EEEEEK! Please Help Me! Losing New Job????

Nurses General Nursing

Published

:o :angryfire

Hi Everyone, Happy Holidays!!!!

I wish I had thought to bring this problem here a few days ago! I signed on for something totally different, then thought DUH!!!!!:selfbonk: :banghead: :smackingf

I haven't been able to work for a few months due to various reasons. I was sick and unable to work; then my son ruined my car and I had no way to get to work. Finally, I applied at a LTCF 11/2 miles from my house and got the job! I haven't had health insurance and benefits for years and desperately need them! I've been working for WOW! 40 YEARS and haven't built up any retirement and if they base social security on recent years, I have ZIP!!!

I also recently obtained my ACLS CERTIFICATION and IV certification!

The salary they offered me was great! I was so happy and grateful that I dropped on my knees (I'm unable to do that without pain) and thanked God.

During the interview, I was completely honest with her about my meds that I must take for depression and pain! She assured me in no UNCERTAIN TERMS that this would NOT BE AN ISSUE AND I WAS FINE! They were very happy to have me! I was even more happy to get this position!

You have to understand something...I've been a nurse for 32 years! I have loads of experience and I am a good nurse! I still LOVE being a nurse (a little tired, but that's OK) :) These past few monthes I've been through hell! I've had a lot happen healthwise and have been on the verge of homelessness, I've been hungry, have had no money for even the basics! Been unable to pay my bills, will definitely not be able to have a Christmas celebration. I may not even get to church unless I can find a ride. I have no friends and family due being ill so long...I've isolated myself into complete lonliness. So I'm on my own. There's been no way to get help...I've had to swallow my pride and ask for help any way I could think of!

Ok, now the crux of the problem...I went through orientation Thursday and everything was great! Fri, I was supposed to work, but I wasn't sure which shift (more about that later), so I had to wait for a call for 3-11 or 11-7. I called 4-5 times, but the coordinator kept blowing me off. Finally, she told me to show up for 3-11 monday, but that I had to see the DON first!

I called the ADON immediately and asked her what was going on! You can imagine how I was feeling! I was desperate for this job! She had no idea and I'd have to wait til Mon. to find out! THREE DAYS WITH THIS ANXIETY!!!

Luckily this kind lady called me back around 5p and told me what the problem was. I FAILED MY DRUG SCREEN!!!:angryfire :angryfire We discussed this! I offered my Rx to prove I was under a doctor's care! AT MY INTERVIEW! And I offered it to the lab as well! My meds have been the same for 3 years and due to being a chronic pain pt., I am NOT impaired when I do take them and I don't usually take them before work!

SHE TOLD ME THERE WOULD BE NO PROBLEM...not to even worry about that! NOW, there's a problem!

Please help me. I'm absolutely TERRIFIED of not getting this job! My home situation was contingent on me starting working! I would have been paid before Christmas and would have been able to celebrate! I would be able to EAT!

I'm so sorry this is so long, but I really need some feedback.What if anything can I do? I have a few ideas but I still need guidance!

I was tempted to post this on Bipley's thread cuz everyone was waiting for her to respond and would have read this:rotfl: :rotfl:(just kidding!:chuckle :chuckle

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and in advance for responding to it!

rnmom

Also, I just wanted to mention, there is a fine print clause that states (on most application forms) that you aren't officially "hired" until you complete the employment physical, which includes a tox screen. At any time they can rescind the offer of employment based on the company's physical exam.

That's true.

Also, if you're in FL, is FL an "at-will" state or a "right-to-work" state?

With the issues you're facing I would get myself at least in a "right-to-work" state because at-will states will **** you over and you have no recourse at all.

The ideal situation for you would be to work in a unionized hospital. I know there are hospitals in New Mexico that are unionized, and CA.

Best of luck to you.

I'm not near you or I would offer personal assistance.

I've been in very near the same situation.....and I can tell you that it will pass.....we have been nearly homeless.....

....we have slept on the floor....no bed to sleep in, I didn't care but I cried for my children having to sleep on the floor.

I tell you, you're tough and you CAN DO IT.

...it gets better, keep the Lord in your heart and don't give up, each day is a new day.

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Specializes in LTC, HOSPICE, HOME, PAIN MANAGEMENT, ETC.
I've been in your spot before, rnmom... and this is before the nursing level! I don't want to get your down, but this is really a tough situation. I think that you should cut your losses and try to find another job. I know that this is the job that you wanted, but they are really backpedaling on their original statements... do you really want to work at a place like that if they go back on their word at this stage?

Also, I just wanted to mention, there is a fine print clause that states (on most application forms) that you aren't officially "hired" until you complete the employment physical, which includes a tox screen. At any time they can rescind the offer of employment based on the company's physical exam.

ugs))

Kat

I agree about working there...but I will pursue a discrimination lawsuit!

They shouldn't have done that to me...They're dealing with a desperate:)

woman. Seriously, this was an answer to all my prayers! I have no transportation and this was a mile from home! I'm on the verge of homelessness and I needed to get to work ASAP! They were so happy to have me! She assured me, when I disclosed the fact that I'm on meds, that I shouldn't worry about ANYTHING! There was no problem! As a matter of fact what she actually said was "They're just checking for illegal drugs"

I went thru orientation and even had a schedule! I'm well qualified and able to do the job.

There was NOTHING in my drug screen that would be objectionable.

Nothing has changed since they hired me!

Thank all for all the help! You surely are ANGELS!:saint: :icon_hug: :bow: :yeah:

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I agree about working there...but I will pursue a discrimination lawsuit!

They shouldn't have done that to me...They're dealing with a desperate:)

woman. Seriously, this was an answer to all my prayers! I have no transportation and this was a mile from home! I'm on the verge of homelessness and I needed to get to work ASAP! They were so happy to have me! She assured me, when I disclosed the fact that I'm on meds, that I shouldn't worry about ANYTHING! There was no problem! As a matter of fact what she actually said was "They're just checking for illegal drugs"

I went thru orientation and even had a schedule! I'm well qualified and able to do the job.

There was NOTHING in my drug screen that would be objectionable.

Nothing has changed since they hired me!

Thank all for all the help! You surely are ANGELS!:saint: :icon_hug: :bow: :yeah:

I truly am so sorry you are going through this. I will be praying for you that you find a good employer that will discriminate not against you.

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Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.

Geez, Rnmom, I am sorryt o hear about your conversation w/the DON or Administrator. Is this the one and the same person whi actually hired you? Have you spoke to that person? Is there an actual HR dept or just the DON to go through? If there is an HR, I'd be speaking to whoever the head of HR is. Plus, could you look for an attorney to talk to, over the phone....they offer free phone consults and you could talk to someone who specializes in employment issues. Short of waiting this out, you are left w/looking for a new job....

PS, I'm on the west coast, but still willing to help...

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Nursdiz,

You said "lets not forget what Christmas is about. The Discovery Channel has a show called "Christmas Unwrapped". Actually, Christmas by another name was celebrated in antiquity and is actually a pagan celebration. The Church sometime in the 3rd or 4th centruy AD decided to add the birth of Christ to the celebration. It's a very informative show.

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rnmom3153,

Please visit www.painreliefnetwork.org for information on long term chronic pain meds. Also, www.stats.org has alot of information. There is nothing wrong with using pain meds long term and I believe you may find some literature to back you up when you say that these meds do not impair you. I am certain they do not, regardless of the dose you take. The belief that people on pain meds are impaired is a direct result of the misinformation put forth by the governments war on drugs. Good luck to you.

Jerseyboy

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Specializes in LTC, HOSPICE, HOME, PAIN MANAGEMENT, ETC.
Darl'en, you just aren't persistant enough! You have to try doing it MY way. If you don't hear from this person in a day or so I'll even help you. Give me the name and contact info on that sheet and I will FIND a number with a live person. :chuckle

THANK YOU! I'm so grateful...dealing with my life BY MYSELF simply has not been working very well!:o Your offers to help have kinda diminished my pain by half! That is such an unbelievable feeling! I could never thank you enough...there are no words!

If you think you can get a human...have at it! :icon_hug:

I sent you the contact info in a PM Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, HOSPICE, HOME, PAIN MANAGEMENT, ETC.
rnmom3153,

Please visit www.painreliefnetwork.org for information on long term chronic pain meds. Also, www.stats.org has alot of information. There is nothing wrong with using pain meds long term and I believe you may find some literature to back you up when you say that these meds do not impair you. I am certain they do not, regardless of the dose you take. The belief that people on pain meds are impaired is a direct result of the misinformation put forth by the governments war on drugs. Good luck to you.

Jerseyboy

Excellent Information! See, that's what I'm talking about! It's GOT TO STOP!:o

These are great links! How'd you ever find them!

I hope I find "Christmas Unwrapped" Sounds very interesting.

rnmom

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Specializes in LTC, HOSPICE, HOME, PAIN MANAGEMENT, ETC.
Geez, Rnmom, I am sorryt o hear about your conversation w/the DON or Administrator. Is this the one and the same person whi actually hired you? Have you spoke to that person? Is there an actual HR dept or just the DON to go through? If there is an HR, I'd be speaking to whoever the head of HR is. Plus, could you look for an attorney to talk to, over the phone....they offer free phone consults and you could talk to someone who specializes in employment issues. Short of waiting this out, you are left w/looking for a new job....

PS, I'm on the west coast, but still willing to help...

The HR Dept is also Risk Management; She is a nurse who's worked there for years and just recently changed hats. She had difficulty answering several of my questions during orientation. Some of her answers were somewhat scary! i/e nurse/pt ratio

I guess I'll tackle that one later this morning! ( attorney) :rolleyes: :confused:

West coast as in Ca? Or Fl?

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THANK YOU! I'm so grateful...dealing with my life BY MYSELF simply has not been working very well!:o Your offers to help have kinda diminished my pain by half! That is such an unbelievable feeling! I could never thank you enough...there are no words!

If you think you can get a human...have at it! :icon_hug:

I sent you the contact info in a PM Good luck!

I think I got you the info you need. I PMed you w/details. Let me know if that doesn't work.

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Specializes in LTC, HOSPICE, HOME, PAIN MANAGEMENT, ETC.

AAAARRRRGGG!!! The MRO called early today and I missed the call!!! Once again, I called back and left yet another voice mail message! IT'S GETTING CLOSER! I'm trying Bipley's plan, only able to leave message so far...but I'll keep trying.

Any ideas on how to deal with this guy? Honesty, of course, is #1! Which I have been with all of them through all of this!

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Hi:

I am a new user to this site and your problem was the first thread I have read. I have been doing research on this very subject for personal reasons and came across this article in nursing spectrum

Is a nurse who takes a legally prescribed narcotic employable as an RN?

http://www.nursingspectrum.com/CareerManagement/AskTheExperts/Law/detail.cfm?ID=663

I hope this helps, remember the reason for the season, and hope you find happiness and security soon.

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