Former drug addicts becoming nurses?

Nurses General Nursing

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A relative of mine struggled with drug addiction for years. She was in and out of rehab in another state. Now she's suddenly pregnant, married, and going to nursing school, having moved back to her home state.

I'm pretty sure she's concealing her past struggles. I'm torn between hoping for the best for her, and fearing that nursing is not a good choice for a recovering drug addict.

Thoughts?

Specializes in Neuro.

She has more to lose now. Could be the motivation she needs to stay on the straight & narrow.

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Specializes in ICU; Telephone Triage Nurse.

She can do it Emergent, I really think she can.

I've been in recovery for as long as I've been a RN.

You are right - that is a lot of life changes at once (part of what caused my melt down too was many life changes all at once: new grad, new job, new baby, health problems, unexpected death of mom) and the pressure can be unreal. By the same token, it was also what helped me get my act together too.

It can be done. I will say a prayer for her that life treats her well.

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