Don't know if I can keep going

Nurses Recovery

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I'm 22 months clean and not sure if I can keep doing this(not my sobriety). Not sure if I can keep participating in the monitoring program. I joined the NCBON AP in Nov 2011 and have been testing since December of that year. Working at minimum wage, I have somehow managed to pay every month for drug testing, my house is in foreclosure and bill collectors are hounding me on a daily basis. I have to pay $152 on Monday and only have $200 in the bank...hard for 3 people to live for a week off of $48. Just need some advice or a financial counselor..lol not sure which one! I don't want to put a mark on my license but can't seem to find a job anyway...had one in March and the board said no. Just wondering if I should keep going and hold on to the thought that I might get an RN job eventually...or do I feed my kid and keep a roof over his head???

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Specializes in LTC, Management, MDS Nurse, Rehab.
I'm 22 months clean and not sure if I can keep doing this(not my sobriety). Not sure if I can keep participating in the monitoring program. I joined the NCBON AP in Nov 2011 and have been testing since December of that year. Working at minimum wage I have somehow managed to pay every month for drug testing, my house is in foreclosure and bill collectors are hounding me on a daily basis. I have to pay $152 on Monday and only have $200 in the bank...hard for 3 people to live for a week off of $48. Just need some advice or a financial counselor..lol not sure which one! I don't want to put a mark on my license but can't seem to find a job anyway...had one in March and the board said no. Just wondering if I should keep going and hold on to the thought that I might get an RN job eventually...or do I feed my kid and keep a roof over his head???[/quote']

I'm in NC also, but not part of the AP. I will have a permanent mark on my license. When I started going through this whole process I was a single mom who lost absolutely everything. My apartment, my car, my phone... My mom helped me through the rough times. I don't know where I'd be without her. What restrictions do you have on your license. What type of jobs have you been searching for?

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Im in NC as well, its hard when the BoN says no to a job! My first three offers were turned down by the board, but on the fourth attempt I finally had some luck! I dont know what its like to have the hardships you face, I have a very support husband and had a well padded bank account before all this happened. But I do understand the anger and frustrations of the BoN and the expenses do stink. Have you tried dialysis? Thats where I found my job, and although its not my first choice, its a job and it will get better! Best of luck and don't give up!!

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Are you able to move in with a family member? Have you tried dialysis or public health?

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What jobs did the BON turn you down for? I'm new to the monitoring program & have to wait to be removed off the OIG list before I can start looking.

Best of luck in your job search. I know it's very hard on you finically I had to relocate to my home state. We had to sell our home in NC & move into a much smaller one in WV. I've been drug testing for 2 yrs already & now have to continue with everything for 3 more years. Many times I felt like giving up but no matter how hard it's gotten I know I can prevail. I tell myself everyday I am a nurse & I will get through this.

Keep your head up & congrats on your sobriety!

Sent from my iPad using allnurses.com

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No narcs..no 11-7..no critical care...no hospice..no home health..must be supervised by licensed personnel. I have looked and applied everywhere..LTC/hospitals/dialysis/doctors offices/etc.

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I had a job with UNC as a documentation specialist. Told them about my restrictions and what I had done to get to this point. They didn't see any issues and were happy to get me "on board". Had my phone conference and the board said no because no one in the office was a licensed personnel. I thought that an office full of RN's would have someone over them who was licensed. TY for the encouragement!

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I have had dozens of interviews, filled out countless apps, but as soon as I "reveal" my history ( as I'm required to do) the temperature in the room changes. I always get, "come back when you're off probation". Well that's impossible because I have to have a job to be able to GET off probation. I hear the same things...we like you...we want to hire you but we just don't see an availability for you at this time...good luck! Just gets very discouraging at times. I try to keep my head up but some days I almost find it impossible.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

I just wanted to "say".... (((HUGS)))

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I'm so sry Kellie. Where all have you applied? What state are you in? Don't get discouraged! I know that's easy for me to say but you've got this far you can do it.

Keep your head up. I'll be praying for you!

Sent from my iPad using allnurses.com

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Kellie don't give up! I've heard the same things over as well, i just kept trying. PM me if you'd like info on the dialysis center that i had luck at. I was told about them from not her RN in recovery in my aftercare group.

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NC...TYVM

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