Support Groups-Seeking Good Advise

Published

Hello, I have not practiced patient care nursing in the hospital setting in over 10 years due to issues surrounding the surrendering of my license. I am in the process of seeking reinstatement and would like to return to the patient care setting....but by being a little smarting and wiser.

Do any of you know any good support groups in the Las Vegas area for addicted nurses such as myself. I want a clean start in a new city and want to set myself on a path to succeed. Having good contact information I feel is the best start on the right path. I am a good Med/Surg nurse and I know there is a need for my talents and education. Yes, I am a little rusty after this extended peroid of not nursing but I know I can get back in the swing of things. I chose not to seek reinstatement and have enjoyed my work that I am currently doing...I just feel I need and want to practice nursing again.

Currently I live in Indiana. I frequent Las Vegas for vacations and feel this is where I would like to start a new beginning. Does anyone have advise as to what hospitals I should investigate? Also, I do have experience in Medical Review and Case Management. I would be interested in these areas as well with a hospital or out side the hospital environment.

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I am not familiar with any support groups in Las Vegas. However, having lived there for a couple of years, I can say that if you have an addiction - that might not be the best place to live. An addicted personality can easily transfer addictions and gambling/ETOH/drugs are all free and easily available there. What about contacting the Nevada BON?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am not familiar with any support groups in Las Vegas. However, having lived there for a couple of years, I can say that if you have an addiction - that might not be the best place to live. An addicted personality can easily transfer addictions and gambling/ETOH/drugs are all free and easily available there. What about contacting the Nevada BON?

Thanks for your comments. All great points and which I am familar due to my situation. I never really thought much about the environment issues. I have lived in large cities pretty much all my life...Milwaukee, Louisville, Des Moines, Cincinnati. They may call it "Sin City", but believe me gambling, ETOH, and drugs are everywhere. I have Ceasers Riverboat Casino 15 minutes from my house, 3 liquer stores within 2 miles from my house, and crack house heaven 15 minutes away in downtown Louisville, KY. I have been clean for 12 years...these things don't and never did tempt me. The hospital environment is what scares me regardless of location. I have also thought about avoiding the hospital environment for a while and do other things that are more administrative or that is not clinical in nature.

Thanks again for your great advise. If you hear of any such support groups other than NA or AA that are for nurses in your area, please let me know. Thanks again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have a lab assistant license and it is hard for me to get my foot in a hospital because I am not certified as a phlebotomist. What hospital can I apply to for experience or to gain experience?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I live in Reno. We are more of a community than is LV. More diversified economically. And, trust me, we don't have those Baghdad-hot summers. We also have a couple of things that can help you. Truckee Meadows Community College just got their RN refresher course up and running. In order to get your license, I believe the State Board will require you to take an approved refresher course. The one they put together consists of one semester of theory which is all on-line. (Makes it easy.) The 2nd semester is clinical, and they ask that you find an RN to be your preceptor and work alongside him/her. You can get more info at TMCC.edu. If the complete info about the refresher course is not on their web page yet, use their contact number and call the School of Nursing directly. The course would satisfy the STate Board requirements wherever you chose to work in Nevada.

I have a friend who is an impaired nurse. She attends an AA group that is almost completely made up of doctors and nurses. I believe you could find support either directly from AA here, or they could put you in touch with someone who could give you more specific information.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion