employment?

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Hello.....

My RN license was suspended back in 2002 for diverting medication. I worked on getting my license back but could not afford to due to lack of medical insurance for the drug testing and counseling. It was just too expensive. I have been trying for 5 years (off and on) to get a job back in the medical field. I would do anything from CNA to phlebotomy, but due to my past record, it seems my resume is not looked at twice. I realize their point of view and the risk they would take to hire me. I am clean and sober.

When I was caught diverting meds I was never given a chance to enter a impaired nurses program, or peer assistance program. I was never confronted by my peers for an intervention. Now, I think there is more intervention involved. I received a theft charge and probation. Since then I have struggled, but have been clean for 2 years.

My question: is there anyone out there that has gotten a job within the medical field to get insurance, and work on getting their license back? I realize I cannot work with access to narcotics. I have experience in Med-Surg, ICU, and ER. What types of jobs are available? The problem is not my experience, but the past coming up to haunt me. I need more ideas and others experiences to come up with a plan. I would like to hear others stories of success or failure. Thank you.

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Specializes in surg/ortho/trauma- float-travel nurse-ic.

:nurse:Hey There Serenity47! Hang in there. I did the same thing...gave up the license and took my time getting healthy and living a good life in recovery until I was ready to return to nursing. My life used to revolve around nursing today it's an occupation. I too had trouble getting work. But I knew I had to fight for myself. Noone owed me a job and I believed in myself and my capabilities. One thing I did is that I sought out potential employers in person. I did not submit apps and hope they would call. I knew I needed to sell myself and the best way was to meet in person. I was offered jobs as an RN but none that fit my schedule (single mom and full-time student). I just applied for a medical assistant job (yes I did) even though I have an active RN license. I need to get my foot in the door. This is with a Trauma Surgical Unit and I love trauma. I told them that i was willing to take a cut in pay because I need work. they were impressed with that!! Hey, I cleaned houses and did whatever I could to work. I think the best advice I can give you is to not expect to find a job on merit alone. be assertive and proactive. Go into facilities IN PERSON and ask to meet the DON, Head of HR, etc whoever it is that would be reviewing your app. let them know you submitted an app. I went in and introduced myself to the DON at a hospital nearby and let her know my name in case an app ever crossed her desk, I wanted her to know who I was. Good luck and don't give up. You will persevere!! We addicts are strong people and I found the more honest I was, I was never turned down. Best wishes!!

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Hey Brantine!! Thank you so much for your positive feedback. My courage is slowly coming back, and yes I need to go directly to the DON's and heads of depts. to let them see the real "me", not who I was. I wonder though if I will need a refresher nursing course, if I ever get that far??I also have a drug felony on my record due to my abuse 3 years ago. It is going to be a tough battler, but I can do it!!! Thanks

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Specializes in ICU.

Keep up the good work on your sobriety and always keep it in your mind that it is the most important thing, your sobriety.

In getting back into nursing, it would be very beneficial to have proof of recovery. Signed aa/na attendance sheets, proof of counseling sessions and several clean drug test results (as many as you can get). Your counselor can direct you on how to get those. Most BONs look for that proof of recovery before they will consider letting you have your license back. As far as a nurse refesher course, the BON will probably want you to take one. Maybe you can go ahead and take one of that's what you feel you should do.

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They noticed meds missing from the narcotic cabinet and did an investigation. I fessed up.

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Specializes in ICU.

Serenity, you never said whether you have your license now or not. IF you do, does it have restrictions on it?

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I do not have my license at this time, it is suspended. According to the judgement I have to prove 3 months of being clean with counseling and urine testing weekly. The problem I'm having is getting a job in the medical field of some sort (for for that matter, any job at all, right now), and being able to afford urine testing every week. It's really expensive. Like $100 a pop!! Anyone have any ideas as to how I can work myself in. I"ve yet to go to the DON of local hospitals and just put myself out there. I know I need to let people meet me and make that first good impression. I'm a hard worker, great with people (aren't most of us?). Actually, sometimes I think of not even getting my license back and doing something like phlebotomy or IV therapy. Starting IV's was one of my best talents!! So, if anyone has been in the same position, through some ideas out there for me, if you will. Much appreciated!!!

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Specializes in ICU.

Maybe you can go for a non-medial field job until your three months are up? Bring in some money by working at walmart or the local grocery store or mcdonalds. These first thre months, you don't HAVE to be working in the medical field do you?

Do you have to take certain drug tests by a certain company? If not, try looking around for a local drug rehab place. They are all over. They have 'aftercare' programs available where most of the time people are court ordered to go there. I know that there is one here where I live, and they will go by your income and they also take drug tests there. They are cheaper because they go by your income, which is nothing, right?

You can find those places by going online and searching for AA or NA and local drug rehabilitation. There are free community guides online, showing y ou where to call to get info, or where to go.

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Thanks EastTexas.....I guess that's where I'm at write now..looking for a place to work for those first three months. I actually have to call for an interview next week at H & R Block doing taxes . I love math and they will provide the course. Just getting in somewhere and making that first god impression is soooooo important. I do have a felony on my record due to a drug charge during my using after the nursing incident. Took a while for me to accept my addiction and stop feeling sorry for myself. I lost alot during the past 5 years, but have now been clean for 1 year, remarried last month, and getting my self esteem back up there. For those of you who can relate....It just takes putting one foot in front of the other, and doing the next best right thing. Took me a while to realize my life didn't end due to my mistakes, I can still move on. And I'm finally doing that. Thanks to loving support, and honesty. Being honest isn't as scary as it seems when you finally do it. Many people could be so much more at peace with themselves if they just come clean. It saved me, I know that!!! Though there are setbacks through this whole process, there are also positive turning points and breakthroughs. For me honesty is the key. I no longer need to be looking over my shoulder. I still believe all things happen for a reason, even the negative things. We have choices, we just need to make them with our hearts open. Thanks for listening....any other persons experiences or input would be appreciated. Happy Holidays Everyone!!! :bell:

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