Florida IPN - Released to work

Nurses Recovery

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Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC, Internal Medicine, FP.

Hi everyone! So, I finally got released to go work. I am in IPN in florida. I have been through hurdles to get this clearance (as many have that are in recovery/monitoring,) and am very eager to return to work. I have been filling out many apps and submitting resumes. Quick backstory: I have a gap in my employment as I had to wait for a very long time to get everything done (evaluations, waiting for response from board, etc etc,) My case is a weird one: I have never had any issues while working as a nurse. In fact, I am a new nurse. I graduated nursing school in missouri, then moved to FL. Applied to take NCLEX and they told me I needed to go in front of board, since I answered truthfully about being in recovery. They approved me to take NCLEX, provided I go to IPN. (Essentially I was participating in IPN before I was even licensed.) They gave me a 5 year contract. Long story short, I took boards and passed, and I now have a FL license. I do not have a narcotics restriction, but I cannot work home health, over times or float.

My question: At what point do I inform the prospective employer that I am in IPN? I have not been putting it on applications. Do I wait and tell them after the interview before I leave? I am aware IPN participation is a red flag to many but I do not give up easily. I am willing to be humble and honest, and let them know that I do have a past, but I am no longer that person. If anyone takes a chance on me, they won't regret it. I just want to work and I am so unsure of when/how to broach subject.

I have had several call backs and have two interviews monday.

Thanks in advance :)

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That very same question haunted me... I decided that it was better for me to start off with "explaining myself". My reasoning- if I start off with this not so super news, I still have the rest of the interview to show them that I am worth it! So, my first interview... I was interviewed by a panel of 4 of my peers. They went around the room and introduced themselves, then it was my turn. I said, "Well, I'm going to start off with a doozy!" Then I humbly explained myself. My situation is a bit different than yours as I got myself into trouble while working as an RN. I was terrified of the day I had to sit in front of my peers and tell them what I have done. But I did it! After I was finished they all thanked me for sharing and said they appreciated that I was honest from the beginning. It worked for me, I was offered a position and my first day is tomorrow! Stay humble, people respect that. You're going to do great!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC, Internal Medicine, FP.

Thank you so very much! I was straightening my hair getting ready for my interview when I got the email notification that you had replied. Thank you for replying to me, firstly. (I never get anyone to reply to any of my posts on here lol) Also, I loved hearing the experience of another IPN participant and especially a positive one. I will be leaving for my interview in less than an hour. Then I have another one at 1pm. So two today. I am nervous but I am going to REMAIN HUMBLE and be (somewhat) of an open book! Thank you again for the reply, and most of all: CONGRATULATIONS on your new job!

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

Good luck to both of you! What you both post is helpful to others, like me. Thank you and keep us posted on the outcomes.

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Well how sweet are you?! I am happy to share if it helps, it is my duty to pay it forward. I owe much of my success to other addicts who were brave enough to share their stories/experiences with me. Having support from people who are "like me" gave me hope. There is so much comfort in knowing that we are not alone. We have to stick together.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC, Internal Medicine, FP.

Hi guys! The interview went great, and she had no issue with me being in IPN. However, I have a question/concern about level 2 background check. I have two old ARRESTS (not convictions) on my record from 2007 and 2009. They are from Missouri. The one in 2007 was just an arrest, and the 2009 was a second degree robbery that was NOT convicted. In missouri they have a sunshine law where I was given something called SIS probation. It means that if you serve the probation without any incident then you do not get convicted. I so successfully and I was never convicted.

I am very worried about the level two check.

I know there is a disqualification list.. if I was only arrested and not convicted of the robbery, I wonder if I will be ok?

Also, this very same background check was done when i applied for nursing license here in FL. If it was on the disqualification list, wouldn't they have refused a license?

If anyone knows, It is greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys

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Specializes in RNC-OB,L&D,Antenatal testing, Oncology.

I wish you well finding a job, been honest and humble doesn't mean you can't be confident, get your hair straight, wear your interview suit, and tell them how well you have done during your recovery, what you have learned so far from AA, NA or wherever you are going for meetings, show them your good grades from college and tell them about the service you have done in your community. I have also been approved to work after 5 months of what you went through, with the help of God I got a good job with decent pay and great benefits after my first interview, imagine, only one interview. I was honest and confident, I know I'm a good nurse that is working hard during her recovery, I'm working the 12 steps and for once in my life I feel at peace and serene, I no longer have to control everything and everyone around me. I have embraced my life and what I have to do to keep been a nurse. I'm grateful for my life :yes:

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Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC, Internal Medicine, FP.

I think I mentioned it on another post that my level two came back as "ineligible" and I had to send in an "exemption letter." I ended up having to go get ANOTHER set of eighty dollar fingerprints, and now I am just waiting for the actual exemption letter so that I can work in that type of facility. (Facilities overseen by ACHA - like LTC etc,)

While I have been waiting and dealing with all that, I got a call from a different type of employer (still nurse position, ) and went for an interview there. It went very well, and I got asked for a return interview this friday. I did tell her about IPN and she was very understanding. We had quite a long honest convo, which I appreciated.

I go back friday and meet with her and another lady, (her boss) and this is when I will know I suppose. Only thing I am worried about is I have support group at 3:45 once a week and I don't get off work till 5 if offered this new position. They do have float nurses though, so maybe I could ask to take my lunch break that day at that time and maybe they could cover. That sounds so reasonable but then I am like "why would they do that for me? Why not just hire someone who doesn't need an hour a week covered?" UGHHHH. Frustrated that there are NO other group times for this IPN group.

Just wanted to update everyone how things are going so far.

Hope everyone else is doing well :)

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

Yeah! Good news!

Why wouldn't they be flexible with that? If I was a nurse manager I sure as heck would. Nurses in monitoring are in a known risk category. I have more concerns about the unknowns out there.

Keep posted.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC, Internal Medicine, FP.

Thank you for posting this! You just gave me so much more confidence. I have actually even considered just not going.

I am such a basket case. I get anxious about people saying no, so just in case they might say no, I just avoid all together. Its ridiculous, I know.

Well, I will just have to go in there and let them know, and whatever happens, happens.

Thanks for the boost :)

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

I know how that goes. Hang in there. You got this!

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Specializes in RNC-OB,L&D,Antenatal testing, Oncology.

Good luck Friday with your second interview. I suggest that you go ahead and ask to leave early on the days you have support groups meeting, if the job is meant to be for you they will say yes. I asked to leave early on the days I have meetings and my future employer said yes.

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