to tell or not to tell

diva rn, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2011

Read through some of the archives here to learn of what nurses who are monitored go through. I agree with the poster who suggested that some need the hoops to reinforce their sobriety. It is doable (completing monitoring) but it can also be hell, especially if the job market is tight, as is the case where I am.
Catmom :paw:

Dear Cat,

I agree, It can be hell doing the IPN thing, but it does beat losing my license. I really got a jolt of reality when I went before the Fl BON...it was only because I self reported to IPN that they didn't sanction me. And ultimately, that all came out of me not coming "clean" with them 11 years ago. They weren't concerned about being in recovery, I had already done all of that, just the fact that I didn't tell them what had happened.

I have been in IPN 2 years now, and compliant, and I just recieved a letter stating that they would consider an early exit for me. I am pretty excited but strangely not in any hurry. I am confindent in my sobriety, that's not it, but I really like meeting with my peer group every week...I won't miss the daily uds calls and screens tho.

I wanted to ask you, It sound like you are having a very hard time getting a job? I was lucky to find a job shortly after I signed my contract, and most of the people in my peer group have found jobs. It has taken some of them a little bit of time, but out of 12 of us, 9 are working. However, none of the 9 are working in traditional hospital roles anymore. We have 4 Case managers, 2 outpatient surgicenters, 1 in the Cleveland clinic outpatient office building, 1 Dialysis and 1 in LTC.

I'm sure everyone has told you to "think outside the box" but that seems to have worked for all of us. How long have you been looking? What state are you in?

If there is anything I can do to help you, any ideas--pm me.

diva:)

diva rn, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2011

well the pharmacy knows and in order to apply for a license they point blank ask if i have had treatment in 5 years and i have to sign a medical release form. what do you mean nurse attorney? am i gonna have to get an attorney? what's gonna happen?

see below

that is what i was talking about when i said that you would not be asked by the bon if you had been treated for addiction....but you would be asked on the state licensure form....if you answer no then that is a false statement (ie lie) and they will either refuse to issue you a license or they will issue one and later on when they find out that you lied, and believe me they will find out (as you will recall in my former post) they will suspend or revoke it.

if you are honest. they will most likely have you do the monitoring program route...like i explained in the other post.

do not lie on the state licensure form. do not lie to the state bon. it is terrifying to go before the board and know that your whole livelyhood is in their hands...trust me...been there, done that...will never do that again