Blessed_RN2011

In my state, I have NEVER been tested on Christmas or any other major holiday. (Or on a weekend for that matter). Anyone I have ever talked to about it has said the same thing. I still have to call and check in, but I don't think I would ever be selected.

Just my two cents- kill her with kindness- don't suck up or grovel for her approval, but be kind to her in all situations. It's hard to be cruel to someone who is kind to you and eventually maybe she will lighten up. If no, u will feel better because your not stooping to her level. A favorite comment of mine is "we all have our own demons".

YEAH!!!!! What a blessing!!!

I agree with the previous posts- don't give up! Potential employers want to see and hear you have good insite to your situation. Make sure u are coming across humble, and accountable for the role you played in ur situation. Make them understand you take responsibility for your mistakes and are taking necessary action to correct it. And are now moving forward a stronger and better person. Good luck to you! It will happen on Gods time!

I say I was a stay at home mom- I do have a mark on my license so I also have to explain that, but on initial paperwork I list homemaker as an accounting for my time.

That is a great book! I read it when I was getting clean. It gave me strength and hope!

Dialysis and phych are historically recovery friendly. Good luck!

I faxed in a cover letter and resume- the cover letter included the status of my liscene and that I be happy to discuss more during interview. That way any potential employer knows what they are getting into before they ever call. No need to waste their time or my time with interviews that will go nowhere. Also helps with the emotional roller coster! Good luck!

Twoyear, I know just what u mean! While I was out of nursing I worked at a bank making just over minimum wage. I realized how much I identified myself as being a nurse. By not being a nurse for a year, I found myself. I am back working as a nurse now and am very thankful for that opportunity, but there are times I miss the simplicity of the bank. Than was my favorite job ever - and had they been able to even come "close" to a nurses salary I would have stayed in a heartbeat and kissed nursing goodbye!

TXRNC were u tested on vacation?

We are going to Disney world at the end of Dec- I have filled out the vacation portion for First Lab. My question is has anyone been tested while on vacation? I am nervous this will disrupt things for my kids if I have to find a testing facility In a totally different state! Any experiences? Thanks!

Congratulations!!!! What an accomplishment! Before long, all this will be a distant memory!

http://alcoholrehab.com/alcohol-rehab/slip-vs-relapse/ Check out this article. Thought it was a good read! Keep up the hard work everyone!

http://alcoholrehab.com/alcohol-rehab/slip-vs-relapse/ Check out this article - thought it was a good read!

http://alcoholrehab.com/alcohol-rehab/slip-vs-relapse/ Viva- check out this article on the difference between a slip vs relapse. An AA friend of mine posted this and unthought is was quite helpful. One day at a time!

I won't lie to you- the first several months is difficult. You will experience lots of emotions-depression, anger, sadness, guilt and worry. Plus you have to learn to deal with these emotions without numbing them with drugs or alcohol. That was hard for me- for so long I didn't deal with emotions. I have been sober for 2 1/2 years after having a significant addiction to prescription drugs- I surrendered my liscense for a year and have been in my states monitoring program for 10 months. I still deal with guilt, but as I do what I'm supposed to and keep putting one foot in front of the other it does get better. I have come to understand the monitoring program isn't for me- but to protect the public from my addiction. I see it as another layer of accountability. I have four more years left, so I can't afford to resent it. Be honest with yourself and your family and put your sobriety above all else. Glad you have found our little spot in cyberspace- you are not alone ! Just read some of the struggles and successes others have had and I'm sure you will see that you fit right in! Best of luck to you!

Congratulations MichelleRN34!!! That is such an accomplishment, I know you are proud and excited!!!

Viva, thank you so much for sharing your story! It is a reminder for me not to become comfortable in my program and sobriety. We never have too much sobriety to be threatened by relapse. Best of luck to you! And again thank you!

Ok- you have me wondering - how have things turned out? That's my biggest fear is to come back positive for something by mistake!!!!!!

Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful! Umberlee has a wonderful understanding if that. It is something that will need you attention everyday of you life or it will sneak up on you! Good luck!

It depends greatly on the meeting and group of people. In my AA home group there are several cross addicted people and identify themselves as such. I had a difficult time with the "alcoholic" term too because I didn't see myself as having a problem with alcohol. However, I have come to realize it it ANY CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE I put into my body that alters my ability to deal with life on life's terms. Once I was real honest with myself I realized my relationship with alcohol through out my life was one of potential abuse. Alcohol did not get me into trouble, but now that my DOC has been taken away I was leaning more on alcohol! Dot get caught up in the word "alcoholic"; everyone is there because we have a disease of addiction. Your DOC may be different, but the feelings are te same.

Sober, I felt the same way you do. Learning to forgive myself has been very difficult. I got very overwhelmed thinking about the future- what job, what hours, where will my career be in 5 years, 10 years, how will I make it through BON monitoring! I would almost have an anxiety attack! But I agree with TX, I just had to focus on TODAY. Doing the next right thing Today- staying sober today. It will get better, and this forum is a good resource for support and information! Good luck and hang in there!!

That stinks!!!! It is very frustrating dealing with all powerful BON! Just chalk this up to lesson learned and keep on going. You can do it!

Great job!! You can do this!!! Heck, we ALL can do this!!!!

Welcome Amanda! I am an addict, I have had my liscense reinstated with five years probation. I am six months in, and u can do it!!! I was blessed that I was able to find a nursing job fairly quickly. Now, I am focusing in staying sober and fulfilling my requirements to the BON. It's very scary when u are starting the journey, but u will be better at the end. I have 2 years drug free. Good luck to you!!