Dialysis job while On Probation with the PA DMP

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Hello everyone-I just need to vent....I just keep waiting for my life to get better & it never really does. My story is that I became addicted to Percocet in 2003 after going through a length flare-up of Crohn's Disease, which resulted in toxic megacolon. About two years prior to this illness, I had escaped-with my 3 children-from an extremely abusive marriage. I was naturally mistrustful of men, but after about a year, I began dating someone I knew since the 3rd grade. "Dave" was a medic who worked in the same ER as me. I kind of knew that Dave was a drinker, but I never suspected that Dave was taking the left-over morphine home for his own use...well, Dave ended up introducing me to IV narcotics...I was so stupid & lacking in self-esteem that I began to take home the "left-overs" from the ER for us to "party" with...before long, I was addicted and horribly ashamed, so I turned myself in...I ended up in the VRP & was given a seocnd chance with a part-time position on the IV team at the same hospital, but I blew that because I could not pay the bills by working part-time, so I ended up working for an agency-and I got caught stealing narcotics...mistake after mistake....my license was then suspended for 3 years, during which time I was fortunate enough to find temp postions in Drug Safety. I petitioned for my license re-instatement in October 2008 & was placed on probation for 3 years. Finally, I could return to Nursing! Howver, the economy changed so that for the first time since I remember, there are no nursing positions-or Drug Safety positions-in this area....I've almost lost my home twice, went through bankruptcy, endured my ex taking me to court twice for child custody, my power was turned off, etc...and on top of all this, I still have to deal with the Crohns, so I get IV Remicade treatments once a month..I am also attended Professional Support group and NA meetings as required by my program....ANYWAY. Davita hired me in August as a full time hemodialysis nurse. During the interview, I revealed my On Probation status and was told "Don't worry-it's not an issue-I've dealt with this program before." Anyway, I went through their excellent orientation program, passed the test, and I am now working at a clinic. The problem? The pay is only $30/hr-and I am not getting full time hours. I spoke with the manager about this and was told-"I only have to guarantee each nurse 30/hours a week." I checked with the 5 other nurses and was told "that's why we all have second jobs." But my problem is that very few people will hire me while I am On Probation, especially in this very bad economy!! I am soo scared/can't sleep at night-because AGAIN, I can't pay the bills and I am losing our tiny house...I tried to call another clinic and spoke with their manager about getting more hours-she seemed very interested and promised to call me by the end of the week-but now it is Saturday and I never heard from her...I am so afraid that she changed her mind because of my On Probation status, even though I told her that she could call my boss to find out more about me (my excellent work ethic, how I have NEVER called out or have been late, how I am well-liked & motivated, etc ). My boss even made me Anemia Manager 2 weeks ago after saying that she she was impressed with my nursing skills and how consciencious I am...

Any suggestions?!

PS I have been sober since 2004

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Specializes in Telemetry.

RNZenpeaceful: I was just wondering how things turned out for you with DaVita. I too have a license on probation. I was recently hired by DaVita, I just completed my drug screen and background check. i'm very fearful that some corporate head will stop my hiring proces. I'm on the brink of homlessness. House been foreclosed,car payments behind, bankruptcy filed, behind on rent etc etc. How did your hiring process go?

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Don't worry about the hiring process being stopped because of your on probation status. I have found that several Davita nurses are in the same situation. Dialysis is apparently known for hiring nurses on probation, because normally, nurses prefer to work in a hospital for more money. I know that when I was hired, the recruiter called me home and asked "When your probation is over, are you going to quit Davita and run back to the hospital like everyone else?" (Of course, I replied "Oh no, this is what I really want to do!"). But the reality is t his: when I am off probation in another 15 months, I certainly WILL apply for a hospital job; for one, the money ismuch better, and also, the workload is much more manageble....as I said in my letter, I have never worked so hard for so little money in my life!! You should have absolutely no problem with being hired-good luck!

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Thank you for giving me a sense of peace. I just have to let it go for now and turn it over. I'm not sure where you are located but the money isnt the greatest here but its better than the unemployment I'm making. My fellow nurses here in CA are making >100,000. I will be lucky to make 70,000 but I am not complaining at all. Its has been tough to find a job not just because of my probation status but the whole economy period. I sent have out hundreds of resumes(none mention my license status, of course) and out of that i had a total of 5 interviews, 2 didnt call me back(1 most likely because of prbation and the 2nd one I dont think I was a fit-I didnt even mention my license status) I have 4 years on probation but here in CA after 2 years you can request early termination if you have met all your conditions...this job will be my last condition. I will keep you posted

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Specializes in Telemetry.

PS pay here is $34 to start and they promise me a review in 90 days to see about an increase and the position is suppose to be full time which is 36 hours. Did you end up getting more shifts?

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I still think it would be impossible to find a job even after probaton and be stuck being in a dialysis unit for the rest of your life! Am I wrong here?

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.
I still think it would be impossible to find a job even after probaton and be stuck being in a dialysis unit for the rest of your life! Am I wrong here?

Dialysis nursing is nursing and is a job. You are wrong here.

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I am working at LTC, PA. My facility has one male RN who is addicted to Percocet. Right now he got out rehabilitation of drug addicts center a cople months ago. He holds a probation RN license and works as unit manager, because he really knows how to manipulate others (women). The head of nurse(DON) is divorced. She loves him. Sometimes he does administer medications because charge nurse called off for sick. Does anyone know that does this situation against the law ? He always doesn't tell the true.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.
I still think it would be impossible to find a job even after probaton and be stuck being in a dialysis unit for the rest of your life! Am I wrong here?

Have you worked in dialysis?

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i have worked in dialysis for almost 2 years now- & i love it!!! it is very challenging, i work way harder than i ever did before, but i truly love it & find i have a great affinity for these patients. it has rejuvenated my love for nursing. i feel i am right where i am supposed to be, by the grace of God. when my monitoring program is up, i will not be leaving this job. it definitely a "real" nursing job!! :redbeathe

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I only wish I could get a job in dialysis. I also am in the VRP (actually now in the DMU because of my legal issues) and have been for 2 yrs and 8 months (and because of the VRP's error, I have 2 years and 8 more months to go) BUT the place I worked decided to hit me hard criminally and I have something called probation without verdict and will be expunged in 2012..if only I could make $30 an hour...So far the only job that looks promising for me is a $11 an hour job part time in a drs office and hour away. Please, count yourself lucky for your $30 an hour job. I too cant pay my bills because NO ONE will hire me and they just took my food stamps because you cant be on food stamps if you are not working...go figure. Good luck..you should have your restrictions taken back by now (narc restriction, etc)...so you have choices. Good luck...

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PS pay here is $34 to start and they promise me a review in 90 days to see about an increase and the position is suppose to be full time which is 36 hours. Did you end up getting more shifts?

WADERN, How did your employment with Devita turn out? I too am a CA RN on probation. For me I feel the probation was a gift from God, and I thank him daily for allowing me to face my addiction :balloons:

Does Devita train?? I've been a Peds Clinic Nurse and Telephone Advice for almost 10 years now. One may find it strange but dialysis sounds like an awsome change :). God Bless You, Donna

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