Down to the wire...
At this moment, I am 72 days, 13 hours and 53 minutes sober.
Had I not had that unfortunate slip up (read:relapse) back in August, it would have been 174 days, 13 hours and 53 minutes.
Oh well. Can't look backwards. Must keep forging ahead.
This is week 11 of my 12 week intensive outpatient program. I remember at week one that I scarcely knew how I would get through it. I walked in there angry at having to be there. I felt like I was being punished heavily. And, in some aspects, I have a right to feel that way. But, I Have since let that go. I have gained a lot from these classes.
So much so, that I think I will continue attending a few of them even after graduation. I doubt I will go five days a week like I am doing right now, but once or twice a week? Definately. It's keeping me on the straight and narrow.
Finishing up next week now leads me to a whole new area to ponder. What's on the horizon next? The Nursing Board mandates that I finish this program successfully. By next week, I will have accomplished that. After this, they send you out a contract that will state how long I must continue to be monitored. Sometimes it's a year. Sometimes, three. I've also heard they go as long as five. I will get my license back, but there will probably be some restrictions like the inability to dispense narcotics for a set period of time. This is going to make finding a job very difficult.
You also have to disclose to your prospective employer that you are being monitored by the program. I don't know too many places that will want to take on a nurse in recovery. There will be mandatory random drug tests at 3-5 tests a month. They also limit where you can and cannot work. No home health. No night shifts. No surgery centers, which is upsetting to me since surgery is my specialty.
A whole new set of challenges ahead of me. But, I can get through them.
I'm a little bit stronger than I once thought.
Had I not had that unfortunate slip up (read:relapse) back in August, it would have been 174 days, 13 hours and 53 minutes.
Oh well. Can't look backwards. Must keep forging ahead.
This is week 11 of my 12 week intensive outpatient program. I remember at week one that I scarcely knew how I would get through it. I walked in there angry at having to be there. I felt like I was being punished heavily. And, in some aspects, I have a right to feel that way. But, I Have since let that go. I have gained a lot from these classes.
So much so, that I think I will continue attending a few of them even after graduation. I doubt I will go five days a week like I am doing right now, but once or twice a week? Definately. It's keeping me on the straight and narrow.
Finishing up next week now leads me to a whole new area to ponder. What's on the horizon next? The Nursing Board mandates that I finish this program successfully. By next week, I will have accomplished that. After this, they send you out a contract that will state how long I must continue to be monitored. Sometimes it's a year. Sometimes, three. I've also heard they go as long as five. I will get my license back, but there will probably be some restrictions like the inability to dispense narcotics for a set period of time. This is going to make finding a job very difficult.
You also have to disclose to your prospective employer that you are being monitored by the program. I don't know too many places that will want to take on a nurse in recovery. There will be mandatory random drug tests at 3-5 tests a month. They also limit where you can and cannot work. No home health. No night shifts. No surgery centers, which is upsetting to me since surgery is my specialty.
A whole new set of challenges ahead of me. But, I can get through them.
I'm a little bit stronger than I once thought.
Labels: addiction, job hunting, nursing, opiates, recovery, relapse, sobriety
So Sayeth CP at 12:50 PM
11 Comments:
You can do it! You're getting stronger every day!
You make a way where there 'seemingly' is no way. I agree with Avitable - you CAN do it. My prayers and thoughts are with you! xoxo
72 (and change) days.
you kick ASS!
it's hard. i dont know what else to say.
good for you though.
another day...
Yep,,,you can do it. And the silver lining,,,,You don't have to work nights!! :)
Good job. Stay strong.
hang in there
rooting for you
all the way
Hang in there. There is a huge need for educators--try the Veterans hospitals, if anyone understands that people are human it is us.
hoping you are ok
It is certainly interesting for me to read that blog. Thanx for it. I like such themes and anything that is connected to them. I would like to read more on that blog soon.
It was certainly interesting for me to read the article. Thanx for it. I like such topics and everything that is connected to this matter. I definitely want to read a bit more soon.
Hi CP:
Hope all is better than okay with you and yours.
Charlie, Hamish, Lili, Scotty and Robin's mommy
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