Rehab and BON

Nurses Recovery

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So this is hard for me, but I'm finally starting to think of entering an intensive outpatient rehab program. I was wondering how I should approach this with Florida's BON? I am not getting any push from work, and as of now no one has any idea. I just had a relapse and need the extra support. Am I required to tell the BON I am deciding to do this? If I decide to not volunteer this information to them will I have to tell them when I renew my license? Or since it's volunteering am I covered by HIPPA? Thank you for any help with this.

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At this time, if it is not effecting your work, I would keep it to myself. Absolutely get the help you need. If at all possible I would try to keep the BON out of it.

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Thanks for the quick reply. I was just trying to research if I am required at all? And if there are any repercussions for not telling them.

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If I could do it all over again I would have quit immediately- just call in quit

Gone to rehab, and then got a job where I would not be around controlled substances

The only ramification of this is that you are probably going to have to check "no" on your renewal to the "have you used controlled substances". If you are ever caught or turn yourself in to the BON they will force you to sign a form so they can have access to your medical records- they might see rehab and will call you out on it ("Thats aggravating" they said to me).

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So basically if I tell the BON i'll have to go through a bunch of expensive and intensive programs with a lot of restrictions on my license. However, if I don't tell the BON but screw up again and get caught. I'll be ****ed when it comes to having to face the BON........That's definitely is something strong for me to hold on to when its really rough.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

The answer to this is: Don't "screw up again", don't get caught, and don't think negative. You and you alone have the power to stop drinking/drugging, and you are strong enough to stay clean/sober. IOP is a great idea, but don't feel the need to inform your BON of it...all that will do is open up a ginormous can of worms. Confession in this situation may be good for the soul but not for your career. Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Thanks for the quick reply. I was just trying to research if I am required at all? And if there are any repercussions for not telling them.

It all depends on what it says on your application for renewal - you can probably see one on-line. Or make an anonymous call to your BON. By all means get the treatment you need first. Even if you have to do a monitoring program later it will be easier to swallow if you have some clean time and a good program under your belt. As long as there are no legal charges like DUI's I would keep it to myself for now. BONs are not big fans of IOP programs they prefer in-patient. When I volunteered myself into California's program I was already in an IOP so they let me stay there unless I tested positive. Then it would have been off to in-patient for me!

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

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I wasn't working and was reported at an ER when I went in with a bad reaction to Ativan I took for my withdrawl symptoms. So yes they can report you for getting help. Guess it depends on where you go.

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This whole situation is still pretty hard for me to wrap my head around. A couple of months ago, I found out writing about all the different thoughts constantly running through my mind really helped. Recently I tried searching for other nurses that decided to share their stories. I couldn't find anyone that kept updating their status. Since writing helps me slowly straighten things out, I decided to create a blog sharing my experiences. If you know of anyone else doing the same thing please let me know! Thank you all again for the support.

Sending good vibes

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