will being diagnosed with having alcohol problem affect ur license?

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I have been out of work for a couple of months now. I resigned from my job due to inconvenience and hostile work environment. I was confident enough to get me a job quickly after but I was not able to. As a result, I was falling into depression and drinking a lot. So this past week, I had an anxiety attack thinking what would happen to my home and my car if I am unable to find a job soon before my saving runs out. I was breathing fast, a major headache, and palpitations. So I freaked out and went to ER. They diagnosed me with anxiety, depression, and Alcohol abuse. And referred me to outpatient clinic. I don't see myself as an alcoholic. I just told them that I have been drinking a lot lately due to my situation but I don't usually drink on daily basis. So now I am worried ...Will this affect me in finding a job? Will I be reported to BON? I know all I need is a job right now.

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hmmm not entirely sure but I feel it wouldnt affect your chances of find a job. I thought as long as you didnt have a criminal record, then you are in the clear.

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Did you tell the ER staff you were a nurse?

Did they do a blood alcohol level on you? How did the doctor come to this diagnosis of being an alcoholic?

I totally understand the feeling of thinking you will lose your home and car and having anxiety attacks due to fear of the unknown.

I really don't have any advice as I have never been in this situation, but wanted to say I hope your situation turn around.

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No, you would have to give an employer permission to look at your medical records. Just don't sign any forms giving future employers permission to request your medical records.

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One episode of crisis does not a diagnosis make. Think long and hard before you saddle yourself with a lifetime of problems. Better to get a handle on your emotions and get your energies focused on getting a new job and bettering yourself. Don't wallow in your problems and make them worse.

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If you get a DUI while off work that most likely will be reported to the BON.

If you have an RN job and the employer has reason to believe that you're an alcoholic you'll likely be reported to the BON.

If your employer finds a non prescribed or illegal drug in your blood or urine you'll likely be reported to the BON.

If you show up for work impaired you WILL be reported to the BON.

However it sounds like you are not employed as an RN right now. You went to the ER d/t anxiety over being without work and you told them you had been drinking too much lately... So I don't see why the ER would or should tell the BON what you told them.

It's really sad that so many of us nurses live in fear of losing our licenses due to things regular people do all the time.

Good luck in the job hunt. There are many nurses in your shoes.

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If you get a DUI while off work that most likely will be reported to the BON.

If you have an RN job and the employer has reason to believe that you're an alcoholic you'll likely be reported to the BON.

If your employer finds a non prescribed or illegal drug in your blood or urine you'll likely be reported to the BON.

If you show up for work impaired you WILL be reported to the BON.

However it sounds like you are not employed as an RN right now. You went to the ER d/t anxiety over being without work and you told them you had been drinking too much lately... So I don't see why the ER would or should tell the BON what you told them.

It's really sad that so many of us nurses live in fear of losing our licenses due to things regular people do all the time.

Good luck in the job hunt. There are many nurses in your shoes.

thank you. I have a clean record. I just had a freakin' out moment and went to ER which I regret. But I am fine now, feeling optimistic. I got some interviews coming up.

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Specializes in PACU, OR.

Alcohol use is impairing your ability to get a job. Yes, I know you're drinking because you're depressed, but depression reduces your ability to function effectively. If you compound that with alcohol abuse, you start a vicious circle; while under the influence, you might feel better and that the world isn't so grim, but once the effect wears off, you will feel guilty that you wasted that money on booze, which makes you feel more depressed, and triggers the anxiety.

You need to break that circle now! Do not give in to that urge. Instead of reaching for the wine, or beer, or whiskey-whichever you're using-grab a cup of tea or coffee, or a bottle of ice-cold water. And if you find you're not succeeding, get yourself into a support program.

Once you get rid of the "prop", you'll find that you can break the depression, just by keeping yourself busy.

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We have a self-admitted alcoholic and recovering cocaine addict in class. If they let her in it means she's basically eligible for a license, upon completion of her program, so I don't see why you wouldn't be one either.

I used to work with an officer who was diagnosed bipolar, but could continue employment as long as he took his meds.

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