bipolar recovering addict cant get job ! is it over

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have I been following all rules for nothing ? I am broke and my family does not believe in mental illness .And all I hear from TPAPN is I am sorry.Well that does not pay bills!!!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I've been reading this thread on and off, and I'm sorry it's devolved into a peeing contest between members. PCORRAL asked for support, not judgment. As someone who struggles with bipolar and alcoholism, I've seen my own life fall apart before my very eyes and I have all the sympathy in the world for her. I'm glad we haven't scared her off, and that she still has faith things will get better.

((((HUGS)))) to you, PCORRAL. I hope life treats you a little more gently from now on.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.
I've been reading this thread on and off, and I'm sorry it's devolved into a peeing contest between members. PCORRAL asked for support, not judgment. As someone who struggles with bipolar and alcoholism, I've seen my own life fall apart before my very eyes and I have all the sympathy in the world for her. I'm glad we haven't scared her off, and that she still has faith things will get better.

((((HUGS)))) to you, PCORRAL. I hope life treats you a little more gently from now on.

This! Thank u Viva!

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.
I would like to say that I fifth the sentiment. OP, you are having a difficult time right now but to say it in the words of my fellow addicts, "keep coming back". You will find the support you need from other nurses here on this forum. Keep your head up and just do the next right thing. Things will work out the way they are supposed to.

And here's the sixth.

Anne, RNC

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PCORRAL,

As far as I'm concerned, you have just as much a right to be working as a nurse again as a 'perfect' nurse should. The fact that you have a mental illness should not bar you from anything. As far as the drugs go, RN probation is a ***** and we all know that and to agree with the other ladies post, anything 'less than perfect' is an instant kiss of death in this field. It's the truth, but here's another one: bust your ass and you will be a nurse again, it might not be in the most 'pristine' condition (i.e. nursing home), but it is possible. While I was working on my book, I interviewed some nurses that were still working in the hospital setting while on probation (as a house supervisor!) I guess JhacHo missed that one. So don't give up, work your ass off and you'll get it. I have a family history of mental illness (my father and sister is bi-polar, and sometimes I wonder if I am) and before you ask, I am also on probation for 5 years as well, for the same thing: drugs. Hang in there man, like Bruno Mars: Treasure, that is what you are I'm not going to sing you the rest, I'm happily married, thank you :) Take care man and keep on truckin'

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I am working outside healthcare now until I get nursing job. Do I put that in my resume or leave it out ? I don't have restrictions on my license but do I volunteer I have restrictions on my practice ?

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I am working outside healthcare now until I get nursing job. Do I put that in my resume or leave it out ? I don't have restrictions on my license but do I volunteer I have restrictions on my practice ?

I would put it on my resume' because it shows that you are working steadily. Also, you would want your current employer to be able to give you a good reference in general employment terms.

I can only speak to the single experience I've had with hired someone with a "past." I was considered "leadership" in my facility, as a psych CNS, but was not a manager, but my program director (RN) wanted me to be involved in interviewing and selecting candidates for nursing positions. We interview one RN who showed up with a big folder of paperwork. She started right off by explaining that she had a past history of diverting drugs, had not only lost her license but actually served hard time in Federal prison for drug charges, but had recovered, moved on, and gotten her license back. She had documentation (in her big folder) of every treatment program she had completed, every group she'd attended, every certification she'd completed, basically, everything that her probation and the BON had required of her to get her license back. She was v. upfront and matter-of-fact about the entire process -- brought it up herself, explained herself without getting defensive or making any excuses, and focused on how much she had accomplished and how far she had come in order to get her career back. We were v. impressed with how she presented herself (much more so than if she had been secretive or evasive about her past, or defensive or making excuses for any of it), and hired her, and she proved to be an excellent nurse and employee.

It can be done, although I realize it's not easy. Best wishes!!

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I too havefound it impossible to find job ! I disclosed my TPAPN after job was offered at nursing home then it was rescinded . Its been 2 years . I applied and interviewed at Fresenius - I had hope! I'm losing hope . What else can I do ?

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
I thank all of you who were able to hear my cry for help. Although I have lost all material things and some relationships , I have not lost faith in myself or GOD .It is those of you who were able to read between the lines and heard me that keep me hanging on.Thank you

we hear, you, we are here for you.....I am sorry you are going thru this......but I knew when bottom was hit, I had two choices, stay there, and the other was there was no other survival, than from bottom, the next way can be up....in you just try to do the next right thing, then the next.....don't look at the whole thing, just strive for the next right thing........all I can share at the darkest times, just doing the next rightest thing, was all I could focus on, threw whole hearted into recovery, and it slowly began to work for me, because, I used recovery steps to deal with life on life terms, it did get better, took forever, but got better, and eventually was over......and you know what I am a respected and better nurse for it.......

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Does anyone know what call centers in Texas hire nurses in TPAPN? Can I apply for private duty or home health in Tx while monitored ?

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
have I been following all rules for nothing ? I am broke and my family does not believe in mental illness .And all I hear from TPAPN is I am sorry.Well that does not pay bills!!!

In order to give you a good answer we have to better understand the problem. Are you new in TPAPN or do you have some sobriety under your belt. What kind of stipulations do you have on your practice? If you are newly sober and just starting out my advice is to do exactly what you are told and utilize all resources available to you to get by financially. If you state offers disability for your affliction (addiction/ alcoholism/ mental illness) apply for it. If your previous employer won't fight unemployment take it. Food stamps (apply for it) etc... If not get a job any job - flipping burgers is better than nothing. Still your first priority has to be your sobriety. Everything else flows from that. When you are allowed to return to a clinical job you will have stipulations so start networking now. Seek out other medical professionals in recovery at AA/NA meetings and at Peer support groups is your state requires you to attend them. Focus on looking at jobs where medications (Narcs) are not given by the RN. Psychiatric hospitals and Dialysis centers come to mind but there are recovery friendly hospitals out there. This info is mostly spread by word of mouth as most hospitals are not going to hang a sign out saying addicts in recovery welcome. You family does not have to believe on mental illness to help you - but if they are anything like mine they will be of help and support if you let them see your recovery and not your illness.

I have been out of diversion for just over 10 years and was a functional alcoholic for 30 years (Sober these ten years by the grace of God).

Early in the process you will feel like your life is over but it does get better and you can have a life back that is full of hope and promise. It will be a different life to be sure, but you can do it.

Hppy

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I have been in recovery since 2013 , I go to NA meetings 4 to 5 times a week. I have no desire to use. I have gone on interviews but don't get called back when I inform them I am in TPAPN. I have been cleared to work but I am not being hired. Any suggestions ?

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