I need advice

[keywhite8]

I am a participant in Intervention Program for nurses in Florida and have been released to return to work. I have restrictions for passing and counting narcotic medications and am fine with all they have required of me. I am so thankful for their help with my addiction. My question is now that I can return to work, what and how can I get a job and what suggestions do you have on where to apply. Thank you for any suggestions.

[nurseboudin]

Hi there!

I am also a nurse in a recovery program in Texas. I haven't really had to look for a job, but a lot of people in my nurse's support group have. So far here is what I have learned.

Some of the bigger county hospitals are peer support friendly - ask the nurse recruiters about hiring you. Depending on your field, you may be okay with the narc restrictions, but a lot of hospitals won't be. Day surgery units might be a great option - intake assessments, pre-op and post-op teaching, not a lot of narcotics in pre-op... And then there is always long term care (I have always found this a lot more stressful than any hospital job though - think about it) LTC seems to be a magnet for nurses in recovery, due to the staffing problems.

And when you are looking and engaging potential employers remember this:

1. Immediately disclose that you are a nurse in participating in your state's peer support program and ask if that is a problem. Tell them if they would like to discuss it in the interview you would be happy to share with them your story. (This form of honesty might alleviate some suspicions (ie, I wonder what he/ she did?) Many places won't call you back, but a few will. These are the employers you want to work for anyway. You need all the support you can get in recovery. It's freaking hard to recover.

2. Be open minded. You are in recovery. If your field is in critical care, you may have to revisit that and choose to be in an environment that is less stressful. Being in recovery and having your hands all over narcotics might tempt you. Once you've had a little sober time, you might fair a lot better.

3. Look everywhere. Don't limit yourself. You may have to take a job that you don't really want, but remember that the most rewarding parts of your day will be spent working on your recovery, not your job.

4. Find an AA/ NA group for nurses in your area. Great networking there.

5. Put your recovery first in anything and everything that you do. Find a job that will be good for your recovery - not one that will add on to the stressors of getting and staying sober.

I wish you the best of luck. Getting sober can be the most wonderful experience of your life. Just remember that without your sobriety, any job you get will be a waste of time. A resume of burned bridges looks like you chronically relapse. If this has been your experience, share that too. Without honesty, sobriety is pointless.

Best wishes and happy hunting.

[keywhite8]

Thank you nurseboudin for your reply. It was very informative and reassuring. Thanks again.