Advice needed for RN with probationary license!

[AlabamRN]

Hello all. I am new to these forums, but I think this might be a good place to get advice from experienced nurses. Here's my situation:

I have been a nurse for about 2.5 years in the state of Georgia. I've never had any discipline imposed on my license despite the 2 DUIs on my criminal record. I'm a recvering alcoholic and have stayed true to my goals. The arrests took place in 2004 and 2007. I have been through treatment and have been forthcoming to the GABON about my situations. I have also had little difficulty finding jobs because I present myself well in interviews.

I am moving to Alabama next month and I have been approved for an RN license with 12 months probabtion by the ALBON based on the 2 convictions. This makes me extremely nervous. I figured the older my criminal record got, the less I'd have to deal with it. I guess every state board has different rules and I am grateful for even a probationary license. I do have some questions though...

Who would hire a nurse on probation?

What is the best way to bring this fact up in an interview?

Is there a program in Alabama to assist nurses in my position?

Would I be a good canidate for an alcohol treatment center position because of my life experience?

Is there anyone reading this that has any advce for me at all?

FYI- I'm sober and proud to be so. I'm deparately trying to overcome the mistakes I've made in the past. I'm a kind and compassionate RN who's looking for a chance to prove myself. These past few years I've come quite far and I'm determined not to let this probation status hold me back. I just need a little help from my nurse peers.

Thank you so much, B.K.

[Lisacar130]

Wait so in Georgia you had no mark on your license? But because you applied for an Alabama license now you do? There's a national website called nursys and it shows any discipline from any state (I think any state). So now this will show up on that site no matter what state you're licensed in the future. So if you move back to Georgia 10 years from now, an employer will see that you were disciplined in the state of Alabama and it even usually has the documents from the hearing. Here's a link to the site: Nursys® I don't know how long ago this was and if it will show up yet.

Sorry maybe you already knew this and I know that this isn't what you were asking. But I thought you should be aware and it is important for us to realize the potential consequences of applying for licenses in other states. I knew a nurse who was never disciplined in IL but when she applied for her Texas license, she admitted to having voluntarily attended rehab for alcohol in the past 5 years. Well she got the Texas license all right, but it came with a mark on it and now anyone can see this on the nursys website.

[caliotter3]

After almost eight years I hope OP's situation is favorably resolved.

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

I hope for favorable results also

[trlg89]

HI Did you ever find a job in Alabama? I am in same situation and looking for jobs that hire nurses on probation is difficult. Has anyone had any experience with Naphcare or Fresenius? I will appreciate any information.

Thanks