Pre-Nursing Student in Recovery

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Is my alcoholism something I will be required to disclose at any step along my path to becoming a nurse? Is it something that I may be best to keep a secret (as long as there are no reporting requirements)? I'm concerned that despite all the work I've done and continue to do to become and stay a sober woman I may be discriminated against because of this disease.

*There is a record somewhere that I have some sort of problem with alcohol because I checked myself into a detox center.

Thank you in advance for your knowledgeable and understanding replies.

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There are people who recognize they have a problem and successfully deal with it without disturbing their professional life or getting into legal trouble. It can be done. However, I could not tell you one way or the other whether you could do this in your situation. I suspect that no one would ever find out if you never disclose anything. Of course, the price of keeping quiet is staying on the right side of the line. But the advantage of that is getting on with life without the career destruction that goes along with the alternative. Best wishes.

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Thank you for your response.

Fortunately, I learned I had a problem before I caused myself any legal troubles. I'm fairly confident that the prescription drugs won't be an issue for me, as I've spent the last 2 years untempted by my partner's myriad of pain pills. BUT, I've already caught myself blowing off meetings when the study-load gets a little rough, which is where I'll have to be extra vigilant if I'm to continue to be sober. My sponsor tells me that what we put before sobriety will be taken away...

Today I am actually grateful for my -ism, as I have found a way of living which brings peace and serenity that I never knew existed. Unfortunately, I recognize that others might discriminate due to a lack of understanding what a positive influence the fellowship has been and continues to be for me and others like me.

Is there discrimination in the nursing profession toward those who are active in a recovery program? In some ways I'd think there would be more forgiveness because alcoholism is recognized as a disease and AA and other recovery programs have proven to help us achieve sobriety. On the other hand, I can understand if there were less understanding because patient lives are on the line if there were a relapse or shift to other addictions.

Thanks again for your throughtful response.

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Specializes in EMT-P.

Remember, the second letter A in AA stands for anonymous :)

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I know in my state, if you have ever been treated for it and you do not disclose this on your application AND the board finds out down the road, they can permanently revoke your license. However, if you have been sober for a number of years when you apply for your license and have letters/documentation backing this up, you will not get any sort of monitoring agreement. I have a colleague who had about 5 years (this seems to be THEIR magic number...lol) and she did not receive any sort of contract. She was able to show she was actively working on her recovery....going to meetings a few times a week, had a sponser, etc.

~Melanie

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.
Is there discrimination in the nursing profession toward those who are active in a recovery program? In some ways I'd think there would be more forgiveness because alcoholism is recognized as a disease and AA and other recovery programs have proven to help us achieve sobriety. On the other hand, I can understand if there were less understanding because patient lives are on the line if there were a relapse or shift to other addictions.

Thanks again for your throughtful response.

Yes, there is discrimination in nursing when it comes to addiction in a colleague (dependence on ETOH, prescription drugs, or "street drugs" is all the same disease. Amazing how many health care professionals don't know that!) The best way to find out how to handle this issue is to consult with an attorney with experience in nursing licensure issues. You need to consult with an administrative lawyer. Contact the American Association of Nurse Attorneys (www.taana.org). They're referral hotline is 866-807-7133. It will be worth every penny for a consult since it could save you lot's of money in nursing program fees and tuition. You'll hear a variety of opinions on hiring an attorney when dealing with the board and nursing issues. Making the wrong decision based on ignorance or bad advice from someone who doesn't have an understanding of the nurse practice act in the state in which you intend to get initial licensure can cost you lots of money and could keep you from taking the NCLEX exam or you might end up with restrictions on your license which can prevent employment or obtaining a license in another state.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Jack

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