Reintering Nursing after 5 1/2 years out

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Specializes in Emergency.

Hello,

Just a short story. I am a recovering RN. I practiced emergency/trauma nursing for 10 years and then became addicted to opiates. I was in treatment in 2003 and completed that successfully and then relapsed about a 1 1/2 after treatment. At that time my life was obviously a mess. I called the board and stepped out of nursing into a totally different field as I felt I needed distance from narcotics and realized that my life and family were much more important that my career. They left my license as suspended for all those years. I became very successful at the sales position that I had but with the economic downturn it got hard to make a living in early 2009. I was already contemplating going back to the board as I had 4 years of sobriety and wanted to do again what I feel God wants me to do. So, I made the request for restitution of license. I met with the board and they restored my license at the end of March. Here's the kicker. In Illinois, if you are out of nursing for over 5 years without an active license you have to retake boards. Well, I took them yesterday and did not feel like I did very well at all. I tried to prepare as best as I knew how but feel it may not have been good enough. I know I am jumping the gun when I do not actually know if I passed or not and realize it could just be the anxiety of not knowing. The questions shut off at 76 and I did not feel as if I was doing very well when it quit. I know this is what I was meant to do but am struggling with feeling that I am being punished for some reason (if I didn't pass). I know I can take it again. I am also feeling a bit of entitlement since I have been sober for a little over 5 years. I know that is not appropriate to feel. I am trying to turn it over to God and realize that if I didn't pass I can take it again in 90 days and realize that there must be another lesson to learn. Whether that is to study harder, prepare differently or just to realize that I need to trust in God more and be the person he knows I can be. Thanks for listening and any support is appreciated.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I don't have any words of wisdom, just best wishes.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Intermed, Neuro, LTC, Psych.

CONGRATULATIONS(!!!!!) on 5 years of sobriety!!!! That is an awesome accomplishment, and for that alone you should be proud!

And as for the boards, I'm sure you remember the jitters we all had the first time around. Don't jump the gun and assume you failed... and if you did, you can always study harder, take a Kaplan class, or do some NCLEX reviews. Just remember that the boards are there for a reason, so that we can safely practice as nurses. They aren't they just to punish us or deny us our entitlement. You did it once before and you can do it again!!!

Keep your head up and best wishes!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Thanks so much for your positive reply. I am truly thankful that I PASSED!!! Now to reenter the field. I have some work restrictions but still feel very confident that I will be able to find a position to use my nursing skills to the best of my ability and help people. It has been a long road. It will feel good to make a difference again. Thanks again.

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Congratulations! Nice to hear good news for a fellow nurse in recovery. If you can stay clean and sober for five years, you know anything is possible. I won't say good luck because you don't need it . God has your plan all ready for you. Keep us posted. You inspire me to see the joy in every day I am able to work. I just went back after a year off. I just got my year medallion in aa. I am trying to use all I have learned this year to give others hope that life can get better if you continue to be willing to do the work. I don't know if you've thought of working in a treatment facility, I can't tell you how much I am enjoying it and feel so comfortable there. I highly recommend looking into it . There are several Ipn nurses who work at my facility. The tx centers prefer staff to be in recovery:) take care.

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Specializes in ONCOLOGY, TELEMETRY.

Congratulations...!!!!:yeah:

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

AWESOME!!!! Keep taking things one day at a time, God will take care of the rest.

Jack

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

Congratulations on both your 5 years and passing the boards.....a second time around!! :clpty: I went from ICU to dialysis to a psychiatric facility (my current job). Even without restrictions, I would be here. I love it because although we work with a lot of schizophrenics, bipolar, etc. we get a lot of co-occuring so I also get to spend time with clients who are struggling with addiction. It's like God put me where I'm supposed to be, but I never would have come to psych nursing willingly before losing my license and surrendering to my disease...LOL. My ego was WAY too big. After all, I was a big, bad trauma nurse. ROFL. Nope, not anymore. I wouldn't go back to that environment if someone offered to double my salary. I love, love, love my job and it's ironic that I was actually hired because I was upfront in my interview and told them I had surrendered my license and was about to get my year of sobriety. It's truly been a blessing. Congratulations again! How wonderful for you :yeah:

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