Treatment

Hi I am a recovering heroin addict, July 2 is my two years. I start the nursing program in the fall and I go to talk to the nursing department in the next couple of days to tell her about my past addiction.I am nervous whether or not this will effect anything but I do not want to be rejected two years from now when I take my liscensing. I think you should let your nursing school know about your situation, its better to be honest now incase they find out later after your in the program, or on the drug test. I'm not sure if it shows up on the test so it will be better to be safe than sorry. You shouldn't leave something this large out, whether or not its on the application. Heroin is a devil, so congrats on quitting.

I posted the other day baout being bipolar and wanting to know how or if it would affect e being a good nursing student or nurse. It was pretty hard to decide to post something so personal, but I needed to see if others had been in my situation.

I just wanted to kudos to you for being brave enough to come on here and pst about something so personal. It is not easy opening up and putting yourself in a vulnerable place.

Please consult your Nurse practice Act in your state to see if practice while taking Suboxone is accepatble. In my state this is what would happen : When you finish nursing school and fill out the application to take the NCLEX you will be asked about prior treatment for drug addiction. You must send in a signed affidavit explaining your history, etc. The Board of Nursing would let you sit for the exam, but your would most definitely have to be in our state"s monitoring program for a length of time. In monitoring, you would be required to go to a certain number of 12 step meetings and nurses support group meetings, submit to random drug tests, get a sponsor and see an addictionist 4 times per year. And the use of Suboxone is absolutely NOT allowed for any reason-neither is drinking alccohol, taking any potentially mind altering over the counter meds like benadryl or even taking meds for adult ADHD-legitimately prescribed by a DR. From what I have read on these posts, most states are like this. So my advice to you is wean off the Suboxone while in nursing school or it will become an issue at some point. Best of luck to you!

If she came off the Suboxone why would she have to tell them, the BON? Just curious...Because she takes or if she gets off this drug took the med that would be considered treatment and something she had to report? I thought it was if you have entered into rehab you have to report? I have been wanting to ask this question everytime I see it come up...

In my state -and I'm sure all states have this or a very similiar question about ANY treatment for substance abuse. Obviously, if you are on or have a history of suboxone therapy (esp long term like one year) that qualifies as substance abuse treatment. I don't think it can be prescribed by regular physicians-in my state at least practitioners have to be credentialed to use it-addictionists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners. Obviously, you can opt not to disclose the information on the NCLEX application, but if somehow they find out then that constitutes material deception-and nursing boards and attorney generals offices really get upset with that. This person can most definitely have a successful, productive career as a nurse, but it is unrealistic to think that none of this would become an issue in the future.

Very true, I have wondered about this when I see it posted. Either way my hope would be the BON would be looking out for these nurses to help them.

Very true, I have wondered about this when I see it posted. Either way my hope would be the BON would be looking out for these nurses to help them.

Sadly, the board of nursing's primary job is to protect the public, not advocate for nurses. Contact the nursing association in your state since they (theoretically) advocate for the nurse. They may be able to answer some of your questions, or refer you to resources who might be able to answer those questions. You can also consult with a license defense attorney (someone who is experienced in administrative law AND facing the board of nursing in your state). Yeah, it will cost $$ to consult with an attorney, but if it saves you the cost of attending nursing school only to find out you might not be able to sit for the NCLEX or could possibly end up facing restrictions on your license.

Not trying to discourage you, just providing you with info that might be helpful.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Jack

I agree with Jack, although I think it is sad the BON is looking out for this nurse...

Good luck to you!!