disclosing past addiction during interview

Honestly, unless I was required to (e.g., if they specifically asked about substance abuse issues, if I had disciplinary actions/restrictions on my license, or if I was in a diversion program), I would err on the side of NOT disclosing it for three reasons:

1. It may make the employer wary of taking a chance on you, especially if they've had bad experiences with staff CD issues. Fair? Not really. But they will be scrutinizing you and weighing the benefits versus risks.

2. It will not guarantee you the job, no more than my having given birth would guarantee me a job as a L&D nurse.

3. It could be used as a weapon against you. Could that happen? Yes. How likely is that to happen? Don't know. Some places are very welcoming of nurses in recovery. Others are not...and yes, this also includes some addiction/psych facilities. You may find that whenever you have a bad day, people will wonder if it's related to your addiction. Should narcs or meds go missing, you may always find yourself one of the initial persons of interest even if you were nowhere near the hospital that day. In addition, your coworkers may hold their own beliefs regarding CD and may judge you unfairly.

However, it is your recovery and your decision, and you need to do what is best for you. If you do feel the need--or are required---to disclose your own recovery, be sure to stress your sober time, how/what you do to help maintain that, and if you have completed any BRN/diversion program requirements. A character reference or two couldn't hurt either.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

I agree, there is enough grief and pain in one lifetime to prevent the invitation of anymore- if you've been sober without any relapse issues for greater than 5 years and they don't know it, that's a blessing! Count it as one- and lay low

You see, time passed means nothing really from their perspective. To them, an addict is a pickle. A pickle once was a cucumber- but no matter what you do, it's never going back to being a cucumber again. You and me are "pickles." We are just clean pickles that can be pickled again anytime. You are ahead of the game if they see you as a "cucumber" still- I wouldn't go looking for dill, vinegar, and a mason jar(sorry, terrible analogy).

That is a ghost that can haunt your career and lifestyle more than you ever imagined if the BON does not already know your past. I live in that very real haunted present- even with near 5 years clean, and no diversion history or occupational related incidences.

It depends. I know a place where I live that only hires people in recovery (Thank God for places like that!). I would find out about the facility first.