How does the hospital position and narcotic restrictions work?

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Feb 9, 2013

Hey! When I got in our state's program, it was really hard to find a job anywhere. I had started delivering pizza - it was that hard!!

My now dh was also in the program with me. He had started on a med surg unit. He got me an interview and I got a job on a smaller med surg unit. The hospital had a rule that each floor could have 1 nurse with the restriction regarding narcotics.

When I started woking there, if it wer po narcs that I needed passing, the LPN gave them for me. If it was an IVP, I either called the nursing sup or I called an RN on the floor above our. The unit I worked on was a very small one, usually staffed with 1 RN and 1 LPN. The nurses that gave my stuff were all very nice, and didnt spread talk abut the fact that I was in the program. When I got my narc restriction lifted, they were all very happy for me - for me, this unit was an awesome one to be on during my restriction.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

Anne, RNC

SouthernPoint · Feb 9, 2013

Hello!
I was wondering, can I apply for Med-Surg positions with a narcotic restriction? How does that work? I have no problem doing the following: med-surg, psych, public health, and substance abuse/detox. I have been very hesitant, however, to apply to med-surg positions with a narcotic restriction.

I work on a Med/Surg/Tele floor and I have a restriction. My employer knew of my restriction when they interviewed me and hired me. I know of 5 other nurse's who are in IPN and a couple of them do have restrictions that work in all different departs if the hospital.

Honestly just fill out the application and when you get your interview just be 100% open and honest with them. I took a copy of my agreement with me incase they wanted to see it. I was told after they hired me that my being open and honest was a big plus and why they hired me.

SP

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2013

Okay! I will talk to my case manager Monday about it. I have not tried med-surg yet for jobs--I wouldn't even mind peds. I have applied to a couple public health jobs, a psych job, a non-healthcare job.

Yeah, plan on being honest and they can see my board order, anyway.

MichelleRN34, ADN, RN · Feb 10, 2013

I guess it really depends on where you are and if that specific hospital will work with you. My BON told me that most ones around me will not hire.. I didnt not even apply.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Feb 11, 2013

I guess it really depends on where you are and if that specific hospital will work with you. My BON told me that most ones around me will not hire.. I didnt not even apply.

That's how it was around here, Michelle. EVERY place I went for almost a year, NOTHING. Nowhere! If it hadn't been for my now dh, I really don't think I would have found anything. I had started working at McDonalds and as a pizza deliver driver before he was able to get my fot in the door where he was working. He had been at that facility for more than 20 yrs and was a nsg sup. He was demoted but stayed at the same hospital.

I dont mean to sound discouraging -this was back in 1999. Hopefully thing have changed for the better. We just need some way to get a foot in, a chance.

Anne, RNC