Possible to reinstate license?

[cbritt80]

Okay everyone, here's my story and subsequent questions.

I'm a former LPN. Throughout 2008, I had developed a pretty bad dependency upon narcotics after facing back-to-back-to-back personal problems throughout the year. In December of that year, I was administered a random drug screening after the DON and other coworkers had noticed a drastic change in my appearance and work ethic. After failing the screening, the DON brought me in her office and explained my options. A couple of days later, I went to a 5 day detox program and was supposed to follow up with an inpatient rehab treatment program. Unfortunately, the BON only approved certain facilities and I couldn't afford any of them. After I left the detox, I was clean for maybe 2 weeks before I started using again, and I failed to stay in contact with the BON. I also never actually surrendered my license.

Fast forward to present (December 2013), I have been clean for the past 3 years and would like to return to nursing. I've worked a couple of minimum wage jobs, and realize that I made a huge mistake with my nursing career. I checked the status of my license on the BON website (I live and was licensed in Mississippi), and it simply says "lapsed" and gives the date of lapse. I clicked on license reinstatement, entered my info, but got a message stating that my info couldn't be found in the database. It seems like maybe it should have "revoked" listed instead of "lapsed", since I didn't follow through with BON requirements or surrender my license.

So my questions are, will I ever be able to have my license reinstated? Would I have to complete a treatment program? Was there an error in my license status listed as "lapsed"? I know the BON in any state is very strict about this stuff, and I've been hesitant to contact them. I'd really like to return to nursing; I was once passionate about it and busted my butt in school, and don't want that to go to waste forever. Yet, I financially can't afford any kind of treatment program or a lawyer at this point in time.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Chris

[TXRN2]

the next thing you have to do is contact your BON via telephone, & inquire as to what your options are & what that will entail. best of luck to ya!!

[MichelleRN34, ADN, RN]

the next thing you have to do is contact your BON via telephone & inquire as to what your options are & what that will entail. best of luck to ya!![/quote']

I totally agree

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

you have been given sound advice, and it is the way to get your lis. reinstated or reactivated......

[10yearnurse]

Yep. You have to call. They will tell you everything you need to know. However, DO NOT agree to ANYTHING until you have spoken with an atty. Here in Texas they will consult for free over the phone. I know you can't afford one right now but many atty's will do a payment plan. It's not an absolute must but it could make or break the board's decision. Feel free to email me. I will message you my email. I can help walk you through it. Just don't take the board's word without talking to someone. I did and I pretty much ruined my career. not trying to scare you.