ariel7777

Great answers! I totally agree!

I thought so....However, I think there is a fine line... Like someone who have the licence suspended...he/she is still registered...but they can't work. So, in this case they can introduce themselves as an RN? I think so. But then, you cannot apply for a position that require a license, then is considered misrepresentation... I guess that the intend also counts...by being an RN in the place that you represent yourself will make a difference between getting the position or benefit or not, then there will be representation? Or, if you are in a circle of friends, and you casually say, "I'm an RN"? I'm just blabbing....maybe someone will give us a more intelligent answer....lol:rolleyes:

I also want to add that I do not work as a Medical Assistant, or touch patients in any way, shape or form.... But I got them to have the qualifications to teach these programs....you don't have to, you can teach on your degree, but it looks better when you do. I am well aquainted with the overwhelming feeling that you get when you can't find a job, when you feel that you destroyed your life and the life of your family (my husband never gave up on me, and we're still married after 22 years, but I put him through hell). But I had to forgive myself (which was the hardest thing I had to do...EVER), and move on... You still have so much to give, and we nurses are so incredibly giving, and loving.....just not to ourselves! Working on your recovery is the most important thing....THE MAIN THING!!! Because, after all, if you're not well, past demons have the tendency to look for you....and find you. And when you're strong....when they do, you can stand up and say: NO MORE!!!! I wish you all the best!!! God bless Ariel

Someone asked me this question the other day, and I didn't know how to answer it.. If your licence is not active or suspended, or void for whatever reason, can you call yourself an RN? Or a nurse? How would one represent him/herself? I'm a former nurse? I'm a nurse? or I'm an RN? And if you call yourself an RN if you don't have an active license, can there be legal reprecussions? Interesting question.... What do you guys know about that? God bless Ariel

Also in my experience with IPN I found that if you are friendly, courteous and honest, they can be a great friend. When you try to short cut the system, they will find out! Remember, they have been dealing with addiction for a long.....long time! They know every trick in the book! Honesty is the best policy...to them and to yourself! God bless Ariel

Congratulations...!!!!

Dear Felicia, In 2003, I thought that I will never return to nursing. I gave up my contract after one relapse, and I gave up nursing all together at that point. After a while, I realized that nursing and the medical field is in my blood, but since I could not return, I decided to reinvent myself, and to use the wealth of information that I have to serve others. I became a CPR, ACLS,PALS Instructor, then Medical Assistant Instructor (for which you don't need a license, since you are working under the Dept. of Ed), then I learned how to be an OSHA consultant, and I began to make doctor's offices compliant for State QSHA regulations. I also became a Medical Assistant and EKG tech. and Phlebotomist. (teaching these pays from 20/hr to 25/hr, sometimes more). You get my drift? I guess that the fact that I gave up on nursing pushed me to search other things that I can do. For example, I never knew that I can teach....When I stood in front of a whole bunch of people, I thought that my heart will cease to beat. But I had no choice, so I open my mouth and speak, and wonderful things came out of it...lol:lol2: Now, after all these years, I am attempting to get my licence back. And I probably will, but I did not allowed myself to act as a victim. I took charge of my recovery and my life. Sure, it was harder than I describe here, but.......WHAT CHOICE DID I HAVE? God bless you and stay clean! Ariel:redbeathe

I can share with you what my attorney had said about the refresher course. I too need one, however, I am in Florida, but I suspect that this issue is the same in all states. She told me to wait until I have the contract from IPN first, and the license from BON. The refresher courses that you need to take must be one that is approved by BON of your state. There are many out there, but you can only go to an approved one. You don't want to take a course, and then to hear that is not the one that they want.... This course is last of your worries, first comes the contract, then the course.. I looked into some of the approved ones here in Florida, and they have two parts: first the theory, which you can take on line, then the practice part (here, if I remember correctly, is 180 hours), and you must find your own site. God bless Ariel:redbeathe

Thank you:)

Congrats...!!! Sobriety is the main thing...!!! Keep up the good work! God bless Ariel

I am also starting the process of getting my license back. And, yes, a lot of nurses got their license back! This forum is a great source of info, from great people, and also a great support. As I read many, many posts, I realized that an attorney is a great place to start. So, I consulted one... They charge 300.00 for the initial consult, and 350.00/hr. after that. They will request all your info from the boards and IPN, and they know all these power people in person, as well as the avenues to take to get your license. They also ask for a retainer, which she did not share with me yet how much. I have to drive up to Orlando to see them, and then I will find out more details. I diverted from work beggining of 2000, got a contract with IPN, and I gave up after one relapse. However, I have been clean since 2001. 9 years on July 31 this year. I too had problems finding a job for a while, but I had made a successful career teaching Medical Assistant Program which does not require a license, just a degree. In the process, I challenged the Medical Assistant exam, and I got my certification, along with EKG and Phlebotomy certifications. So, I teach these classes as well. Also, I became a BLS, ACLS, PALS Instructor, and I've been teaching that since 2003. I have my own bussiness doing CPR, ACLS,PALS AND OSHA compliance for medical facilities, and is going well. My dream is to grow the business (in process) and employ only nurses in recovery, where they can make a good living and get their license back. I'm one step closer....I been having this dream for many years and with God's help, I will bring it to pass. (These are just tips on how to make a decent living, MA Instructor pays at least 20/hr, and other instructors 25/hr). However, an attorney is still a big expense for me as well... But is worth the sacrifice.. I'm just taking my time though, since I don't intend to work in the hospital, and I make a decent living. I want to do it right. I rushed before, and I fell flat on my face. I wish you all the best.. Stay clean and sober, that is the most important thing!!!:redbeathe God bless Ariel

Got the message... Thank you

To SWS RN: For some reason, I cannot pm you. God bless Ariel

Thanks guys for the valuable info. One of the things that the attorney had asked me is if I am willing to get a contract. I reply that I am. I was ready for that because when I had contacted IPN last october, they told me that I have to. But here is the catch: IPN told me that they will give me a contract if the boards are willing to give me the licence. The boards told me that they give me the licence if IPN is willing to give me a contract..... See the craziness? Here is where the lawyer steps in.....She told me that she will intervene to get them both (Board and IPN) in agreement... Is a good thing....but, it will cost an arm and a leg....lol I kinda running out of arms and legs...lol Thank you so much for the offer with the group in WPB. I am willing to come if I don't find any down here...I am in Hollywood, work in Cutler Bay (close to Homestead), and I wotk split shift sometimes....4 hours in am, 4hours in pm. (teaching vocational school). In between, I must stay there during the day due to the distance (45 miles one way). So, there goes my day... I am in process of revising my schedule, not a spring chicken any longer to work all those crazy hours...lol But I need the money... What would be the best way to give you my email and phone # that it would not be so public? Let me know... You guys are awesome...!! Thank you again God bless Ariel PS. The lawyer had told me also that they are a lot of nurses that go in front of the boards after many years and demand a licence without going through the hoops of IPN. She said that the Board had reject them in this case. She also said that tone of voice and a lot of humility willtake you a long way.... I write this just in case someone can use it if they are getting ready to face the Board. Much love Ariel

Hello to all my fellow nurses... I have not been here for a while...life can take some interesting turns... Anyway, I was contemplating last year to attempt to regain my RN licence.. But only now, through a set of circumstances, I had contacted an attorney to ask some questions and to try to take one itzy...bitzy step at the time...lol I am laughing, but in actuality, I am scared to death, and question at every step, if its even worth it. But I have an itch for a while to do that, and here I am.... Now, I contacted the lawyer today, and one of the things that she had told me, which I kinda knew, is that is imperative that I proof that I've been sober for all this years.... But, besides my sponsor, how can I do that? Is anybody here that have been in the same situation? Oh, my backround....I'm an RN, diverted from work, got in IPN, relapsed and decided that I don't want nothing to do with nursing after that... I've been clean since July 31, 2001... Also, I need help finding a nursing group here in South Florida...if anybody knows one that might be willing to take me in, I will be eternally grateful!!!! I want to say hello also to my friend Smitty...hello buddy!!! So, please, if you have any suggestions, kind words , been there, I can use some encouragement...!!! God bless you all... Ariel