TorsadesRN

I agree with everyone about the teamwork. Night shift ROCKS! We get work done, but it is more laid back and we know how to have fun!

Yay!!!!

Hi Parn! Take a deep breath and tell yourself, "it is going to be ok". Like Austin said, start following an honest program and all things will fall into place. My experience was this.... Charged with two misdemeanors. Went to court after I had already reported to PNAP and Rehab. I had no prior criminal record, confessed to everything, went to rehab, going to meetings, had a sponsor, home group all of that before I even went to court. The judge offered me ARD. I was NOT convicted, nor did I have to plead guilty or no solo. It was ARD with 6 months probation. After 6 months, my fines were paid, probation was over, I didn't get into any trouble. The charges were dropped and my record is being expunged. I don't believe PNAP can deny you. However, a criminal conviction, guilty plea will determine whether PHMP monitors you, or you get placed in the DMU (disciplinary monitoring unit) for monitoring. I believe with the DMU you usually have probationary licence and/or action against your licence. This is MY understanding. I was very fortunate. I have not had any trouble with PNAP. I think this program is a God send! I have been in the PHMP for one year. I have to call first lab M-F. I get drug tested about twice per month. Monthly progress reports get sent to PNAP and quarterly reports from my employer. I must attend a minimum of 3 AA/NA meetings a week. It is only 3 years. And personally, I am thankful for the extra accountability. I am greatful for the monitoring program and this is all a very small price to pay to keep the initials RN after my name. God bless all of you in and just starting recovery. It is very scary in the beginning. The unknown terrified me. But I personally got down on the ground and surrendered my life over to a God of my understanding and prayed for him to help me. I follow an honest program, started doing the next right thing, and my life all just fell into place. So, stand up, brush yourself off, and smile. This is your new start. :)

I am in PNAP also. Have a year in. If your contract had started and you failed a drug test from smoking MJ chances are they will suspend your license. According to my contract, suspension will be immediately placed if I violate my contract. Smoking MJ would be a major violation. But nobody can answer you for certain. Only PNAP and the BON can answer your question. Glad you are now working a 12 step program. Good luck.

It will all fall into place. Last year at this time I lost my job, was reported to the BON and self reported to PNAP then signed myself into rehab. I was terrified, alone and so scared. I had no idea what was going to happen to me or my license. It was all out of my control. The only thing that was in my control was my sobriety. So I dove head first into recovery. 90/90, sponsor, home group, got involved with service and didn't pick up a drink or a drug no matter what. A year later, my license remains active, I was offered a full time charge nurse position as soon as I was released to go back to work, and my life has greatly improved since being in recovery. Everything works itself out as long as we stay sober and keep doing the next right thing. :)

I'm in the monitoring program in PA (PNAP) and I can work nights. I'm also the charge nurse so I have the narcotic keys my whole shift. I only had a six month narcotic restriction. Every state's monitoring system is different. As is every licensing board. The best way to get your questions answered is by talking to someone in the RAMP program. That is NJ monitoring program. Best of luck. I have a year in already and I have nothing bad to say about PNAP. So grateful for the second chance.

Hello! I too am an RN who diverted, got fired, charges, reported to BON, self reported to PNAP and have a free and clear license and am in my 10th month in the PHMP. I am working full time and as of this month, will be clean and sober 10 months. Welcome!

It warms my heart to read all these kind words. Thanks to all of you. I moved in yesterday. I have the living room all finished and set up. (I had to get my Christmas tree up first) Today I am going to finish unpacking my bedroom stuff and tackle the kitchen and dining room. Love to all of you as we continue the journey.

Thank you everyone for the kind words. My life is truly blessed.

Today I sit in my living room that is cluttered with boxes. All but the basic essentials are packed. Tomorrow I will walk out the front door for the last time. I'm moving on. I moved to this town two years ago to take an ER position. Little did I know I would turn into a full blown drug addict. I lost my job and went to rehab. 7 months later I sit here, nursing license still active, secured a full time job, fully dedicated to my recovery and grateful to be clean and sober today. They say we need to change people, places, and things. This home and town is a constant reminder of my using days. Driving past the hospital where I used to work brings back painful memories of the past I'm leaving behind. I'm moving an hour away for my new job and my new start. The last year was the best but the worst of my life. I'll never forget the dark days of addiction but starting tomorrow, I'm moving on. Leaving this house tomorrow and moving into my new home is just another step for my recovery. I'm excited to start this new journey.

Awesome share JMO!. I personally would keep the elmo. I to suffered some dark days in my addiction. Although my life is in a better place right now, I don't want to forget that pain. It keeps me clean and sober another day. Merry Christmas!

Oh Boston, my heart sunk and I filled with tears reading the story of the wreck. You are an inspiration. Your words of encouragment and compassion are felt on this board and I know, without a doubt, you touch many lives with the patients you care for. You touched my life. God bless you, and all the recovering nurses out there. Stay strong and keep fighting. We didn't come this far to give up. DON'T EVER GIVE UP!

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catmom, Keep your head high. Keep fighting the good fight. I'm sorry you had a bad time with your BON. I count myself BLESSED everyday I sign RN after my name. It is a reminder I was one of the few lucky ones who walked away after a diversion, charges, and being reported to the BON with no disciplinary action on my license. I self reported, confessed to the diversion, went to rehab. I self reported directly to PNAP. The BON investigated, a man came to my house and asked a bunch of questions, and just a few months ago I got the official court order from the BON ordering my case hear by CLOSED. No action, probation, nothing is on my license because I already reported and was in the monitoring program. The charges that were brought against me was a misdemeanor. One theft, one possesion. I was offered ARD since this is my first offense. In January the charges will be dropped and my record expunged. I will continue in the PHMP for another 2.5 years. If at any time I do not abide by my legally binding contract with the PHMP my license will be automatically suspended and I will have to go in front of the BON. I was shown nothing but respect, and compassion by the legal authorities investigating and charging me, by my boss who had to fire me, by PNAP, the BON investigator, the Judge and court authorities and then by the DON who interviewed me for my first job as a nurse in recovery and hired me on the spot as a charge nurse. I wasn't a bad person. I did an illegal thing by taking wasted narcotics from work. (I never took from a patient) I was open and honest from the beginning. I went to rehab and started doing the right thing from the start. I will never forget how fortunate I was. This time. This is the only time I will be so lucky. I have the upmost respect for all who were involved with this process. And like I said, I am constantly reminded how BLESSED I was and do not take my job, license, sobriety, health or anything else for granted. I was given a gift of a second chance. It is my responsibilty to keep on the right path and stay clean and sober for me but also for everyone who believed in me. Hugs.

Hi GA_RN, Don't be scared about starting your NA meetings. I know easier said then done. I was terrified to walk into my first meeting. Mainly fearful of seeing a pt I took care of in the ER. But it was all good. You don't have to talk in the meeting. But I would strongly recommend that you introduce yourself if they ask if there are any newcombers and take a phone list. Never know when you might need it. For me personally, the only thing I could blurt out was, "hi, I am Torsades, I am an addict and I just got out of rehab and I am scared". I had people reaching out to me left and right in the AA/NA rooms. So, take a deep breath, walk in, and let the miracle happen. I will say a little prayer for ya today. You will be ok.