HX of drug abuse

[zoeintx]

I need help. I am monitored by the BNE for my drug abuse. This stupidity of mine took place over 4 years ago. I am now looking for a new job and obviously this must be brought up in the interview. I haven't had much luck. I can see the color drain from the interviewers face when I tell them. I need help in this regard. When do I bring it up etc.... It is so embarresing to do this. I absolutely dread interviews but I need a job.

[weetziebat]

So sorry for all you are going through right now. It's not like something you can pretend never happened. I've known nurses in your position who have chosen to find work where there will be no temptation, while thay are in the program and ususally afterwards also.

If I were you I'd look for positons where you won't have direct access to medications, particularly narcotics.

Once you program is over, and you've satisfied all their criteria, along with already working, you should eventually move into more responsible positions, If and ony If you feel no desire to divert. Otherwise the best idea would be to stay away from meds which could cause addiction. Its a nasty, nasty problem that requires an awful lot of willpwer on your part, and may always be that way.

If it were me, I'd bring it up at the interview right away, carefully explaining all the treatment you've had and how you learned it is best to stay away from temptation, but desire to continue nursing, as you have learned your lession and am confident that nothing like that will ever happen again.And mentioning how you'd prefer a position away from being responsible for narcotics. How about QA, working for an insurance company, an HMO, perhaps newborn nursery, or one of the many other nursuing positions available without accesst to narcotics.

Be truthful but optimistic in showing what you've done so far in treating the problem. Hopefully, someone will listen and understand and give you a chance to prove yourself. Good luck!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am monitored by the BNE for my drug abuse.

Do you have a TPAPN order on your license? I am employed at a LTCF and one of my coworkers, an RN with a TPAPN order, was hired without much of a problem. The only difference is the fact that she's not allowed to have the narcotic key in her possession. LTCFs (nursing homes and rehabilitation centers) are the places where you will have your best chances at finding work.

Good luck with your job search.

For those of you who have no experience with the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, TPAPN is the 'Texas Peer Assistance for Nurses' program.

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

I agree with the other posters' advice.

Also, I would bring it up pretty early in the interview, put it out front to start with; don't make them pry it out of you.

Also, consider working in a clinic or doctor's office where there are usually not many narcotics and such to have access to. Also consider employee health, or being an occupational health nurse in an industrial setting. Usually those places don't have anything stronger than ibuprofen or acetaminophen available.

Good luck!

[elkpark]

A number of years ago, I was involved in hiring a nurse with a drug history -- this woman had not only lost her license, she had actually been criminally convicted and served serious prison time for dealing! This had been years earlier, in another state, and she had worked v. hard to meet all the requirements necessary to get her license back and resume her career.

When she came in for the interview, she arrived with a large folder of paperwork which she spread out on the table first thing -- documentation of her successful completion of treatment and ongoing aftercare, completion of her prison sentence and parole, references from professionals involved in her treatment and from the nursing jobs she had held since then, documentation from the BON in her original state that she had successfully met every condition and requirement they had set for her to work toward regaining her license, and, I'm sure, paperwork on other things I can't recall anymore. :)

Her attitude was pleasant and professional; she was realistic and open about her situation/history but didn't get defensive or act embarassed at all -- she treated her drug history the same as if it had been any kind of health problem that could (potentially) interfere with her ability to practice nursing, not some personal moral failure on her part, and she was (well) prepared to make the case to us about why we needn't be concerned that it would interfere with her ability to do the job we were interviewing her for.

We were v. impressed with her attitude and preparation for the interview process, and ended up hiring her. My advice to anyone else in a similar situation would be to follow her example -- be v. open about sharing documentation of your efforts and progress in recovery, be v. professional and matter-of-fact about your situation, and avoid getting defensive or embarrassed. Other people will take their cues (about how they should react to this information) from you and your own attitude.

Best wishes for your continuing recovery and future employment! :)

[TazziRN, RN]

Honesty, of course, is the best policy. Have any documentation you have that you are following your BON's requirements, inculding receipts of drug screens. You won't have the results, but the fact that you are tested regularly will be impressive. Good luck and many hugs!

[busyernurse, BSN, RN]

Hey - I wanted to reply to zoeintx. I feel your apprenension!! I have been a nurse for 15 years, and about 9 or 10 years ago I did something incredibly stupid. I was a member of the RNP(the recovering nurse program in Louisiana) I did not lose my license, but had trouble finding a job after 6 months of being in the program. Quite a few people that I had worked with before were receptive to me, until they found out I was actually asking for a job. I was one of the unlucky ones who had been at a job for 5 months before I got caught, so I lost my health insurance as well as my job. I did find someone who had been in the program for longer than me, and that helped. I probably would have better luck waiting some like you had. What everone posting so far has suggested I agree completely, and just keep in mind that honesty is the best policy(as corny as it sounds). Also, remember that wherever you go, you will not be the lone ranger. I had no idea how many other nurses had been the problem in the past or were going to meetings until they showed up in meetings next to me. If you feel uncomfostable working w/ drugs, you may want to find a job where narcotics aren't used or you may feel better if you get someone else to give the drugs for you. This was one of the stipulations when I went back to work. I'll keep you in my prayers, and holler if you have questions, or if you just need to vent. Keep in close contact with your sponsor and other nurses in your group. Good luck, God bless! anne

[southern_rn_brat]

Be honest and be positive! You have ALOT to be proud of! Let that come through in your interview.