StarlaBanks

As long as you made repairs before being asked or mandated, this will all count in your favor. It is an unrealistic expectation that you won't forget a single check in during your time in the program. It's what you do when it happens, and you handled this exceptionally well.

I have completed my state’s five year program, and continue to work with them as a mentor. I also admin a support group for us healthcare professionals in assistance programs. Here are the top tips to help with success. These are tried and true! 1. DON’T DRINK. For some reason, (maybe it being legal?) makes it a harder stipulation to adhere to. You will get caught and you will shoot yourself in the foot. 2. Be upfront and proactive. If you mess up and are going to be confronted, do it first. Fess up to your case manager, and be prepared with a written admission that includes what you yourself have implemented as an intervention to this hiccup. Then follow through with said interventions. 3. Your first year and last year of any program are the hardest. The first because you are adjusting to some big changes. You WILL mess up your first year. It’s rare for nurses NOT to. The last year usually spurns some restlessness or complacency. Don’t fall into this trap! Keep your head down and power through. 4. You’re going to get mad. You’ll get upset, feel hopeless, overwhelmed, or that you were wronged somehow. And these are valid but TEMPORARY feelings. Don’t quit. Keep going. Call someone and get these feelings out before you make any rash decisions. 5. Get what you can from your program. Immerse yourself in the groups, utilize what the psychiatrist has to offer, embrace your new community and lifestyle- LIVE IT FULLY- you’ll be amazed at the response you get from your case manager! 6. Own your ****. If you continue to blame others, dig in your heels, refuse to surrender power- you’ll only make it so far. It’s a bend over and take it mentality. 7. If you’re working- don’t even BEND a rule! Not once, not for a second. 8. Don’t think your personal life doesn’t impact your professional one. Keep your socials clean and locked down. Be diligent about the company you keep. Don’t even drive with a headlight out. Keep the mentality that anyone could search your person, your work locker, your car, your house. Whether this is a possibility or not, it keeps you alert and aware. 9. KEEP GOING. It seems like forever, but it’s not. Find support and solidarity, grit your teeth and GO.

One harsh reality about nursing is that nothing is kept within the bounds it should. We as nurses see things one way, and all those above us see it another way. Our employers, the State BONs, etc are not out to do what’s best for us as healthcare providers. They are there to protect the public and patients. Is it right? No, not always. Is it our reality? Yep. my advice is the same as everyone else’s- don’t flex a single rule for a single second. In my five years in an assistance program, I was never in a med room with the door closed, I never did anything without first announcing it, I double and triple checked my charting, I acted as though I could potentially be asked to empty my pockets at a moments notice or submit a hair/blood/urine sample at any time. It’s exhausting, but it becomes habit, and it actually improves your nursing procedures.

You will conquer this challenge!! I just know it. You’re a testament to progress.

I have been. You will be able to move past this!! Especially if you haven’t violated your contract.

It’s going to take time, and it’s going to be hard. But you’re going to be so proud of yourself when you conquer this!! You will get past this, and it will be a memory some day.