Hiring Process with addiction issues NA

Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Aug 14, 2015

Hmm. I've changed my thoughts on this multiple times since reading it. I guess I would find out the restrictions that you may be facing, and if they won't cause any restrictions on the job you are applying for then I might not disclose at the interview. Then, if you are Board ordered to Peer Assistance program, at that time you can inform your employer that you have a history of addiction and that you sought treatment, self reported to the Board, are in good recovery, and the Boards recommendations are for you to be monitored. Be prepared with knowledge the moment you disclose on how it won't negatively affect your ability to perform the duties of your job. In the mean time become the most valuable employee they have! Now, if I change my mind again I will get back to you. Lol. Also, talk to your sponsor. Other opinions help me make decisions. Some of my knee jerk responses, I look back on and wonder what was I thinking!

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2015

I would just be up front. You are going to end up in a program so they will find out either way. The big name dialysis companies are generally universally regarded as monitoring program-friendly both in that they hire program nurses and that you won't have any problems with your stips as long as you aren't travelling.

Chocobo21 · Aug 14, 2015

Thank you Big Blondie and DirtyHippie for your responses!

I am very appreciative for giving me your insight (and still accepting more!) on how to handle the situation. As you brought up Blondie, I am not quite sure what stipulations I may once I sign the agreement. My rehab had to fill out paperwork to the state and made their suggestions based on the five months I have been in rehab on what they think should be my stipulations. It included no more than 40hrs of work a week, No supervisor/charge position, and that I must work under the supervision of another RN. There were other options to the checklist, including the ability to be unable to use narcotics, but they weren't checked off. Everything they did wrote was very positive.

However, when I talked to my nurse, who drug tests me and talks with me about advice on work, she said that the board has their own team who decides ultimately what my restrictions will be, not what they (rehab center) suggests. Do you ladies (or gentlemen), as well as others who are reading this, know if what my nurse said was completely accurate or not?

My biggest concern with bringing it up front during the interview is that because I do not know what the stipulations are, it does not allow the potential employer to truly make a sound and rational decision. I have tried to be patient and have stayed out of nursing since I began Rehab pending what the Board will ultimately choose to do. But, I also cannot financially continue to work with 9$ an hour as I will inevitably end up living on the street or ghetto.

So, if what is going around is true that dialysis companies are forgiving and recovery friendly to work at. And, by releasing that information late in my employment once I know the facts of what the board will do (if I get the job), shouldn't they be understanding? Rather than informing them a statement that leaves them in limbo, and me without a job?

I'm so torn and frustrated, and really am confused. My lawyers say not to release any information to the potential employer because we ultimately don't know the decision. But, I'm scared that they will fire me on the spot as if I was attempting to hide it if I'm hit with stipulations (and I'm assuming I will be based on my drug of choice). If anyone can share experiences similar to what I'm discussing and trying to portray about my situation too, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you.

Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Aug 14, 2015

Listen to your lawyer. If the company wont keep you because of restrictions, then they possibly wont hire you either. At least you will have work time under your belt with a salary and a positive employment history in recovery documented by negative drug screens and good work ethic, skills to show for it. Do what your gut tells you. Good luck. What state are you in?

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2015

Yes, what your nurse said was accurate. Monitoring programs generally take a one-size-fits-all approach and the stipulations are pretty standardized. I would imagine that you're going to come away with a narcotic stipulation -- given your DOC and the idea of cross-addiction being pretty prevalent, plus pretty much everyone gets a narcotic stipulation. But I'm not a lawyer or a BON member so I could be wrong; and sometimes folks who use really good lawyers during the process can get their stipulations altered.

But if you're going to be doing regular ol' outpatient dialysis in a dialysis clinic, I really would not put any more worry into whether your job will be stipulation friendly. It's going to be stipulation friendly no matter WHAT stips you end up with. That's why dialysis is such a popular work place in this forum.

What you're going to see is bias against monitoring program nurses with hiring personnel. I had a horrible interview with a particular DaVita clinic in my area. However, probably 1/4 of my program group works for DaVita in my area. Again, I can't imagine that you won't end up in a monitoring program and the question is what your stipulation agreement will look like? If it doesn't matter what your stipulation agreement looks like -- than the question becomes probably one of the most popular on here which is "when do I tell people about the program during the hiring process." You might try looking back to see how other people handled that situation.

On the other hand, you are paying your lawyer to give advice based off a certain amount of knowledge/skill/experience so you should probably go with what he says and not what some rando in Kansas has to say.

Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Aug 16, 2015

OK, its the ambivalent answer girls! I cant advise you, you have to figure it out for yourself. I didn't get an attorney, and accepted a Board Order. One of the hardest things for me at this time is not having everyone know what is going on with me. None of my staff are aware. Only one MD and the owner of the company and the Office manager know. It is weird hiding such an important part of my life at this time. My recovery is where I am and not discussing it is strange. But I am on a confidential order, and do speak about my recovery with my former peers, well some of them who I chose to, some of my family and my NA family and in therapy. I haven't made all of my amends, and am working on those when I am ready. The feeling in the pit of your stomach will help you with this decision. Dirty Hippy Girl (by the way I love the name!) we both seem to be wavering a bit. I do know dialysis is friendly, and know nurses in my group who do it. I will tell you about my experience in job hunting. I had self referred and was waiting for my enrollment to be done, and had started looking for a job. I knew what my restrictions would be. I just didn't know when they would start. I was very early, say weeks into recovery, had went through about a week long nasty withdrawal, and was frankly very emotional and weak from not eating, etc.. I let all potential employers know what I was going through at the time of the initial interview. I did tear up in an interview which was uncomfortable, and I beat myself up for it for a few days. I told them that I self referred and a smidgen of what I was reported for. (You don't have to tell them where the bodies are" Lol. The bottom line is the board looks at 1 pill diverted the same way as they do for 1000. If you did not divert then great. Say so in your interview. If you don't have a practice violation then say so. I would not disclose things that are specific in your investigation that could lead to criminal charges. Any way, I presented my sobriety as a priority, talked a bit about how Peer Assistance was going to benefit me and how I could benefit the employer. I was offered every job I interviewed for. So, as I said before, only you can decide what is best. By the way I did go to work before my peer assistance agreement was signed, and when it was time we just did the paperwork as they already knew about it. I hope this helped a little.

Omaapecm, ASN, RN · Aug 16, 2015

I am in the state of Nevada and y monitoring program consists of the following . No access to narcotics the first year, no grave shifts, no ore than 90 hours per week of work, minimum of 20 hours of work, 2 meeting a week and uds. Most employers in a hiring position understand the difference between monitoring and probation. there are still people who believe on 2nd chances. good luck

Chocobo21 · Aug 18, 2015

My goodness gracious! I am so humbled with the amount of insight and responses you all have given me. Thank you so much! I barely post anything on here, just read mostly but I am humbled with the support and stories you are giving me pertaining to your own experiences. This truly helps!

Great point to bring up about the restrictions with narcotics and my offense the board offers versus what your psychiatrist offers when filling the evaluation too. For some reason I didn't think of that until now. So, when I do bring up the restrictions, I may anticipate narcotic restrictions, hours worked not going into overtime, drug testing, and no charge position (for x amount of years). I already know I will be getting drug tested regardless (I already do), but does the employer pay that money or a part of it or is it completely separate, my dime, and confidential?

Also, is it bad that I am so paranoid to bring up what state I am from for fear and concern that they may identify me from my post? (Not that I'm saying anything bad, I know, i'm super paranoid). When I am a tad more comfortable with the paperwork being completed from the board I will share the state I am from, and I hope you aren't offended by me doing that who asked.

I would like to share too that I applied to a HIV clinic in a busy metropolitan area and I am in the second phase of meeting that manger as well as the manger for the dialysis clinic. Would anyone know if HIV clinics are recovery friendly? I can't seem to find any information in the forums pertaining to that specialty; Rehab clinics as I understand are friendly to work at.

I am intrigued by your stories of when you brought it up during the interview. Was it initially, in the middle of a certain phrase that queue'd you to bring it up, or the end when they ask "Do you have any questions for me?".

What I understand thus far when speaking to my employer about it is say something as is followed " I would like to address a small potential issue if given the opportunity to work at your clinic", " Last Fall, some serious life changes occurred in my life which challenged my coping ability at the time" "As such, with the respect, standards, and responsibility to my profession, I reported to the Board". "They have been very understanding, this was not a diversion issue or concern." "I am waiting to receive the stipulations they may put on me as a result of my choices at the time, but I am not concerned that this will affect my ability to work for you." "I am blah (good things about me),as a nurse this has (good things I've gained to be better RN), and as such (how I can be a great asset to you in this setting)". "Do you have any questions about this?"......

But what if she asks what my offense was? I've been asked that before and the employer took all my hours away and won't allow me to work but won't fire me either. What would you say if you were in my shoes? Should I bring up a question and ask if they are recovery friendly to nurses and then lead into this? Thank you so much for all your insight ladies and gents. If anyone else would like to share their story, I would love to read it and learn more on how you approach it.

Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Aug 18, 2015

I told him I self referred for opiate dependancy and was in IOP treatment and that was the only explanation I gave. Didnt elaborate on details

misslindzee · Aug 20, 2015

Hi! I just wanted to respond to your question about the drug tests. They are coming out of your pocket, and it's not a restriction. You can let them know that you stay accountable and sober by submitting random UDS, but they do not pay for it. Good luck! I'm still looking for a job too but it seems like my local dialysis center will not be able to extend an offer to me.

Biosphere · Aug 21, 2015

You just have to be honest and things will eventually work out in your favor. No detail elaborating, just the bacic honest facts . Most employers are aware of these issues and the difficult constraints.