stuck in a rut

Nurses Recovery

Published

Specializes in ER.

Hi everyone. I guess this is more of a vent but I am always open to any advice or encouragement during this tough time. A short background: suspended may 30th for diversion, in HPRP (michigan) and doing everything to obey my contract. So over a month ago the lady from hr told me she was really working hard at placing me back at work (i was in the er but upon suspension was told i could return to same hospital but obviously different floor). she was having difficulty placing me and even met with the vp of hr and vp of nursing and due to short staffing they couldn't take me on because of my restrictions. hr even tried to get me in to medical records/chart review area but because of budgeting they cannot take me either. but almost 2 months went by since hearing anything and in the meantime i updated my resume and applied to a few places. i got the guts to call hr today for an explanation instead of just giving up. big shame issues here but after a pep talk from my therapist i went ahead and made the call. she told me she is afraid things aren't looking good and she doesn't think she can place me. i do believe she has tried every possible route but hearing that this option is comming to an end brought tears to my eyes. so now she is going to send me info on collecting unemployment which i was kinda happy about because atleast i will have some sort of income. then after talking to my husband i totally forgot about benefits. cutting ties to my employer will cause me to lose my benefits but i don't think i can stay connected just for the benefits. so now i am really at a loss. oh, another important note, my husband is also unemployed at this time and is applying for jobs but not getting any call backs. so we are spending our savings but can't make it much longer. i feel so ashamed that me AND my husband are in this situation. my parents don't know about my husbands situation because i just cant bring myself to tell them because he has been through many jobs in the 2 years we have been married but on the other hand my mom always tells me i can talk to her about anything and she wont judge. i thought i was done keeping secrets after i got clean but now this. my parents have offered to help with money if we need a loan from them but i don't want to do that.

sorry to go on and on. thanks for 'listening'

Specializes in LTC, MDS, Education.

Hi Sassy, TELL YOUR PARENTS!! Now is not the time to be keeping secrets from them, especially since they have been so supportive. You will feel alot better after telling them. Sorry about job situation. It sucks about the health insurance but at least you are young (and healthier than you were in May!). Keep us posted!

You've really got a lot on your plate right now.

My advice....

I was very honest about my addiction/alcoholism. I was also very honest about my recovery. It was the first thing I said when I was looking for a job. I said I was participating in a peer assistance program for addiction and would that be a problem? Potential employers appreciate that. They will either say "No thanks" or "Tell me what happened." Total honesty - don't sugar coat. It's easy to see through.

You will find a job. Maybe not the first one, maybe not the tenth one. But eventually, someone will be open to giving you a chance.

Be humble and appreciative that someone takes the time to speak with you - just as if it were your first job interview and you had no work experience.

When you are using - you are just another junkie/alcoholic/pillhead - whatever your drug of choice was. In good recovery though, it becomes such a small, tiny part of what you are.

Good luck - when things seem overwhelmingly difficult - look for an opportunity to grow in your recovery.

Love and best wishes! :redpinkhe

Sassy,

I feel your pain. I also am in the same situation. I am trying to go back to the same place of employment. My license is inactive probably for another 3-4 months then comes my narc restriction. My boss says she will work through the narc restriction and even tried to get me as the unit clerk. I couldnt pass the typing test hr requested. Now im applying for the cleaning, food positions, etc. Then got a letter today I have untill Monday to get a job or im terminated. They gave me a whole week to find a non nursing position. I applied to their online hiring system. No one calling me for the jobs I applied for. Its so fustrating. I know we will make it though. We just have to stay sober and your hp will help.

P.S. I have cried all day while making them phone calls and hitting a meeting

Good luck, chief!

You will be fine as long as you stay clean. Keep looking for a job and if all else fails, file for unemployment - you'll win because you were terminated for something you didn't do/can't control.

Contact a Labor Attorney. They have to adhere to their own policies. They are playing on your shame. If you had diabetes would you be ashamed?

Specializes in ER.

Chief,

I have heard that a person on disability cannot be terminated...it's the law. On the other hand, I am not sure if I can just stay employed with this hospital to keep my benefits until I find a full time position even though I am not actually working. If I can do that, I need to just to keep my insurance. As already said, staying sober is #1 and if we don't have that then we don't have anything.

Thanks everyone for your kind words. Every now and then we all need reminders that we are not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Hugs.

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

Best of luck to you. I'm glad you're keeping sobriety #1. Other's can learn from your story that there are consequences and it's a bitter tough lesson. I know you know, but I'll say it anyway, if you stay clean and sober all will be well in the end. Hang in there.

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