getting a job with a narc restriction

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, Geriatric Rehab.

Does anyone have a suggestion for the best hope of getting hired with a narcotics restriction? Its only for 6 months and I have been clean for 3 years, however, I did not practice nursing during that time because I wanted to be sure I was stable before trying to take care of others. Now I am ready an the double whammy is making it hard to find work. I have sent out my resume to like 20 places and gotten a handful of replies, but once I tell my "story" you can hear the brakes squeal over the phone. Any ideas? I am new to this site and I have found a lot of solace in this forum. Thank you.

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I couldnt get a job..I am surrendering my liscense this week and working in another job. I cant find a job and I cant afford the requirements of my state...weekly sessions with the therapist..random drug screens at $65 a clip.

Life is good...its just going to have to be good not as a nurse. (after 28 years)

Susan

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Maybe a job that spelling doesnt count :)

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.
I couldnt get a job..I am surrendering my liscense this week and working in another job. I cant find a job and I cant afford the requirements of my state...weekly sessions with the therapist..random drug screens at $65 a clip.

Life is good...its just going to have to be good not as a nurse. (after 28 years)

Susan

Hey susan - glad I wasn't the only one! I worked for over 17 yrs and know that was the best decision I ever made! I thought it was just me.

Anne:D

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Try a job without med access, or narc access. Dialysis, infection control, employee health, blood banks.......those are all places that are recovery-friendly, at least in CA. I know addicted nurses who got jobs in all those places without issue while in the immediate recovery period and being monitored.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, Geriatric Rehab.

Thank you. I had an interview today for a medical clinic RN supervisor (over MA staff, schedules and such)- with no narcs!! I disclosed everything to her and she seemed very understanding. She had to clear it with her higher up so we'll see...

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Hi, new here, but Ive been through hprp and I have gotten jobs and I am working now.

Yes it was difficult, but fortunately when I was able to return to work I contacted the place I worked through the agency at. The manager of the floor liked my previous work and gladly hired me that same day.... and I was 9mos pregnant! The staff groaned about having to pass my narcs, but it was either that or work short.

That was at a hospital. Some hospitals are "recovery" friendly, and some live in a box. I do work in dialysis now, but that was by choice. I LOVE dialysis. Other suggestions for work include insurance companies and in mental health areas.

Dont give up. If a particular manager doesnt want to hire you because of being in "recovery", do you really want to work for that manager anyway? I interview the facility/manager to see if they are a good fit for me and my sobriety.

Also try going to caduceus meetings. Some medical professional there have been in recovery a long time. They can give you advise.

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Hello. I am not an RN. I am asking this question in regard to my niece, who is an RN. I found out something by accident while surfing the web. I have known for some time that my niece is a recreational pot user. I do not approve, but she is an adult and has to make her own choices, right or wrong. I found out that she tested positve during a random drug screen. I am heart sick. I feel like slapping her and hugging her at the same time. She is a traveling nurse who would like to come back to her home town some day. She is such a good nurse! I watched as she flew home during the holidays to give hospice care to a family member. She worked so hard and so long to get where she is! Can some one translate this into laymans terms? She does not know I know so I can't ask her..

"It was moved and seconded the Board find the respondent guilty of violating NRS 632.320 (7) unprofessional conduct, and NAC 632.890 (11) positive drug screen as condition of employment. It was moved and seconded the Board reprimand the respondent. It was moved and seconded the Board order the disciplinary action become part of the respondent's permanent record

and be published and reported to all appropriate agencies".

Does this mean she will lose her license or possibly not be able to work once she comes home as her licnese here has lapsed? I have ben reading the posts here and I have a feeling her days as a nurse may be coming to a close :-( Thanks for letting me ask here.

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I'm sure a mod will step in momentarily, but we are not allowed to give any legal information Concerned Aunt.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

To the OP: If the clinic position doesn't work out, and that does sound ideal, consider pediatrics. I knew a nurse some years ago who was in recovery who was able to stay in the same facility and who was given a position in general pediatrics. The quantities of narcotics used there were much lower than on adult floors so, apparently, this was considered a much lower risk area.

Good luck in finding something that works for you!

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I couldnt get a job..I am surrendering my liscense this week and working in another job. I cant find a job and I cant afford the requirements of my state...weekly sessions with the therapist..random drug screens at $65 a clip.

Life is good...its just going to have to be good not as a nurse. (after 28 years)

Susan

That really is to bad that you have to surrender your license. This program that they set up states that it is a case by case. However; I am starting to believe that it is not. I believe that it all has to do with the fact that the supervisors, doctors, evaluators see some people coming. They believe that all health professionals have a substaintal amount of money coming out their ears. I do believe that those who do have problem get help. However; being in the health profession we all know that probably not everyone who are in this program believe that they have an addiction problem.

Sincerely,

Spike45:cry:

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I can relate...was charged impaired on duty...found guilty by BoN...never, ever flunked a UA(more than a dozen taken including one on the night of the initial report)...couldn't afford the testing required by the probation ..and just recently had my license stripped for a year...after 17 years of lauded service...what do I do now?....anyone else ever been subjected to unrelenting, unreasonable BoN?

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