Seeking guidance..

[MSRN3488]

Hi all,

First time post here. Same story as just about everyone else.. I got termed from my job of four years April 2018 for “suspected diversion” but no positive drug screen etc. moved on to a different hospital and got fired in November for diversion with a positive drug test. Had to voluntarily surrender my license in that state (have a compact license and that’s not my home state). So I just signed the paperwork on that. I went ahead and self reported to my home state (MS) (and I’ve been going to AA/NA meetings for over a month now really trying to show my commitment here) yesterday. The woman emailed me back and said there is no recovering nurse program anymore but there are still monitoring programs and she will forward my information to the correct person, an investigation will ensue, a case worker will get involved, and the correct division will be assigned to my case. Does anyone have any idea how this works since there is no program any more? I’m looking into IOP in my area to work around my work schedule (another problem... current employer. Doesn’t know anything about this issue. And I don’t know if they’re going to work with me or not. Or how to approach them) because they did say i can continue to work until the investigation is over. She said I did the right thing and was on the right path and all that... any advice here? Thanks in advance.

[Twoyearnurse]

Heya,

we don’t have a monitoring program in my state (ever) and are monitored directly through our BON. Often the disciplinary programs afford the nurse going through them a clear license at the end with no visible record of having been involved to the public.

Because we do not have one of those Golden programs everything is visible for all of time on my nursing license (including the board order).

Please don’t get discouraged. This was a hard fact for me to come to grips with, but after four years of monitoring it is just that, a fact. And it doesn’t matter. I have a nursing job and many...many...many nurses who came before me and are going through it now are employed as nurses. Involvement has not effected my career. The people I know who have permanent marks are employed in the following areas: psychiatric, med/surg, even as an investigator into facility licensing.

The biggest challenge for me was accepting it as quickly as possible (fortunately this happened quickly).

Stick with recovery and you will recover. Your peace of mind, happiness, and yes, career.

[MSRN3488]

Oh wow. What state are you in?? Where you able to work the entire time? Did you have to do outpatient treatment also? Thanks for your feedback!

[Twoyearnurse]

I am in Alaska. I worked in an area outside of nursing. I looked for jobs that had the requirement of “four year degree in human services or related field” and figures, hey! Nursing is totally a related field.

I worked in prevention for two years this way (I could have gone back into nursing within six months but wanted to focus on my recovery).

When I was ready I interviewed for two places: inpatient psychiatric and public health. I landed both but opted for mental health because it is my love!

I attended AA and then did outpatient treatment at 6 months sober, still managed to learn a thing or two while there

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

I live in Alabama and I am monitored directly by the nursing board. I am monitored under the volunteer alternative to discipline program for five years. I suspect you will be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation and then be held to the treatment plan recommended after the evaluation. It is all "do-able", just take each step as it comes.

[MSRN3488]

Well.. the person I spoke with at the board told me to go ahead and seek treatment now before the board makes a decision or even conducts the investigation so that they make the decision favorably if I’ve already done treatment. So I’m wondering.. she said as long as it’s accreditted etc the facility I choose would be fine but she personally recommended inpatient. Well I can’t afford inpatient. I just don’t want this to come back and bite me if I do IOP and then the board comes back and says I need to do something else

[Twoyearnurse]

My experience with my board was that they followed the recommendation from the evaluator. I was evaluated and assessed to only require outpatient treatment and my board honored this.

The guidance they gave you was good, get it over with now. This way you are complete and they can’t say “we require that you go through inpatient treatment”.

[MSRN3488]

Thank you! Do you know if the person doing the evaluation has to be a certain kind of doctor or have a certain specialty? Or will the physician at the treatment center suffice? I know I’m being paranoid but I’ve read such horror stories about the BON....

[Twoyearnurse]

It depends on the state. I was evaluated by an addictions counselor and never saw an MD or Psychiatrist whatsoever. My BON accepted my treatment and their recommendations as was.

Maybe some folks from your state can chyme in and give you more specific guidance. It’s difficult because all of the BONs are so different from one another.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

7 hours ago, MSRN3488 said:

Well.. the person I spoke with at the board told me to go ahead and seek treatment now before the board makes a decision or even conducts the investigation so that they make the decision favorably if I’ve already done treatment. So I’m wondering.. she said as long as it’s accreditted etc the facility I choose would be fine but she personally recommended inpatient. Well I can’t afford inpatient. I just don’t want this to come back and bite me if I do IOP and then the board comes back and says I need to do something else

I wouldn't try to anticipate what the BON is going to ask for. IMO they would look favorably upon any independent effort on your part to seek treatment and begin your recovery.

Best of luck.