I really could use some advice

[nursypoo62]

I am a 41 yr old single mother of two. I have been an lpn since 1988. I have been in recovery for addiction for 13 months.My license is currently on probation with no limits. I also have a felony-I overdosed at work in a nursing home and got charged with possession. I have been working for an agency for about two months and will only go to hospitals because I deem them safer for me. There are no hours right now for me, I turn down offers for nursing homes, I place my life and my recovery first. I have been applying to various positions and am willing to travel. I am trying not to get discouraged but I am getting no where. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get a job??? Friends tell me to get out of nursing but I won't-yet.

Thank you all very much---Lisa:confused:

[jadednurse]

You have been in recovery for 13 months...good for you! It has got to be extremely hard to go back to nursing after what has happened. Good for you for having the courage!

Looks like you are new to allnurses...welcome.

There have been numerous threads regarding addiction. Try using the search function (upper right hand corner of your screen) to read some of the previous discussions. You will find that allnurses has some wonderful people and is a great place to learn and grow.

Hang in there and good luck to you!

[BarbPick]

I have had some expereince with nurses in your situation. In Florida, we have the IPN, intervention project for nurses. I have shared my time with nurses going through this and it has been worth every minute.

Florida doesn't allow nurses on probation to work for an agency. They must have direct supervision. You need to move on with your life and get on staff someplace. You have no restrictions on your license, so you are ahead of the game.

The most important point I can share with you is that you are not alone. One out of three nurses have a substance abuse problem or history of one.

Give Nursing management some credit. Chances are the nurse right next to you at work is in some kind of program.

I hear your fear of nursing homes, they were not the problem, your addiction was. People can divert from anywhere.

Maybe you can apply for a position in addiction treatment, or Corrections Nursing, Passing meds on the ward.

See if there is a nursing AA group in your area. I feel AA is better than NA. Your 13 months in recovery is a ticket to this kind of nursing care, and you will receive the support that others in you care get. Send me personal messages if you care to talk.