Do u automatically lose nursing license if u go to rehab?

[Daughter_of_a_Nurse]

My mother is a nurse and an addict to Ativan and Oxcontin.  She also has been diagnosed with Graves disease and hyperthyroidism.  I am not sure if her behavior, slowed/slurred speech, confusion, slow response, lethargic, no appetite, blurred vision, etc, are results from using the Ativan & Oxycontin or from not using her medications for the Graves & Hyperthyroidism.  She says she is not taking anything due to lack of insurance.
I need to know that if we find out she is abusing again, will she automatically lose her nursing license?

[nursegirl6572]

Just a head's up, this thread is over three years old.

[boognell]

Usually you do not lose ur lcense if u complete the rehab process, but u may be reassigned to a positon that doesn't involve giving meds to patents, etc. But no loss of license.

[Daughter_of_a_Nurse]

Thank you so much, all of you, for your support and advice.  I just saw my mom for the first time in months, due to the fact that she lives a couple of hours away from me and we work opposite schedules.  I was horrified at what I saw.  She behaved like she had been heavily sedated, (similar to someone who had just thad shock treatment).  Her movements, speech, reaction, responses, everything was in slow motion.  Her face is very withdrawn.  I tried everything to get her to let me take her to the hospital or to just stay with me for a little while, but she refused because she said she finally got a job after months of trying and she can't lose it,  She went from being a charge nurse in a nursing home to working as a cook.  

I don't know what to do.

[wildwoodone]

I was a registered nurse and also addicted to pain meds.  I was actually caught diverting Percocet and other meds from the hospital.  They did not have me arrested, I entered treatment and they brought me back to work at the hospital on a floor that required dispensing as many narcotics as the floor I had worked on.  I did have to take occassional drug tests, etc.  but they are used to dealing with impaired nurses and doctors in most places now.

I was reported to the nursing board and had to serve probation for a year or two but I think If I wouldn't have been caught diverting that wouldn't have happened.

I later diverted again and was arrested and charged with felony possession of oxycodone.  Even then my nursing license wouldn't automatically be jerked but I knew that I wouldn't be able to work in a hospital so I let my license go voluntarily.

Your mother should be fine, I would think in any state.

[Tuck24]

My wife is an R.N. and she said you are allowed to be on the meds you have an RX for. Also, they can pull your charts to see a pattern of patient care and determine if the patient is getting their meds or the nurse is taking them.

Anytime the nurse is drug tested, they have to prove their medication by having a current prescription.

[Daughter_of_a_Nurse]

My mom hasn't done anything illegal to obtain the meds and she would be seeking help voluntarily.  She only goes to one dr and one pharmacy and she has been going to them for 5 years.

[lady67]

I would think if she hadn't done anything illegal to obtain the meds, she shouldn't lose her license, but I don't know for certain.  After all, she would be seeking help voluntarily not because of some legal reason.

[Daughter_of_a_Nurse]

Thank you TysonRed, it is encouraging to hear about you and your mom.  Give her my best congratulations and tell her to stay strong.

As for the license, I believe it may be different from state to state.  We live in Ohio.

I know my mom would like nothing more than to return to nursing, however she knows that it is not a good idea for her right now.  

Thank you again and best wishes to you and your mom.

[TysonRed]

My mom is an RN and has also had problems with prescription medications for years now. She didnt work for 5-6years during her worst times,struggling with a back injury, depression, bi-polar and other various problems. Shes started back up about 2yrs ago after getting her meds right, tons of therapy and counseling, but now she happy as Ive seen her now thats shes nursing again. Im gonna see her later on today and Im sure she'll know the answer to your question, Im not sure if its varies from state to state but I will find out. The main thing is for your mom to get well, whether shes abusing medications or the problem is with her conditions. I will be back later tonight and let you know what I can find out. I wish you all the best, I know how hard it is to watch a parent spiral down into addiction. Talk with ya soon, until then take care.