Finding Work on a Clean License

[RNigothis]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for insight from nurses who have been in a similar situation. I'm currently in the HAVEN program in Connecticut, which is a confidential, non-disciplinary alternative to board action. My license remains clean—no public discipline, no restrictions visible on Nursys, and even my narcotics restriction is private.

I self-reported to HAVEN the same day I was confronted about a diversion incident. From the beginning, I've been fully compliant, with all negative toxicology tests. My case is being framed by my case manager and therapist as anxiety and situational distress-related, not substance use. 

Once my narcotics restriction is lifted, I would like to return to an inpatient hospital role, possibly med-surg or another acute care setting. My case manager told me I do not need to disclose why I'm in the program to employers, unless absolutely necessary (e.g., if they require a liaison), but but I have heard input from other nurses that I should do so. My diversion was really an isolated case for Ativan not that it makes it any better. 

So my question is:

How difficult was it for those of you in a monitoring program—especially with a clean license and no SUD diagnosis—to find a hospital job?

Did you encounter major hurdles, or were some employers understanding and supportive once they saw compliance and transparency?

Any personal experiences or advice would really help as I prepare for my next steps. Thank you so much in advance.

[TIMFY]

Do you have to disclose that you're in the program in the first place? I'm guessing your employer has to do evals? If you have to tell them you're in a program, I would disclose why. If you can just not tell them in the first place, I would do that.

[RNigothis]

TIMFY said:

Do you have to disclose that you're in the program in the first place? I'm guessing your employer has to do evals? If you have to tell them you're in a program, I would disclose why. If you can just not tell them in the first place, I would do that.

From what I understand I will be needing a liaison for evals, yes. Do you know if the liaison situation is throughout the whole contract or it can be lifted? I still have not received my contract yet, but anxiety speaks louder at times.

[NurseJackie69]

RNigothis said:

From what I understand I will be needing a liaison for evals, yes. Do you know if the liaison situation is throughout the whole contract or it can be lifted? I still have not received my contract yet, but anxiety speaks louder at times.

Depends on the individual and the state regarding how your contract/consent order is written. Most require quarterly reports for the entire duration. Some only require quarterly reports for one or 2 years.

[Nursrcy00901]

My record is public but I hope this gives you some hope- I was hired directly into inpatient nursing where narcotics are given even though I have 6 months of not being able to pass them. Employers are a lot more forgiving especially when you're open with them. I'm now a month away from being able to pass narcotics and the time has flown! 

[NurseGray]

Nursrcy00901 said:

My record is public but I hope this gives you some hope- I was hired directly into inpatient nursing where narcotics are given even though I have 6 months of not being able to pass them. Employers are a lot more forgiving especially when you're open with them. I'm now a month away from being able to pass narcotics and the time has flown! 

That's so good to hear that you were able to find an inpatient job! What specialty are you working in?

[SheelaDavis]

I agree with your thoughtful encoruahement and its awesome to hear supportive posts. I respectfully disagree with the return to hospital roles. Overwhelmingly, 90 plus percent of the time, nurses who have an SUD diagnosis, public discipline, and diverted at work.......IF they complete a monitoring program for 5 years (usually 5), over 90 percent of these return to hospital roles (IF they want to.)  So, I would argue that "having a good chance" is highly underestimated. If you have a clean license and non SUD diagnosis and went through monitoring for some reason, your chances of returning to a hospital role are approaching 100 percent IF.....IF.....IF....the nurse chooses to/desires a hospital role. For nurses who diverted, got license suspended, went through rehab, public discipline, a 5 year monitoring program, when they are done and license is now off probation and they are no longer in monitoring, the absolute overwhelming majority can EASILY return to hospital roles IF....IF..they choose. There are still about 10 to 15 percent of employers who will say NO forever. That means 85 to 90 percent will say yes, and with the nursing shortage, those odds are very good for a nurse that wants a hospital role. 85 to 90 percent of employers that will say yes equals 1000s of jobs available across the country.