I need feedback plz

jackstem · Jul 21, 2009

Well the good news is I am allowed to start looking for a job!!!! WOOHOO....so now the terrifying part,the interviews!
What I need feedback on is how to answer about almost three years of not working as a nurse so I had time to truly get a handle on my addiction and clear my head. I fully plan on divulging my addiction history and all the steps taken to work back to sobriety,I just would like to know how others have explained it....start interviews tuesday

We have a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disease. The target organ is the brain and unhealthy and inappropriate emotions and actions are the result. Recovery is possible (as you and others here have proven), and return to the practice of nursing as a nurse with some amazing new tools gained through your unique experiences. You are bringing a new strength to your practice which provides your patients with a new empathy and compassion unique to recovering providers. You are also providing the addict who still suffers with proof that treatment works and that recovery is possible.

Read this excellent article titled: "Recovery as a Heroic Journey"

It takes guts and hard work to do what you have done. You have no reason to feel ashamed.

Jack

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2009

What he said.... plus....

Don't ever tell the recruiter or HR... only divulge to the manager that is hiring you. If you tell anyone before this, you won't get past them. You might have to go on several if not MANY interviews before getting a job, however, you may get a job real quick. I have seen it happen both ways. In my own experience, it took somewhere around20 or so interviews... can hardly remember it was so long ago and there were so many.

Also, don't feel discouraged if you don't get a job right away. Think about how the interview went and use it as a learning experience. Interview experience first hand. You will get the hang of it by the third or fourth interview (if you have to go that far).

Good luck!!

LilRedRN1973 · Jul 22, 2009

For me, when to divulge information regarding my recovery, etc. came at different times with different interviews. I just knew when the appropriate time was at each interview session. When I called to set up an interview at my new job, he said he noticed I had gone from ICU to dialysis and politely asked why I made such a drastic change. I explained my situation as succinctly as I could and then inquired whether it affected my ability to get an interview. He said it was no problem and then during my interview, I discussed in further detail the circumstances surrounding the loss of my license and my journey into recovery. I emphasized that my addiction and subsequent sobriety would enable me to have empathy for some of their patient population (the job is at an outpatient psychiatric medication clinic where they deal with a lot of dual-diagnosis, addiction, etc.). I stated that my experience with addiction helped me understand some of the thinking and behavior exhibited by many of their patients. In the end, it was my addiction and subsequent sobriety/recovery that helped me get the job over another applicant with psych experience (I have none).

I do agree that sharing that information with recruiters/HR is probably not beneficial, unless directly asked. Ultimately, if it is not against the facility's policy to hire a nurse in recovery/being monitored, it should be up to that unit's supervisor about whether he/she wants to have you on their team. I know in my area, that is how it seems to happen. I have been upfront at both places I've worked since being granted my restricted license and they have had no problem with hiring me. I feel as though my journey through addiction and being in recovery has been a plus, not a minus. Alas, with my restrictions, it DOES make it slightly more difficult to find places to work!

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2009

Let me just say one more thing... Once you've successfully completed the program and have no marks on your license, it is NOT in your best interest to divulge your medical problems to the interviewer. I just wanted to clear my opinion up here because on another thread there's a slightly different question.

chances-r · Jul 23, 2009

What he said.... plus....
Don't ever tell the recruiter or HR... only divulge to the manager that is hiring you. If you tell anyone before this, you won't get past them. You might have to go on several if not MANY interviews before getting a job, however, you may get a job real quick. I have seen it happen both ways. In my own experience, it took somewhere around20 or so interviews... can hardly remember it was so long ago and there were so many.
Also, don't feel discouraged if you don't get a job right away. Think about how the interview went and use it as a learning experience. Interview experience first hand. You will get the hang of it by the third or fourth interview (if you have to go that far).
Good luck!!

To Need Feedback : I agree with Magsulfate : if you are deaing with a recruiter DO NOT divulge . As for HR : when you are interviewing you will get "a feel" if it is the right time to tell . You might ask around to see if the hospital is friendly to nurses in recovery. If not don't waste your time ; they will come up with an excuse not to hire . I learned the hard way how to approach the subject , but you have come this far and there is a job out there for you !!! After many interviews this is what I feel landed me my upcoming job : Do your homework and make them want you as an employee. At first I would tell them I was in a recovery program and got negative results or promises but no call backs . I changed my presentation : Along with all the necessary documents ; ID , SS card , nursing license , ACLS etc ... I brought an envelope with my recovery contract and a letter that stated - This CONFIDENTIAL letter is to inform you as a prospective employer that I am a participant in a recovery program. My case manager is ******* and her phone number is ********** my facilitator is ****** and you may call her at ******** .If you have any questions please call the above numbers. I did this when it seemed I was being seriously considered for the position = not as part of an "initial interview".

I found this was very well received and taken as a sign of honesty and openness. Please remember the economy and other factors make finding a job hard these days. We have an even higher bar to jump over . Do not give up ! Keep your faith and your word . You are a nurse and you can make a difference !!!!!

sheilagh · Jul 23, 2009

:yeah:Just for the record,you guys are awesome! I always know I will have honest feedback,and generally take away a little something every time I visit this board. I haven't got any call backs yet,just lots of applications in,so we will wait and see. But I will wait until I am speaking to the Interviewer,not h.r,to discuss my addiction history and how I have grown as a nurse and a person because of it.

I just know if I have to look at another french fry again I will scream!!!(I've been waiting tables....aarrrrggghh) :bugeyes:

I will let y'all know what happens....

Code55 · Dec 31, 2009

I'm new to this online support group and really like it in addressing recovery in nursing.

This is a great post. You guys have some really good suggestions about this scary job hunting thing. After 2 years of being out of nursing and on a monitoring program, it past time to look for work in nursing. I've got a solid foot in recovery now so I will really see how strong of a program I've got. I need to get back into nursing because 1. I love it and 2. I need to come full circle.

Like most of you, I've never had to face an issue like this. I've been in leadership positions and have really good annual evals before I got fired as a result of my addiction. (Mind you, I self reported and subsequently informed my employer.) The red carpet was always thrown down for me to come to work for them. It seems its just the opposite these days. I've applied for about 10-15 jobs and 1 interview, and I got to say its starting to get depressing. Sounds like I'm going to have to kick it up a notch or two and start hitting the pavement and becoming more aggressive.

I like the suggestion about "reason for leave" a job: "would like to discuss in person." This a real tricky because this response has negative connotation to it but perhaps better than "terminated."

I've read a couple of suggestions regarding handling these tough questions. I'd love to hear some more about what to say and not to say about pre-recovery and how much to say and what not to say and when to say it.

You guys have given me encouragement and hope. Keep it coming. Thanks guys!