Celebrate Recovery

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Hey guys! I'm about 2 months into my contract. I'm feeling huge waves of emotions. I'm having a hard times dealing with the shame and guilt that I feel all the time. My self worth is at an all time low. Just wondering if anyone has attended any Celebrate Recovery meetings to help you emotionally and spiritually? Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks again guys for your words of encouragement! I'm trying hard not to get overwhelmed with what I am facing. It's nice to know that I'm not the first person to deal with this and that there are people out there who understand fully what I am going through. I got my first rejection email in today from a place I applied yesterday. I'm going to keep pushing on and keep applying everywhere I can find! Did any of you take a break from nursing and get a non nursing job in the beginning?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Addiction, Peer Support.

Oh yeah, it's terribly frustrating and disheartening at times, my first time through recovery I was so much more freaked out! Yes, I did get a job the first time that was non-nursing, it was actually for the agency I worked at as a traveler...they gave me a job as a secretary and then eventually I became their Clinical Liaison, then I went back to bedside nursing (first in long term care, then back to the ICU). Currently, I have been off since this all happened June 12th of this year, I can return to work as a nurse at any time in KY, but with restrictions of course, and I have a current criminal charge. I know it's going to be a tough road for me again, but I have faith and I am ALIVE and clean, so all is well. I truly believe things always work out the way they are supposed to....even if it looks bleak and grim at the time.

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I'm seriously starting to think that I should start looking outside of nursing. I keep filling out application after application. Every time I have to check that box about probation I feel my heart sink and a knot in my stomach. I hope this all gets easier and more manageable with time!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Addiction, Peer Support.

yeah, you know, I am actually considering a career change, been a bedside RN for nearly 26 years. My game plan is to look for jobs in dialysis (as they seem to be recovery friendly) and also in addiction/recovery......eventually go back to school for my PsyD and help all in recovery, but with a special interest in medical professionals in recovery. There seems to be so little support/direction for we medical people in recovery out there!

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I did. I worked for two years at a non-profit in HIV prevention. The listing asked for a human services degree or related field and I though "well, my degree in nursing is human services so why not!" I applied and got the job. Best thing I could have done for myself. I was able to return to nursing after six months working at that job but wasn't quite ready to return.

I've since been working as a psychiatric nurse:). When you're ready, you're ready!

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I attended CR for over a year. It was a wonderful program. Go for it!

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I've applied for dialysis too! I actually got an email to set up a phone interview today! Maybe they will take a chance on me! I think it would do me a lot of good to get out of the hospital setting and start out fresh some where! Fingers crossed!!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm an APRN in nephrology and I personally know of several RNs who are in our state's nurse recovery program. Dialysis IS recovery friendly. No narcotics at all and we (as providers) handle all the scripts for narcs. Dialysis nurses are always in short supply.

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That's good to know! Hopefully they will give me a chance! I keep trying to remind myself that for all of the no's I receive, I just need one yes! I'm in going to make myself get out and exercise today. Maybe the fresh air and activity will be good for the worn down soul í ½í¹‚. Hope you all have a blessed day!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Addiction, Peer Support.

Sally, please let us know what happens, fingers crossed, best of luck!

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Thanks Tara! I haven't heard from anyone today. I'm sure a lot of HR and recruiters are off for the holiday though..... that's what I keep telling myself anyway lol!!

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Here's something my dad said to me: if there is a name for it, someone has done it before.

it takes time but you will get through this. Addiction/alcohol issues are prevalent in our society. It hits the same, you will find your people. Talking to others who have been through the same thing is very helpful. I've now almost got 3 years clean and sober and am still shocked that when I reveal my past misgivings most people don't even blink an eye. They could care less and are not judgmental. It took time.

You've mentioned that quote before here and I made a mental note of it cuz I loved it so much! Such a great and true message.

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