isabella19

Good luck to you. Sometimes jumping through hoops & going what we have gone through will make you be an even better nurse & realy appreciate the small things. I'm sure you will be fine. Stay with people that support you & avoid the many that eat their young. It's really nobodys business what you have gone through. You had a problem, admitted yourself to detox & were proactive. that counts for so much. Once again, good luck!!!

Being a nurse usually means being around quite a bit of narcs. Nobody intends to get addicted. Maybe if you attend some NA meetings, while in nursing school you could make this decision better. School is long time & then to apply for the boards & get turned down would be crushing. I few thoughts came to mind. If your state has a prescription monitoring program, you may get caught that way. Or at least questioned. I'm not sure what you should do. I would probably not tell them. But think about all the consequences of getting caught lying. The board is not forgiving. I'm learning that right now the hard way.

Well I just heard from the board & I have some very real concerns. Before I can even apply to get my license reinstated, I need to be in the PEER program for a full year. I dont mind doing al this but I'm worried about the cost. After I complete the program for a year, I have to take boards over again. Its been 20 years since I took boards. How do you pay for all things required when you cant get a provisional license. How did others do it? I dont live in a big city so to find a job that is going to pay bills & pay for everything required is a big hurdle. Of course I will continue my 12 step FREE program but at this point I'm thinking of another field. Just a bit discouraged today.

I just wanted to say thanks from my heart for all the wonderful replys. It really gives me encouragement. I miss practicing as a nurse. I alwasy loved my job. Even in the not so good situations. I plan on going to the state boards office in person, right after the holidays. I must admit I am a little nervous. I have worked hard & forgiven myself but as you all know, nurses are cut throat. But after working my program, I feel I can be a better nurse than ever. What great tools I have learned. To use in my sobriety & everyday life. Everyone needs a program! I live in Colorado & I am not sure how the board works here but I'll find out pretty soon. Thanks again & Happy Holidays to all!

I have so many questions & hope I can get some advise on this wonderful forum. I have been lurking for some time & finally made some decisions. I surrendered my license in 2001 (ICU RN). I wasnt ready to get clean & live sober at the time. My 2 year birthday is January 18 & I think I am ready to get back to Nursing. I know what a tough road this will be but I feel I am stronger now than I would of been 8 years ago. Where do I start? Do I first write to the board? Do I start with the PEER program? Will I be able to get re-instated or will I need to take the boards over again? Is the PEER program very costly? SInce I surrendered, I have run a small business with my husband & we have minimal health insurance (hospitalization). Can you work while in the PEER program so I can get insurance. Should I have my sponsor go to the board with me? I know, one day at a time. I just have thought about this for qwuite awhile & finally doing it. Thanks!!!!!! :heartbeat