Would PMHNP role be welcoming to nurse in recovery?

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Specializes in psych, med-surg, oncology.

I understand this topic could be considered a topic in recovery, but the responses in that group have not been knowledgeable. My nursing license is currently on probation for narcotic diversion in IL and I am looking forward to my next steps after reinstatement. My dream is to get my masters and advance my career. I do have 2 years experience of inpatient psych and have thought about becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. To any who have experience with this, are nurses with addiction histories considered viable candidates in the job market? Thanks to all who can offer some insight!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I tried looking this up on the IDPFR site but couldn't find what I was looking for. However, don't you have to have an unencumbered license in order to go to school? Clinicals?

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Specializes in psych, med-surg, oncology.

My understanding is that after my probation is complete and my license is reinstated that my license will be unencumbered.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Then, why not? Best wishes!

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Specializes in ICU, Coaching, Mindfulness.

Congratulations on your steps through recovery! It's great hat you're inspired to move forward with your career. As long as your license is unencumbered, without any "red marks" that are public, you should NEVER have to share this information! This should not hold you back at all. In my experience, my recovery has only empowered me to grow. The only caveats I can think of is if you have to put a gap in employment on your resume...In that case, you still don't have to share details, but say you needed to take time off for self care and decide next steps in your career. The second is, will past employers be required to say anything if called for a reference? Perhaps ask the HR department about this - I believe each state has it's own laws. Don't stop chasing your dreams!

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Specializes in psych, med-surg, oncology.
1 hour ago, Tiffany Swedeen said:

Congratulations on your steps through recovery! It's great hat you're inspired to move forward with your career. As long as your license is unencumbered, without any "red marks" that are public, you should NEVER have to share this information! This should not hold you back at all. In my experience, my recovery has only empowered me to grow. The only caveats I can think of is if you have to put a gap in employment on your resume...In that case, you still don't have to share details, but say you needed to take time off for self care and decide next steps in your career. The second is, will past employers be required to say anything if called for a reference? Perhaps ask the HR department about this - I believe each state has it's own laws. Don't stop chasing your dreams!

Thank you for your support, unfortunately my discipline is public and available to anyone that checks.

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Specializes in ICU, Coaching, Mindfulness.

I see....In my experience, if you advocate for yourself that your struggle has made you stronger, doors will continue to open for you. I work with many nurses who do have public discipline and are still obtaining employment and degrees where they want.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

All state provider boards (regardless of discipline) have some sort of impaired provider program. Assuming you meet the board requirements of the program for an unencumbered license, you should be able to proceed on your chosen path. There are some protections under ADA for SUD's. Best wishes on your continued recovery and professional endeavors.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Assuming license is unencumbered it is not necessarily a barrier and one of my  professional idols is an NP with a history of severe alcohol use who is now a PMHMP who specializes in substance use treatment and dual-diagnosis population.   Having her own lived experience is an asset in this line of work. She is seriously one of the most trauma-informed, patient-centered, AND evidence-based practice individuals I've met when it comes to providing mental health and substance use treatment. 

 

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Congrats on your recovery.  As long as your unencumbered, I think the question is not whether you would be welcomed (you would have a unique perspective and understanding) ....but whether this type of role will support your journey or become burdensome.

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Specializes in psych, med-surg, oncology.

It definitely will support my recovery because I will have a renewed purpose in my work.  Thanks to everyone that replied.  I'm currently awaiting the status of my grad school application.  I'm working again (albeit in LTC) and hoping to get my foot back in the door doing inpatient psych. *fingers crossed*

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