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How does California’s nursing board deal with substance abuse?

On Behalf of | Jan 12, 2021 | Nursing License Defense |

It is safe to say that nurses have one of the most stressful careers imaginable. Each day, they face immeasurable amounts of pressure and anxiety due, in part, to the urgent nature of providing patients with health care.

Like others, nurses may succumb to substance abuse or addiction to cope with these stressors. Unfortunately, substance abuse can threaten a nurse’s professional license.

It may surprise you to learn that the state’s Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is often sympathetic to those suffering from addiction. The BRN offers nurses struggling with substance abuse an intervention program. Entering the program helps you overcome addiction and preserve your career.

Benefits of enrollment in the intervention program

Of course, the main professional benefits of enrolling in the program are keeping your license and your job. Other advantages include:

  • Complete confidentiality
  • Assessment of your situation
  • Detoxification and treatment referrals
  • Creation of an effective rehabilitation plan
  • Access to support services
  • Guidance and encouragement in place of discipline

In some cases, nurses with substance abuse issues can use the intervention program to recover and continue working without legal guidance. However, there are occasions when hiring an attorney can improve your situation. For example, if you steal drugs from work because of your addiction, a lawyer can help protect your rights.

Most people choose a career in nursing because they have a passion for helping those in need. Although a substance addiction problem can threaten your life’s work, it is possible to overcome your circumstances and continue performing the job you love and worked so hard to get.

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