Return to nursing?

[serenity47]

Hello all! I am a recovering addict and alcoholic. It has been 9 years since I held a valid RN license. It was suspended due to diversion of narcotics. Since that time, I have held other jobs and currently work as a cleaning person for an apartment management company. I really like the job actually. I can work on my own and have a great boss! Lately, I have been thinking seriously about going back into nursing. I feel I am finally ready. It has been a long haul. I am still going to counseling and I am on probation. I have 2 felonies and three OWI's on my record. Yes, I know that's alot and if I am even eligable to get my license back, I know I will have a hard time finding a job. In the past, I didn't feel ready, and didn't trust myself to work anywhere around narcotics. Finally, after much work, I can really say I trust myself and am content in my life. What a journey it's been. I have been sober three years. Currently, I am urine tested once a month. I am on suboxone. When I had an emergency appendectomy last June, I was put on narcotics, then again 2 months later, put on morphine for back problems. Of course, being the addict that I am, I was hooked. Hence, the suboxone. It has been a lifesaver. I know some of you may have a negative opinion about this drug. In nursing school, I wrote a research paper on Methadone treatment and I was totally against it. Until you have an addiction that you would do anything for, you cannot be judgemental. My life has done a complete turn since the latter part of last year. Almost a miracle. This has gotten long, but wanted to explain the circumstances somewhat. Anyway, I need some input and information on what would be the best way to get on with getting back into nursing, and if you think it is even worth it. My heart is saying yes, but I would like others opinions, please. Writing a letter to the Board would have to be one of the first steps. I looked up my license on the Internet, I am still there, but inactive. I will also probably have and want to take a refresher course. So there you have it. I am curious as to what others think about this. I will have to still follow the Boards rules as determined on the decision they made. Urine testing, counseling, etc. I do see an AODA counselor right now. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and for any input.

[jackstem]

Your first research should be to see if your state allows a nurse to practice of they are taking suboxone. The Peer Assistance Advisor Committee of the AANA is in the process of polling their state advisors to see which states allow a nurse to practice while taking suboxone. So far, New York seems to be the only one that does, but we've only heard from about 10 states. There are studies that show there is some cognitive and fine motor alterations in those taking suboxone despite the subjective sense that everything is "fine". There aren't sufficient numbers of similar studies to know if this is something that eventually goes away or not.

I say go forward with your attempt to return to practice, but be prepared to be required to taper off suboxone in order to do so. I would also suggest you consult a license defense attorney in order to plan your return to practice in order to avoid the pitfalls all recovering professionals face...the stigma and lack of understanding our colleagues, and board members share about this disease.

Good luck!!

Jack

[serenity47]

Thank you very much for the feedback!