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Full disclosure of your history to your employer and immediate supervisor
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Initial supervision tapered off over time and frequent employee evaluations to document your progress
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Appropriate and timely random drug screens throughout your clinical career (they are YOUR documented proof of your sobriety so be sure to obtain copies for your records. Maintain this documentation for your own protection for as long as you have access, even beyond any formal contract with a monitoring program)
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A thorough monitoring program with a written contract (the board of nursing will have one between you and the board. You might want to consider an additional one with your employer. This would be an excellent sign of your willingness to do whatever it takes to assure them safety is a concern for all involved.
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Insurance (Malpractice, Health, and Disability). Are any of these available to you as part of the group? Do not be surprised if you do not qualify, but seek it out as an individual policy that the group will consider purchasing for you in the future after a realistic probationary period.
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I strongly recommend you seek your own professional liability in addition to that supplied by an employer. If you would relapse or be accused of relapsing and face additional investigations by the board, etc., attorney fees would be covered by your policy and probably NOT by your employer's policy. Talk to a qualified insurance agent who deal with nursing liability policies.
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I also strongly suggest you retain an attorney familiar with the board of nursing, the practice of nursing, and administrative law. A criminal defense attorney doesn't have this type of experience in most instances. Contact The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA) for information and referrals in your area. Here's the link to their web site: http://www.taana.org/. Many nurses think they can't afford an attorney. My question is...can you afford to NOT have an attorney? If you say or do the wrong thing, even innocently, it could prolong the time until the board allows you to return, or you could permanently lose your license.
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At least 3 support group meetings/week. Most contracts with professional monitoring services require a 12 step format. The addition of a nurse support group to these three meetings is strongly recommended. Contact the board of nursing or state nursing association to see if they have a list of nurse support groups.
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A sponsor...preferably a recovering nurse with at least 2 years of continuous recovery. A nurse isn't required but they certainly have a better understanding of what you'll be experiencing.
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