Any ideas on how to go about getting a job on probation?

Nurses Criminal

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Hi Everyone,

So, I am finally licensed now and have begun probation. Unfortunately the restrictions on my license haven't been made clear to me because I had to complete evaluations first. I don't know what level of supervision I require yet. I was interviewed for a job and the manager wanted me to come back, but their legal department got back to her stating that the supervision requirements may not be met if there's time during my shift where I'm the only RN on duty (if I need max supervision). So, for obvious reasons, they didn't hire me.

I don't really know what to tell a future employer. Also, I initially assumed that the company's recruiter looked up my license before calling me since my license number was submitted on the application (there were no questions regarding restrictions or disciplinary actions). After thinking about it, I wasn't sure so I informed the manager at the start of my interview. AWKWARD.

I don't think it will ever get easier to disclose, but is there a good way to do this? I really need some suggestions because it really is an awkward situation. I got a message regarding a job interview this afternoon and it made me feel sick thinking about returning the call. What do I say? Hi, I'm interested in the position and would like to schedule an interview, but I need to let you know my RN license is on probation? Please, any suggestions would be helpful. I'm really exhausted; it's been a lot to deal with as far as rehashing the past over and over and twice very intensely at my evaluations this past week. I'm so tired and want to try to make a good impression, but it's discouraging.

Thanks!

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I've been looking for jobs over the past few months while on probation, too. Thankfully I already have a nursing job, but I'm looking to move to another city. In my experience, recruiters are not looking at your license or really anything on your application besides your experience. I listed my disciplinary action on every application and the recruiters (at several hospital systems) never mentioned it and proceeded to set me up on interviews. I would wait until I got job offers and then "remind" them about the disciplinary action that I listed on my application. Ultimately, HR/legal would rescind the offer.

Next thing I tried was bringing it up at the end of the interview with the nurse managers/directors. They always seemed to take it very well, but then I would get a call that HR/legal wouldn't approve.

Next, I tried just telling the recruiters up front when they called. The result was not getting an interview at all. I have had 10 or so interviews over the last few months, and several other calls about jobs and I have not been able to make it past HR.

You probably need to be able to tell a HR department what exactly your stipulations involve. I can't see a HR department not needing to know that. Now, all of the jobs that I have applied for are with major hospital systems. They might have different hiring policies than other facilities, such as LTAC, skilled nursing, dialysis, hospice, etc. (jobs that tend to be stipulation-friendly). Good luck!

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LibertyTX,

That's exactly what happened to me. It was a dialysis clinic and I was told the legal team wouldn't move forward because of the supervision requirements, however, my monitor told me I won't know what the level of supervision is until I submit for job approval :-/ I almost threw up when I called back regarding the next job. I decided to just get it out before because I don't want to waste my time if they already know they won't hire me before hand. I got a good response and am going on an interview next week at a children's surgery center. I'm hoping it will be a foot in the door to pediatrics later so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I just never realized how horrible this would feel. I imagined getting my RN license to be exciting and it isn't. I feel like a criminal and I don't even want to tell anyone I'm a nurse. It's hard to be proud of my achievements with this hanging over my license. I think in addition to having no experience, what makes it worse is that because of the legal drama with the Board of Nursing it took over a year for me to get licensed. I've graduated over a year ago. It scares me and I worry that I will forget my clinical skills. Thank you so much for your input! I really appreciate it.

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Hi 3rdeyeRN, I know you haven't been on for a while but did you ever find a job? If so how did that process go? Also what were your exact stipulations if you don't mind me asking.

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Hi,

So I did finally get a job 6 months after being licensed. It's at a SNF and it really sucks, but it's the only place that would hire me. What I mean by it sucks is that it's completely overwhelming to be a new grad and be responsible for the care of 25 to 35 patients. I never take breaks other than my 30 minute lunch because I won't finish my work by the time I have to give report to the night shift. We are often short handed, get new admits within the last 1 to 2 hours of my shift, and I often work 15 hours because of having to carry out orders and chart (by hand) after my shift is over.

I've been contacted by HR recruiters at hospitals and I've gotten a horrible response. I had an interview with one even after I disclosed my probation. It was brought up by the manager interviewing me and once I explained my situation I was told to reapply when my probation was completed. It was really heart breaking and I had to muster up the courage to get up, shake everyone's hands and tell them thank you, then walk out.

I have all of the stipulations up to completing the mental and physical evaluations. I passed them, so I didn't have to do the chemical dependency conditions. At work I have RN worksite monitors, I report to the monitor that's working that day at the start of my shift and after breaks, I can't float, my shifts must be scheduled at least a day in advance, I can't work OT unless it's after my shift to complete my work (I can't come in to work extra days that would put me over 80 hours), I have independent access to narcotics and if any are wasted then it needs to be witnessed. My employer submitted monthly performance evaluations for the first 6 months and now it's only required quarterly.

This has probably been the biggest challenge I've had to face in life. The whole process has been mentally and physically draining. It's upsetting when all of my classmates are working in hospitals making a decent living and I'm stuck working somewhere that I can't realize my full potential as a nurse. At this point I'm able to petition to modify the probation terms, so I'm trying to gather supporting evidence because it will require going to a hearing. I'm hoping that if I can get the supervision requirements reduced and the no floating lifted it will open up more opportunities for me.

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Hi 3rdeyeRN! I have been reading all of your posts and a few times I had to stop and ask myself if I wrote them myself! Our stories are sooooo similar! I wanted to private message you but I don't have enough posts here to be able to use that function:( I just got my license (after 10 months) and live in the San Diego area. I was wondering where you live. If you could email me somehow that would be awesome! Email is nursekearsley at gmail dot com.

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Specializes in Nursing Education, Public Health, Medical Policy.

I am having the same employment issue- I am on 3 year probation (CA BRN) with minimum level of supervision required. I had to quit my job of 11 years because of the supervision requirement. In order to complete my probation I have to complete 6 months of employment or volunteer work. How do I explain my probation to potential employers? Does anyone know who accepts RN volunteers who are on probation? Or is this hopeless- I have been an RN for 30 years.

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I am having the same employment issue- I am on 3 year probation (CA BRN) with minimum level of supervision required. I had to quit my job of 11 years because of the supervision requirement. In order to complete my probation I have to complete 6 months of employment or volunteer work. How do I explain my probation to potential employers? Does anyone know who accepts RN volunteers who are on probation? Or is this hopeless- I have been an RN for 30 years.

Hey Megan1977 I would just be honest about the situation to potential employers because the probation will show up attached to your license. I applied to several jobs and had interviews one of the questions they asked was why I had disciplinary action on my license I was honest about my past mistakes, and eventually was hired. I'm not familiar with RN volunteers who're on probation but best of luck.

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