I really don't think it will get suspended, as I know other nurses that have been through this and their licenses were never suspended. I have never been in trouble with the board before.

I need to work. My counselor believes that it is best for me to work also. He thinks I am at more risk for relapse if I am not working and just sitting home all day thinking about it.

This clinic is a place I would really LOVE to work. I know I will have narc restrictions, that's ok, I don't think they deal with narcs there anyhow.

I am ok with telling them I have substance abuse issues, am in the assistance program, counseling, and am being monitored. If this place is not ok with that then so be it.

I don't know whether to tell them about the hospital incident and that I will be going in front of the board in Oct. I know honesty is the best policy but what do you guys think in this situation.

I am at such a loss

I have thought about just going back to clerical work if I have to but if I can get another nursing job that would be great.

Any advice???

[sunnie16]

I know honesty is the best policy

Absolutly. And not just because it is the best policy but because it is right. I think if you are not completly honest in this situation things could be worse than if you are honest.... know what I mean? I know this is really hard for you ATM but people respect honesty and they realize that honest people are serious about life... cleaning up... moving on... What ever you chose to do I hope it all turns out good-now and in the future. I'll keep you in my prayer's, really. Keep looking up!

[Brantine]

hi. I agree, honesty is the best policy. letting the clinic make an informed decision whether to hire you or not is the best way to go.i don't know what state you're in. this disease is a killer and until i completely surrendered and put my identity of being a nurse aside, only then could i truly focus on recovery. i didn't want to be a dead nurse. as they say, whatever we put in front of our recovery we lose. i wish you luck. for me i have never had adverse results from being honest. actually my BON said my honesty would help in the future. no more secrets!! keep us informed and good luck.