Soooo discouraged!!

Nurses Recovery

Published

Well I still have not gotten a job! I have been to 3 interviews so far always being diligent to disclose my recovery status and the fact that I have a 6 month key restriction on the phone while setting the interviews up. That way if they are automatically turned off by that I don't waste anyones time.

The first 2 still wanted to meet with me but once I got in there the focus of the interview was them wanting to hear my story in full gory detail. They wouldn't discuss much else and sent me polite letters saying they had went another way b/c of "lack of experience" but they really didn't let me discuss my experiences beyond the negative. The 3rd lady was very open and didn't make me rehash the bad stuff at all. B/C I have been working as a waitress during the last 3 years she actually asked questions that were open to that. She grasped that I had chosen to step out of nursing to recover holistically without taking care of others. It really felt like a positive interview and she said she was passing my app on to some various clinic hiring managers. That was one week ago.

Now today I have my 4th interview with an antibiotic infusion clinic. And I feel very discouraged and negative. I did not tell her anything about the negative yet and thought I may try to "start with a positive" per my hubby's suggestion. But I know I have to tell her b/c she will likely be cautious about my not practicing for 3 years. I think that fact has kept 1/2 the places I sent my resume to from calling back at all to even hear that there is a not so nice reason behind that time frame.

I think my road has made me stronger. I wish someone would let me prove that to them. I can't get through this 6 months without an oppourtunity b/c the restriction isn't lifted without "utilizing my RN license" w/o passing narcs. I know its standard but I wish they could have taken into account that I have 3 years clean. Oh well, if wishes were rainbows.....

I WOULD BE ABLE TO GET A JOB!!!!

I just don't have it in me to believe this is the way this all ends.

Hang in there, ms. papa. You'll get a nursing job.

Specializes in Neuro ICU, Geriatric Rehab.

:clown:Thank you to whomever removed the negativity. I have enough of that right now. I appreciate the positive comments and well wishes!!

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
:clown:Thank you to whomever removed the negativity. I have enough of that right now. I appreciate the positive comments and well wishes!!

You're welcome. This forum is about support, not negativity and judgement. Best of luck to you.

Good things happen to those who don't drink or drug one day at a time. Hang in there.

Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.
THANK YOU FOR THAT!! It is so nice to know I am not the only one going through this. I love this site!! My family and friends are super supportive but on bad days I just want to tell them to stop sounding so cheesy positive. But hearing it from another person who actually KNOWS what it feels like to be rejected for past mistakes-over and over again is more reassuring. It will help when I go tomorrow and I can remind myself that I am not the first nurse to do this and that we are humans first and nurses second. I have tried to tell interviewers that I feel I am more stable in my recovery process then someone who isn't dependent (or admitting it) yet, b/c everyone already knows where I have been and I am getting radom monthly UA"s meaning they have something like an insurance policy for the first year during the time that they can get to know me and trust me for my actual performance and personality. So far it hasn't made anyone feel "safe" but I still have faith (mostly).:up:

Hey - Like the above poster, when I got oked to go back to work, I just felt like I would NEVER find another nursing job. I applied everywhere, it seemed like. I finally took a job as a pizza delivery driver. Wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it gave me a little money.

I bet you will find a nursing job soon, sounds like some of those interviews might pan out. Wishing you luck!

Anne, RNC :D

Specializes in Neuro ICU, Geriatric Rehab.
Hey - Like the above poster, when I got oked to go back to work, I just felt like I would NEVER find another nursing job. I applied everywhere, it seemed like. I finally took a job as a pizza delivery driver. Wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it gave me a little money.

I bet you will find a nursing job soon, sounds like some of those interviews might pan out. Wishing you luck!

Anne, RNC :D

How long did it take to get hired? Just curious.

Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.
How long did it take to get hired? Just curious.

Hey I hope I didn't startle you with my posting. I was one of those nurses who burnt bridges before getting caught diverting. It took me maybe 4 or 5 months before I found anything. But, like I said, I was kind of the exception, so to speak. My dh is also a nurse and in recovery. He was able to keep his job at the facility where he was using.

Just please keep in mind that you are not the only one who feels like this, it is SO frustrating! Keep looking, you are doing fine. Keep us updated, feel free to pm me if you would like. You are in my prayers.

Anne, RNC

Specializes in Neuro ICU, Geriatric Rehab.

Quick update and good news. I found out today through my monitoring program lady that my narc restriction dictacts that I use my license for 6 months w/o passing narcs NOT that I get PAID for doing so. In other words I may be able to volunteer my time as an RN while I am seeking employment and that time will go towards my 6 months. I verified this with the BON also so now I am looking into work at a free clinic here that utilizes a number of volunteer nurses and drs to provide free healthcare to the uninsured working poor families that don't qualify for medical assistance!! Not only is this an A+ way for me to get started and manage my narcotics restriction it is also a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to the community! I hope it works and my hx doesn't make me ineligable to do it. But we'll see, if not here- somewhere!!:nurse:

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Sounds like a good plan.

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Nice one, Take your time and enjoy the experience

Specializes in Psych, hospice,homecare, admin., Neuro,.

I am curious if anyone has ever been on SSI and then tried to get back into nursing. I have bipolar and addiction. I do not have any lega charges and my license has always been in good standing. I haven't worked for 5yr. I am very involved in AA. Any thoughts would be appreciated, I'm new to this site and this is my first post.

Debbie

Specializes in Neuro ICU, Geriatric Rehab.
I am curious if anyone has ever been on SSI and then tried to get back into nursing. I have bipolar and addiction. I do not have any lega charges and my license has always been in good standing. I haven't worked for 5yr. I am very involved in AA. Any thoughts would be appreciated, I'm new to this site and this is my first post.

Debbie

You say you "have bipolar and addiction" but you go to AA. Are you in recovery and managing your bipolar? If so you really shouldn't have a problem getting back to work. I am only having difficulty b/c of my 6months narc key restriction being hard for the facilities to work around. Otherwise my hx and story isn't problematic for anyone. They keep saying "come back when ur restriction is up" (well one dr. in private practice said he didn't want to "get involved" with someone with my hx and that his position requires leadership and he doesn't feel I would "fit"- and he made this judgement without even taking the time to actually MEET me.) So I would guess that since you don't have any legal or license issues you shouldn't have a problem. Good luck to you!!

Specializes in Gyn Onc, OB, L&D, HH/Hospice/Palliative.

:up::yeah:quote=ms. papa;2969432]quick update and good news. i found out today through my monitoring program lady that my narc restriction dictacts that i use my license for 6 months w/o passing narcs not that i get paid for doing so. in other words i may be able to volunteer my time as an rn while i am seeking employment and that time will go towards my 6 months. i verified this with the bon also so now i am looking into work at a free clinic here that utilizes a number of volunteer nurses and drs to provide free healthcare to the uninsured working poor families that don't qualify for medical assistance!! not only is this an a+ way for me to get started and manage my narcotics restriction it is also a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to the community! i hope it works and my hx doesn't make me ineligable to do it. but we'll see, if not here- somewhere!!:nurse:

good for you !!! i wish you all the best!! :heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

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