Recovered alcoholic & new nurse

[joeliejean]

So, I have recently obtained my LPN and on the job hunt. I have been having a hard time finding a job. And I'm pretty sure I know part of the reason. I am a recovered alcoholic and as you can imagine when I was in my drinking like a fish days I damaged alot of relationships with everyone including previous employers. No call no shows, stuff like that. Never showing up drunk or anything like that. But pretty much just not showing up for work and never going back! (all CNA positions). Now that all that is in the past and I am recovered and trying take steps forward to better my life even more....by getting an LPN position, I am stuck. I lack proffessional references due to the damage I have done in the past. So, when I am on an interview, should I be honest right fromt the start and tell them I am a recovered alcoholic but am 100% better now and thats why you shouldnt call my previous employers because they probably wouldnt have anything good to say? haha well not in those words but you get the point. Anyway, I need some advice from nurses out there please! I've been hoping and praying everyday to land something. Starting to feel discouraged

[alexalex77]

Just don't make the mistake of believing that you are fully ""recovered"". Alcoholism is a chronic disease with lifelong consequences. Believe me, if you stay sober for the rest of your days, you are never fully cured. I personally know so many people fall flat on their faces after five, ten, even 20 years of abstinence.......all it takes is ONE moment of weakness, and they're right back where they started from.... Being a still recovery alcoholic (10 years sobber), I know from my personal experience that the hardest years of sobriety are the first five, an addict needs some professional help provided by treatment centers.

One is only a recovered alcoholic when one is dead: while you live and breathe, you are and always will be recovering.

Best of luck!

[Persephone Paige, ADN]

You will be surprised how many healthcare workers are in the program. Network and you'll find someone willing to give you a shot.