There is HOPE!

Nurses Recovery

Published

I recently came to this site looking for advice on approaching job interviews. I have been involved with pnap since 08/31/10. I just recently received permission to return to work. Well to make a long story short, I had an interview last week, 3/16/11, @ a hospital. I was extremely nervous to divulge the info that I'm a "monitored nurse". The interview went a little like this.... I walked into the director's office, and of coorifice, there was another nurse there to "sit in" on the interview. The director couldn't find my paperwork so she asked that I tell them a little bit about myself. So I began..."spent some time in the Marine Corps, have 4 kids, been a nurse for a few years, so on....." Then it came out. "I want to add one more thing. I was terminated from my last job for failing a drug test. I am currently participating in the nurse monitoring program. I am active in my recovery and feel that my experiences over the last few months will give an advantage in this position."

That was that. The cat was out of the bag.

It turns out that the director that was interviewing me used to work for another states monitoring program....if that wasn't my Higher power @ work, I don't know what is!

So it's been almost a week since the interview and I didn't hear anything yet. I have my phone in my hand, ready to make a "follow up" call with her. I'm ready to dial the number and my phone rings.... It's her. I'm not making this up...no way I could. My heart racing as I'm talking to her and she says IT. Are you still interested in taking the position? And I was... So I'm just waiting to hear form HR to set up a date to start.

I said ALL that to say this. Don't give up.... Don't ever give! I certainly didn't think that I would be offered this position because of my restrictions. I wanted this position because I feel that I can give back, but I didn't believe I would. And I didn't necessarily need to have believe...... Just have faith in my Higher power, that He would guide me. And he has!

congratulations!! i'm so very happy for you!

Hi Will,

I just want to say congratulations on your success:) I first began reading posts from this site about a year ago when I started my own efforts towards the reinstatement of my RN license. At first, I found some of the posts discouraging as people expressed trouble finding work after issues with addiction, but I was still convinced in my heart that if I was willing to keep trying I would eventually find an open door. I petitioned the Oregon State Board of Nursing and was granted reinstatement with very few restrictions and a probation period of 3 years. I had not worked as a nurse for several years, so I enrolled in a re entry program. My re entry program includes at least 160 hours of clinical preceptorship to update my skills. I recently interviewed at a medical clinic for preceptorship and during the interview I had to disclose my addiction history and my probationary status. I was direct, brief and honest. I am thrilled to say that I was offered the preceptorship and though it wont start until June, I am just a few short months of being back to work as an RN. The truth is that miracles happen in recovery!! The key for me has been patience and perseverance. May 13th will be my 3rd birthday in recovery and being able to return to the profession that I once loved is just the icing on the cake. Once again, congratulations! We need to let others know that recovery is possible and THROUGH recovery, ALL things are possible:D

Congratulations! I'm glad someone has had success after going through troubles. It makes it seem like there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Specializes in ER/ MEDICAL ICU / CCU/OB-GYN /CORRECTION.

Realize you posted this in March - how are things going ?

So glad you were able to get this position.

Marc

Specializes in neuro/trauma.

after reading your post it really makes me feel like there is hope i always see all these negative things written..and it really makes every look so much worse..i was recently put on a 90 day work suspension by the vrp and can now petition a return back to work..im trying to stay positive i lost my job from it and im hoping that the door closed for something better to open!!! im really trying to stay positive and this really helps!

+ Add a Comment