Finding a job after probation, will I ever be the nurse I really want to be again?

[mymelody]

Ok, I think I may have screwed up a little bit, but I recently got fired from a hospital who suspected me of diversion, and the allegations brought forth to me said nothing about diversion and I hired an attorney who helped me make the statement. We addressed every allegation including "failure to secure medication at all times," etc. I thought I would get off a little. We had a phone call to the investigator from the board of nursing and my lawyer knew the truth and I asked her point blank should I tell them I was diverting or not. She tells me that it would be worse if I got caught in a lie. During the conversation with the investigator, I told her I had been diverting. Now I am awaiting my sentance which (god willing) will be probation for diversion. Now, here is my question for all of you, how do you go about applying for a job and say "yeah, I'm on probation, I was caught diverting." My reality is this: will I have to spend the rest of my life working as an RN at a dialysis center or nursing home for what I've done. And, if I do get probation for 3 years, even after that 3 years, it is still on your record, and I believe it will be just as hard to find a job after probation. I know there are some out there that can help answer these questions. I would also like to talk face to face with someone who has been through all of this or is currently going through this. I cannot find one person who has been caught with diversion in my area, and it is imperative that you find a friend who understands exactly what you are going through (preferably in Missouri). Please help

[ChristiRN]

I posted most of my story above but my question is why for the rest of your life are you going to have to tell an employer that you diverted and that you were on probation?? At some point, your license will stop saying that you are on probation if you complete the states program right?? (that is the way it is in PA) so when that happens and you go for a new job...why be that honest when you dont have to be. We are looked at differently, us addicts I mean. So whenever it is over...you dont need to be that forthcoming because the record will be sealed. That is to say that you are still recovered and clean!!! You can do this. It has taken me 3 yrs since I worked last and countless applications to every place I could think of and FINALLY I got a job..a rehab facility is giving me a chance..so there is hope when you think there isnt any hope left. Someday i want to be a source of hope for people that have given up because I was about to give up and now I have a part time job until my narc restriction is gone!!! When I am expunged AND when I have completed the state program I will know that BUT I will not tell a new employer...

[Isabelle49]

My daughter, who has been a nurse all of 7 years received her first DUI last year. She pled guilty because she knew the DA probably had her lab results. At present she is only allowed to work in a hospital or dialysis unit and is not allowed to work the night shift at all. She has been out of work for 3 weeks and is a single mom to a 15 y.o. She will lose her home (she lost the first home to Hurricane Katrina). I am just so sad and depressed over her situation. I am her mom and there is nothing I can do. Mom's are supposed to make things right! BTW in our state if you have a criminal record may not enter the Recovery Nurse Program.

[Isabelle49]

To make us really feel bad, an RN, who was my preceptor was caught 'shooting up' on the job, by myself and another nurse. She was reported, was out of work for about a month and back on the job on the day shift full time. She did ultimately screw up and voluntarily surrendered her license. Moral here: if you shoot up on the job, you'll fare better than with other infractions while off the job.

[2004RN]

In response to ChristiRN:

It is very likely that for future jobs your applications will consist of something like "Has your professional license ever been on probation, suspended or revoked?" or you will be asked about why you left a previous job. I am not sure if any discipline is expunged, it may be restored with out restrictions however there is a history or comments section that shows any past disciplinary action.

I think it will be difficult to dodge the past, honesty is always the best policy.