Will drug treatment in my past disbar me from becoming licensed in WA?

[naynay81]

hi this is my first post. i am a nursing student in WA. i am almost done with all my pre req's and have begun applying to different nursing programs in our state. However, i am suddenly worried that i wil have a problem being licensed. In 2001 I checked myself into an outpatient drug treatment program. I had just turned 20 and probably experiencing the hangover of some wild teen years. i am 25 now, and have had no further problems with drugs of any kind. I am worried because many of the applications i have say that before you go to test with the state they ask questions like, have you ever committed a crime, etc... and one of the questions is, "have you ever been treated for addiction?" i have no criminal history, not even a traffic violation!

what happens if i answer yes to this question?

I have worked SO HARD in school, to get to this point, and all i want to do is become a nurse!

can anyone please direct me?

[elkpark]

You really need to discuss your situation with the WA state board of nursing. No one here can give you a firm answer, because all the state BONs look at each case on an individual basis, considering all the relevant information. And their answer is the only one that really counts, anyway! :)

It would be best to get an official answer from them before you put any more money and effort into nursing school (not that I'm suggesting I think you'll get a negative answer from them ... Just that it's better to know, either way, sooner rather than later.) It is important to be open and honest with them about your past, because, if they find out later that you were not completely truthful with them, that by itself can be grounds for them refusing or revoking a license.

Best wishes! :balloons:

[no-pain]

If you go to the Washington State Board of Nursing web site and click on the icon "Washington Health Professional Services" you will find information that may help. There are contact numbers of who you can call and anonymously ask questions. Note that if you check yes on the question regarding addictions you will be contacted by the WHPS where they will perform an assessment and determine whether or not you will be monitored for a 3-5year contract. However in my opinion if you are working a strong program and feel you are capable of dispensing mood/mind altering medications without diverting them it is just fine to answer no to that question. Remember that WHPS is a service provided to nurses and other healthcare professionals which was put in place to protect the public. Once you are discharged from any diversion program you can answer no to that question in any state you apply for because you have successfully completed a program. Once again if you feel you are working your program and dont think that the WHPS will change your recovery then answer no. Ultimetly the choice is all up to you. Hopefully if you have a sponsor and attend NA/AA you will discuss this with them. If you dont have a sponsor or are attending NA/AA meetings on a regular basis ie 2-3/week I would recommend that you check yes. My 2 cents anyway. Answer to your question is no, your past will not disbar you from becoming licensed in any state.

[suzanne4, RN]

I recommend getting something in writing from them before beginning your program. Without that, staff can change, etc. Each case is put before the Board on its own merit.

Noene of us here can make any recommendations to you, other than to contact the BON directly. And this would be the same in any state. Only a BON can issue a statement on this. It is not up to anyone else.

[RN130]

Contact Jean Sullivan, Executive Director,Washington health professionals Services at the Department of health. She developed the program in the state for dependency issues for nurses and knows all the laws and ploicys and resources. She is a nurse advocate. Good luck.