Intro

[cyrisse]

Had been a nurse until 2009 with 34 years of nursing experience. am a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for 8 years ! Yes !! Licensein Michigan was suspended in 2009 because of state laws reporting impaired professionals involved in treatment. I NEVER did anything wrong just entered a health program contract for two years to complete an out patient treatment program. Two months before the contract ended our family had financial hardships(lost home, husband unemployed,no more health insurance for example) and asked the program to release me from the contract as I had made excellent progress in their assistance program and also had multiple requests from my providers that they felt I was safe to return to work. The agency refused to release me from the program despite recommendations stating I had two diluted urine samples in two years. Multiple internal medicine doctors wrote multiple letters to this agency stating that certain meds I was on could cause dilute urine. In the meantime my RN license was up for renewal but i could renew it because my license was suspended . All of that to say that the agency reported to the state nursing board that I was being non-compliant and would not be willing to close my case. Had I finished the program I still would have had two dilute urine samples and completing the two year contract did not guarantee that my license would be re-issued by the state nursing board.

This whole thing was an unfair administrative move. I did not have the money to continue their program nor be able to obtain an attorney. Since my name was in a national health data bank my licenses in NY and VA were confiscated. What I do not understand is that I was in these programs with nurses and physicians who had diverted and/or caused patient s harm which was Never my case. I entered alcohol treatment by myself and did damn good. I do not know what to do, uncertain if I should apply for any job medical, am now 60 years old and do need a job. At my age jobs are slim. If I apply for med'l positions such as a receptionist in an office or hospital, they will find out my situation. I have recently applied to multiple positions in the retail area with no interview call back. Is there anyone out there who has a similar situation ? If you do I would appreciate hearing what you did. I did ask the state of MI if I could re-apply for my license , since it had lapsed and they said no, and that I would have to sit for the state board(its been 40 yrs since nursing school)and that did not guarantee getting a license. I feel frustrated but have to move on. Any suggestions? Thanks for the long note.

[1sttime]

I made a switch to real estate- it does take a little money to get started, but the real estate boards don't seem to care about anything except real crimes and financial fraud. I did my training online, and the cost was minimal. If you do go this route join a team so that you can get income right away.

You could also get other jobs in hospital systems, if its a union shop often times as long as you get a foot in the door you can be a preferred hire for other positions- so start as a unit secretary, ekg tech, phlebotomist, etc..

Are there any fancy grocery stores? Costco also pays a decent wage.

I also first tried to apply for management jobs (I had managed a hospital unit with a multimillion dollar budget!)- no calls back. Tried for other positions with customer service... not one call back.

Here is an article about jobs for people over 50- patient advocate is one of them...

Forbes Welcome

[cyrisse]

Thx. What wonderful ideas to think about. Was speaking with someone and they said apply for simple med'l jobs anyway. What's the worst that can happen, they will just say no.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Are you saying that you voluntarily entered into a treatment program and they reported you to the board? If that is the case that is just disgraceful especially since you were actively seeking help! I agree, time to move on and find a very enjoyable job somewhere and I would look for something that had nothing to do with nursing! I think it may difficult for you to work in a hospital setting as you would daily have to look around and may long for what used to be!

Think about some things that bring you joy and look for work in those areas. You have a lot to offer because if you can survive nursing then you are strong.

[cyrisse]

TY for your response. Yes I placed myself into treatment, my workplace was shocked to learn that I had a problem. On the states of Michigan,Virginia and NY, if a health professional enters a treatment facility for substance abuse by law it must b reported to the state board. Your name then goes into a national data base where this info is tracked . The agency that handles the out pt treatment programs for MI is called HPRP. If u did research this agency u will find that they r notorious for unfair practices of healthcare professionals. They r a money making machine for the state of MI.

But I have to get over the shame of this and move on. I appreciate your thoughts. I may not n licensed but I will always be a nurse .

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

If I were you I would mostly hang up my shoes and find something else I really loved doing. I understand that you are in a hard financial situation and pursuing re-instatement through legal channels would be costly. Remember at the end of the day it's your sobriety that counts.

Congrats BTW about your sobriety.

Hppy

[Omaapecm, ASN, RN]

It is a shame that you took responsibility, sought treatment and thins ended that way. I truly feel for your situation. With that said there is something to be said for what you've been through. Your strong and keep that in mind as you continue with sobriety. Have you thought about medical billing? When my license was suspended i continued at my place of employment and helped in the billing department. It was such an easy transition......it was hard at first to work in the back field, but I was great at it!!!!!! What about phlebotomy or MA? That would also be an easy transition. I wish you all the luck and I'm sure you will be great at anything you do. Keep us posted!