Student nurse in recovery

[Queenofthesouth24]

Hi all! I'm a 24 year old student nurse who got sober from alcohol and prescription amphetamines a little over 2 years ago. I started out as a biomedical sciences/research major and then switched to nursing. I was in clinicals for a year when I got sober and transferred to a nursing program in Minnesota. I ended up having to start clinicals from the beginning but am almost halfway through the new program and am wondering about what will happen when I apply for NCLEX and licensure. Will I have to self-report or will they find out (god willing, it will have been 4 years since active alcoholism). My main worry is about restrictions because I've heard that some states require you to only work day shift and have a narcotic restriction. I never diverted from patients as a nurse technician or student nurse, and my DOC was alcohol, so will I still have to deal with those restrictions? And should I start documenting meeting attendance now? So many questions but appreciate any answers

[Randomnurse3]

I would answer question about this with a big fat NO. Never reveal this to anyone! There is no way they will ever know unless you tell them.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Quickly reviewed the application for MN BON:

"In the last five years, have you ever misused or abused alcohol, other drugs or chemicals or been considered chemically

dependent?"

"Have you ever violated a state or federal rule relating to narcotics or controlled substances or other similar regulations?"

Seem to be the two questions that might pertain to you.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

Washington State BON asks this:

Do you have a medical condition which in any way impairs or limits your ability to practice your profession with reasonable skill and safety? If yes, please attach explanation.

"Medical Condition" includes physiological, mental or psychological conditions or disorders, such as, but not limited to orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, intellectual disabilities, emotional or mental illness, specific learning disabilities, HIV disease, tuberculosis, drug addiction, and alcoholism.

I would take this to mean, if you wear proper glasses, hearing aids, take your medication or go to meetings so you are not impaired or limited in your ability to practice your profession with reasonable skill and safety, then you can answer this question with a NO and move on to the next question.

Do you currently use chemical substance(s) in any way which impair or limit your ability topractice your profession with reasonable skill and safety? If yes, please explain.

"Currently" means within the past two years."Chemical substances" include alcohol, drugs, or medications, whether taken legally or illegally

If you haven't used in the previous two years you can answer NO to this question too.

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/669242.pdf

[jetsy62]

Never bring this up in school, never bring this up to the BON, never bring this up at work. Do not risk someone "just looking out for the best interest of the patients" and placing you right under the front wheels of a bus. You have been successful. Keep it that way. You can answer the questions honestly and factually and be in compliance.