Disclosure of being in an alternative to discipline program in an interview

Nurses Recovery

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Specializes in med-surge nurse.

So I am currently applying to a job in a hospital setting. I have an interview in 2 days, so I probably should've posted this earlier. I'm in one of those alternative to discipline programs (I have no disciplinary actions or anything on my license, I just made some questionable choices) that does require an on-site monitor (with quarterly reports). However, I'm technically not required to disclose that I am in recovery (even though my manager is going to find out). I'm hesitant to tell him because I feel like I won't get the job. But I think being honest goes a long way, and I'm leaning towards telling the truth. I mean my resume is spotty (went from 6 years of acute care to dialysis, and now I am unemployed (have been for about a month and a half), and he still chose to call me. Maybe he has a feeling I may have gone into recovery, or maybe he doesn't suspect it. Either way, should I disclose it? I mean once they hire me they can't fire me for it, but I'm sure my manager won't be happy about it.

 

Thank you for your responses.

 

 

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I'd be up front about it. I am in the same situation.  You need to get a lot of things in place and will need to submit paperwork to  your program and board to be approved for this job first. You need to be sure there is a worksite monitor, if you are in same program as me then you can only work certain hours, no floating and other such conditions. I wouldn't go and get hired then Spring all this after the fact, it would seem a bad foot to start off on.  Just my 2 cents....

Wishing you the best on your interview and I hope you get it ?

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Specializes in med-surge nurse.

Shark lady:  thank you for your response. As I wrote in another post, I did get a positive urine screen 2 weeks ago (found out last Friday). Tested positive for fentanyl and I know my best friend was smoking dope in my apartment. I should've exercised better judgement but my best friend's mom had died of cancer and I hung out with her to comfort her.

I had a drug screen the following week, and they said they'll do an add-on for fentanyl to see if the levels came down, and they should!. I'm a little nervous b.c I'm pretty sure the narcotic restriction won't be lifted now, at least until the next quarterly report which is in the end of august. Or worse...I don't know what to expect. Have you had this experience or know anyone who's had this experience?

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I am surprised you don’t have to notify them you are in a recovery program. In California we have to disclose. I had an interview yesterday and I disclosed everything. I was very honest and open. They were very receptive to me. You kinda have to feel the room. I have a 2 year gap in employment and they still wanted to hire me so a month off is no big deal. Just go in confident and sell yourself. 

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Specializes in med-surge nurse.
5 hours ago, Sanfranjflo said:

I am surprised you don’t have to notify them you are in a recovery program. In California we have to disclose. I had an interview yesterday and I disclosed everything. I was very honest and open. They were very receptive to me. You kinda have to feel the room. I have a 2 year gap in employment and they still wanted to hire me so a month off is no big deal. Just go in confident and sell yourself. 

That's good advise. I'm just so nervous. It makes sense to disclose since I have to have an on-site monitor, so what's the point of keeping it from them? I will do that. But I hope he is receptive. Thank you

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Specializes in ICU.

Always be up front and honest in the job interview. If they have issues with the work restrictions that just means that job is not the right fit for you right now.
The correct job will come along and you will be happy you waited for that one.

It is part of our growth and recovery to learn to be honest and not feel guilt about what we did to land in this situation and to make better decisions from now on to move forward productively. 
Good luck to you. You can do this!

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Specializes in OR.

I am considering the alternative program 2 years after my convictions the board has finally decided to offer me the AP program but I understan it is expensive and time consumming.  I don't plan to work any more than 3-5 years before retiring and I don't know if I want to pay for and jump through all these hoops.  I' 60 years old and had an impeccable record up until 2 years ago is it worth it?

 

also cannot find a job, interviews go well offers come in and then my background check disqualifies me SO DISCOURAGED!

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Specializes in OR.

I am considering just submitting my license for revocation please help

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I won't kid you, the alternative to discipline/intervention program here in CA is hard and expensive. At first it seems so overwhelming, but you do kind of get into a groove and it becomes annoying but bearable. I am a little over a year in and I am now clear to return to work with some restrictions but not as many as one would think. During the time you do not work, SDI is available and made it doable. If you want to talk further, I'd be happy to email or pm or something. Hang in there OK?

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Specializes in OR.

SDI is not available here in NC just for addiction

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Specializes in OR.

Be honest, I have had at least 6 spotless interviews and offers over the past 6 months with excellent offers until they get my background check and recind

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By background check do you mean the disclosure form the investigator comes up with? Or a Criminal background? I’m also in NC and my 3 months are almost up. Wondering what it will be like when I go and look for a job myself. 

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