Methadone: Methadone Facts

Question: Is someone who's been to a methadone clinic precluded from being licensed as a rn?

(Posted by: kay on 2010-02-14 13:52:53)

I have a friend, Sue, who was trying to become a physician assistant, and was ready to enter a program this fall. Then, another PA told Sue that she might couldn't get a license b/ c she had been to a methadone clinic in the past. The state board of medicine (WV) said that it was possible that she could find herself unable to be licensed after graduation. So, she decided to apply to a nursing program, but has not been able to get the state nursing board to answer her question. Also, I don't know if it matters, but Sue does have a medical condition for which she was prescribed narcotic pain relievers. She sought the help of a methadone clinic after developing a dependence on the pain pills, and then entered a Suboxone program to get off the methadone. She's very distraught that she may have irrevocably ruined her life by trying to get help, and needs to know ASAP whether she can enter a nursing program or not.

Posted by: ttpawpaw on 2010-02-14, 14:09:31

Don't rely on what someone else says can or can't be. Ask the question in an EMail so you have documentation to their answer. You need to copy the state liscensing board to see if they agree. You may be pleasentally surprised in the answer.pp

Posted by: jack0120032004 on 2010-02-14, 14:09:31

No, they wont let her be a RN because of her history of drug abuse. She needs to change professions. Until she can go through a 12 step program or until she knows that her problem with narcotics is overcome, she doesnt need to be in a profession that deals with narcotics. Either way it goes she is risking having her license taken. For example:\ A. if she does get into a program and graduates out (which I don't believe will happen) the temptation is there to take and use drugs if she hasn't totally surrendered. B.If she doesnt get into the program then she never had a license in the first place. I believe she wants to get into these professions so that she can have access to drugs and she may overdose and kill herself if she did that or even worse the patients that she is supposed to give the drugs to may suffer. How? Because instead of giving the patients their meds, she will be taking them herself and the patient will be in so much pain. I dont care how distraught she is, she needs to cease now and you need to wake up.