I posted this elsewhere, but it may be more easily found if I post it as a separate thread...so here goes!
I am reaching out to those nurses in the Recovery & Monitoring Program of NJ (and to those faced with similar circumstances). I have been in enrolled for about 6 months, and I have never been more appalled by the corruption that is this "recovery" program. I am looking to write to various influential state representatives in hope of receiving a response. I know this may not create change, but perhaps, it will create awareness. I'd love to hear any input (pros/cons).
I used to think their intention was to help turn my life around for the better, but after jumping through flaming hoop after flaming hoop--I have come to realize that it's almost strictly a money sink that operates behind the facade of ~helping nurses~. On an up-note my recreational drug use has ceased, but my depression/anxiety has become severe, and I have constant nightmares and panic attacks. I am hesitant to inform them of the issues at hand, in fear of having them inactivate my recently activated license. I am in fear of saying anything that could potentially worsen my situation, as I have seen them bear down on so many nurses who dare to question their ways. What aggravates me more--is that they abuse the 'voluntary' aspect of this program as a loophole to eradicate our individual rights.
...this question often comes to mind-- if addiction is viewed as a physical defect in the hedonic system of the brain (i.e. a disease), then why are we being punished for our disease? It seems like, as a society, we are still operating archaically in regards to a mental disorder such as this.
There are a few great articles (listed below) that refer to addiction, and how we are going about 'treating' it, in a manner which often proves to be ineffective. Dear RAMP, if you truly want to help us, there is no need to break us, for we are already full of shame and guilt. Perhaps, what we need is support and individually-based treatment. Stripping me of structure, a job, financial security and forcing me to forego my admission into school to acquire my DNP...none of it has helped me. Only fear is keeping me sober. I have never been more miserable and broken in my entire life.
Assuming I graduate from RAMP in 2020, I will have handed over a minimum of $17,000. I would have been graduating from my DNP program that year. Hopefully, by then I will have found a job...although, after many emotionally draining job rejections, I am afraid that may take more time than expected. ....I will keep fighting, because this is my life and I've only got one. You may be able to break me, but you will never destroy my character and determination.
What a lovely way of thanking the people that truly care, those with endless empathy that will literally break their back to help another.
Dear RAMP, perhaps, you need to take a closer look...and try a bit harder to find where the root of the problem lies....
Thank you. I just started my 90 day evaluation period so I have no idea what’s in store for me yet. Did you have any restrictions placed on you during your 5 years?
Specializes in Med/surg, LTC, skilled, telemetry, psych.
Hey guys. I can’t find the forum that this pertains to, but I am in probation for alcohol abuse and I have a consent agreement with BON in wv. They said I have to do additional 15 CEU hours on alcohol abuse for my agreement. I can find substance abuse CEU everywhere, but only one course on alcohol abuse for 21.00. Even the bundled unlimited CEu sites don’t have alcohol abuse on them. Please help ?
also, I would be glad to add my insight into the probation agreement. It is corrupt and my probation contact caseworker at the BON is useless. Any questions I have regarding anything, her auto response is; read your agreement. Well, these are questions that are not clear or listed in the agreement. For example: can I continue my FNP education with probation: Exact response ?♀️ Also, it took me a couple months, after applying to literally everywhere to get a job. The stipulations aren’t too terrible compared to other agreements that I’ve heard of, but it’s frustrating that they are so vague in the writing of the agreement, and I’m terrified of messing up! It’s stressful but I get to do what I love. 2 months in, 2 years total, 2000 fine, 4 AA meetings a week with proof, updates monthly from manager and counselor, daily spectrum/affinity checkins (So far only 1 1 2 times a month), and probably a life time blackball on my license (considering it will show up even after I complete), all for a few months of drinking during covid.
Specializes in Med/surg, LTC, skilled, telemetry, psych.
@sunxfire. I’m glad to help in any way. We are in different states, but it would be interesting to talk and see what how we can support each other. I’m 9 months away from FNP and cannot get a clear answer on if I can continue school ?♀️?.
sunxfire, DNP
31 Posts
you're in the toughest part of the process--but you will make it through. Feel free to email [email protected]