My Sobriety date is May 10, 2016. I can say with all honesty- I have not had a drop of alcohol since this date. However, I will always consider myself an alcoholic. I know if I have one drink, my disease will take over and I will take more.
So, how is the public protected as I practice as a Nurse during this early recovery period? I am under a monitoring contract through my state's board of nursing. I actually self- reported that I was seeking treatment and applied to the board's alternative to discipline Program. Because I qualified for the alternative to discipline program, I do not have disciplinary action against my nursing license. However, I do have to meet specific guidelines (for a period of 5 years). Including:
So, how is the public protected as I practice as a Nurse during this early recovery period? I am under a monitoring contract through my state's board of nursing. I actually self- reported that I was seeking treatment and applied to the board's alternative to discipline Program. Because I qualified for the alternative to discipline program, I do not have disciplinary action against my nursing license. However, I do have to meet specific guidelines (for a period of 5 years). Including:
- Completed a comprehensive evaluation and the recommendations for rehabilitation.
- Attend weekly aftercare program (approximately 1 hour weekly)
- Attend a minimum of (3) support meetings- must be based on 12 Step recovery (i.e. AA, NA, CA ect)
- Limit hours working as RN to 84 in a 2 week period
- Individual counseling
- Random drug testing including daily check-in
- Submission of verification of all prescriptions to the board
- Quarterly reports from employer, counselor and continuing care facilitator
- Monthly self report
- Practice stipulations
