Finding job after tpapn relapse

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Jun 22, 2010

I WAS ACTIVE IN TPAPN FOR ALCOHOL ADDICTION THEN EARLY IN THE PROGRAM I RELAPSED. I'VE BEEN JOB SEARCHING FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS WITHOUT SUCCESS. I SAY TPAPN AND SUDDENLY I HAVE THE PLAGUE. IS THIS JUST THE BEGINNING OR DOES IT GET WORSE? MY CREDENTIALS DON'T HAVE A CHANCE.

Sorry to hear u r having trouble. I live in Louisiana and entered our state's recovering nurse program in 99. It was VERY difficult to find a job here. Like u said, once u mention that u are in the program, they can't show u the door fast enough.

I finally caught a break and one of my friends in the program got me an interview and I was able to keep my foot in the door.

It does seem to take forever, and makes u wonder at times if it will ever happen, but it does. Have faith, work ur program and walk the line. Good luck to u.

Anne, RNC

texasgirl77 · Jun 24, 2010

I completely know how you feel. I too am in TPAPN and can't find a job. I also relapsed and mine is board ordered so it actually shows up on my license which makes it that much worse. I can't even get an interview because all of the applications have a question about adverse actions to my license. I can't very well lie about it so I don't even get through the door. I can't even get an interview with a dialysis center and everyone told me they are recovery friendly. The only thing I have left is nursing homes.....I'm very discouraged and my case manager is no help at all. I'm totally desperate.

jackstem · Jun 26, 2010

You might want to try applying for Clinical Research Associate (CRA). They love folks with a nursing background, and you don't have to have an active license as a nurse, but they love the nursing background. My daughter is a CRA and has a BA (Marketing). There is travel involved, so you may have to have permission from the IPN in order to leave the state. It's worth a look.

Jack

Here's a job description.

FELICIAJORDAN · Jun 28, 2010

Thanks for the responses. I've been given an opportunity to interview next week, so wish me luck. I've been awaiting action from the board regarding what's next after my relapse. It's been about 6 months now. Should i divulge this info on interviews or just stick to the facts. I've already got one strike coming through the door. I'm desperate to get back to work.

ariel7777 · Jul 3, 2010

Dear Felicia,

In 2003, I thought that I will never return to nursing. I gave up my contract after one relapse, and I gave up nursing all together at that point.

After a while, I realized that nursing and the medical field is in my blood, but since I could not return, I decided to reinvent myself, and to use the wealth of information that I have to serve others.

I became a CPR, ACLS,PALS Instructor, then Medical Assistant Instructor (for which you don't need a license, since you are working under the Dept. of Ed), then I learned how to be an OSHA consultant, and I began to make doctor's offices compliant for State QSHA regulations. I also became a Medical Assistant and EKG tech. and Phlebotomist. (teaching these pays from 20/hr to 25/hr, sometimes more).

You get my drift?

I guess that the fact that I gave up on nursing pushed me to search other things that I can do.

For example, I never knew that I can teach....When I stood in front of a whole bunch of people, I thought that my heart will cease to beat. But I had no choice, so I open my mouth and speak, and wonderful things came out of it...lol:lol2:

Now, after all these years, I am attempting to get my licence back. And I probably will, but I did not allowed myself to act as a victim. I took charge of my recovery and my life.

Sure, it was harder than I describe here, but.......WHAT CHOICE DID I HAVE?

God bless you and stay clean! :yeah:

Ariel:redbeathe

ariel7777 · Jul 3, 2010

I also want to add that I do not work as a Medical Assistant, or touch patients in any way, shape or form....

But I got them to have the qualifications to teach these programs....you don't have to, you can teach on your degree, but it looks better when you do.

I am well aquainted with the overwhelming feeling that you get when you can't find a job, when you feel that you destroyed your life and the life of your family (my husband never gave up on me, and we're still married after 22 years, but I put him through hell). But I had to forgive myself (which was the hardest thing I had to do...EVER), and move on...

You still have so much to give, and we nurses are so incredibly giving, and loving.....just not to ourselves!

Working on your recovery is the most important thing....THE MAIN THING!!!

Because, after all, if you're not well, past demons have the tendency to look for you....and find you. :devil:

And when you're strong....when they do, you can stand up and say: NO MORE!!!!

I wish you all the best!!!

God bless

Ariel

jackstem · Jul 6, 2010

I also want to add that I do not work as a Medical Assistant, or touch patients in any way, shape or form....
But I got them to have the qualifications to teach these programs....you don't have to, you can teach on your degree, but it looks better when you do.
I am well aquainted with the overwhelming feeling that you get when you can't find a job, when you feel that you destroyed your life and the life of your family (my husband never gave up on me, and we're still married after 22 years, but I put him through hell). But I had to forgive myself (which was the hardest thing I had to do...EVER), and move on...
You still have so much to give, and we nurses are so incredibly giving, and loving.....just not to ourselves!
Working on your recovery is the most important thing....THE MAIN THING!!!
Because, after all, if you're not well, past demons have the tendency to look for you....and find you.
And when you're strong....when they do, you can stand up and say: NO MORE!!!!
I wish you all the best!!!
God bless
Ariel

Very well said Ariel!

Jack

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2010

Where do you live in Texas? It is very hard to get a job on TPAPN. All you have to do is look around this forum for a bit and you will see so many others with the same problem. But you just have to push through it, and keep your head up. Always remember that getting a job in nursing is a part of your recovery process but you can't focus on your recovery while you're in a job interview. Focus on your attributes, your good points and leave the tpapn part for the later part of the interview.

Sometimes it takes many interviews to start getting the hang of the process. Sure you will be turned down so many times that you'll lose count. But take this opportunity to learn from each and every experience. As a recovering nurse, you start to see another side of your interviewer. Gone is the happy, yet desperate manager who will hire anyone. She won't hire you, because, you said it best, you have the plague. But, I promise, one will come along that has already had the plague, or loves someone with the plague and will love to have you.

There is so many things I could type here, but you know what you've got to do,,, just don't give up, and go out there and do it! :) Keep your head up and a smile on your face.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Jul 10, 2010

Ariel -- WOW! That post was SO powerful. I am always so appreciateive of posters on this forum trying to help their fellow addict stay positive. I just wish I had been at AN when I entered recovery 11 yrs ago.

Anne, RNC :yeah: :yeah: