Hi everyone! This is my first post and I was hoping you could give some input. I am in IPN ( the Intervention Project for Nurses in Florida ). I've been clean for 4 1/2 years and am just starting to apply for jobs. I was once a school nurse and loved it. I have an interview coming up with a school and I'm wondering if I will even be considered?
I had cancer, became dependent on the pain meds. I got help and got off of them. I never stole anything from an employer, patients, etc... Yet, I will still have a 1 year key restriction once I am employed. I know schools don't usually give out that many narcotics and this particular school is a place where children board 10 months/year. So, there will be more than just me there as the nurse. They actually have a health building with several nurses on duty because the campus is large.
My questions are these:
1. I know that schools want to be super cautious about anyone they bring to work on campus. I actually agree with that. I have already completed 2 1/2 years of a 5 year IPN contract. I have been clean from everything, including alcohol for 4 1/2 years. Do you think they will view me as some drug addled lunatic because I am in IPN? I know I'm not, but do you think it's wishful thinking of me to hope they have a knowledge of and will allow someone in recovery on campus?
2. As a school nurse, knowing the narcotics you give out at school, would you resent having to pass another nurse's narcs out for a year while she/he worked off the key restriction? In IPN they suggest that we offer up help with the other nurse's tasks to offset the time she/he spends helping us with our narcs.
When I first got the call, I was really excited. But as time has passed I'm beginning to feel more and more insecure. And I just wanted to feel you guys out for what your thoughts might be. TIA for any and all input!
Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
Hi all. I just came back from my interview and it went great. The place is like a little hospital with 5 nurses on staff at all times, a doctor, pharmacist, etc... It's a health clinic, like at a University. They didn't seem shocked when I disclosed to them that I was in IPN, I was given the opportunity to explain. I think I might stand a chance. It's a State position, with Spring Break and Summer looming, so it will be a while before I know anything. Thanks for the kind words and I will keep you posted.
Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
Hi all. I just came back from my interview and it went great. The place is like a little hospital with 5 nurses on staff at all times, a doctor, pharmacist, etc... It's a health clinic, like at a University. They didn't seem shocked when I disclosed to them that I was in IPN, I was given the opportunity to explain. I think I might stand a chance. It's a State position, with Spring Break and Summer looming, so it will be a while before I know anything. Thanks for the kind words and I will keep you posted.
What a brave and wonderful person you are for even sharing this with us all! I'm glad the interview went well and I will keep my fingers crossed for you!
Dont be so hard on yourself ,you have done some very difficult things getting and staying clean and sober,if this school is a no ,hang in there,another will come up.You have been given a second chance and I think you will make it and be fine.
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.
Hi all. I just came back from my interview and it went great. The place is like a little hospital with 5 nurses on staff at all times, a doctor, pharmacist, etc... It's a health clinic, like at a University. They didn't seem shocked when I disclosed to them that I was in IPN, I was given the opportunity to explain. I think I might stand a chance. It's a State position, with Spring Break and Summer looming, so it will be a while before I know anything. Thanks for the kind words and I will keep you posted.
Cattz, ADN
1,083 Posts
That. Is. Awesome! Hold you head high :)