Illinois RN looking for job after probation

allnurses Guide · Mar 17, 2015

I have been a nurse for 15 years, in 2010 I was caught for diverting medication. After a lengthy process my license was placed on a 3 year probation in 2012. I went through a recovery program and was successful! I now have 4 years clean and have completed my 3 years of probation. I did not practice nursing during those years and am now looking to get back into nursing. I have been looking hard for a few months now and have had very little success. I have been offered a few jobs but as soon as they find out about the probation they find creative ways to rescind their offer. I usually mention my past at the end of the interview so the potential employer does not feel like I was hiding anything. I need some hope and advice! I really am motivated to get back into nursing and just need someone to take a chance on me!

Psych facilities, Drug and Alcohol rehabs and LTC can be more forgiving when it comes to being hired. If you have a criminal record for a crime or Moral turpitude Most places that accept medicare and medicaid won't hire you because they won't get paid.

Hppy

sourapril · Mar 17, 2015

Maybe try to apply to nursing positions that don't deal with controlled substances? You can try health departments. Any type of home visiting program don't deal with medications usually. If you want to remain in hospital or doctor's office, I think it's gonna be difficult.

Trauma Columnist · Mar 18, 2015

Several local (central IL) Fresenius Dialysis Units are hiring nurses. No narcotics at all. Very recovery RN friendly.

QuietRiot · Mar 19, 2015

Psych facilities, Drug and Alcohol rehabs and LTC can be more forgiving when it comes to being hired. If you have a criminal record for a crime or Moral turpitude Most places that accept medicare and medicaid won't hire you because they won't get paid.
Hppy

I know of a person that owns a DME company that has a felony...they bill Medicare and Medicaid all the time...Medicare even licensed them..So I don't know how true that is? They are in IL and IN...

Twoyearnurse · Mar 19, 2015

Maybe she is on the OIG list due to her felony? OP please advise :)

aiaRN · Mar 21, 2015

I i found a job at a community health center. We have no narcotics and they were very supportive i had a lot if negative experinces but kept trying Until I found someone willing to give me a chance. Best job ever .

dknurse74 · Mar 21, 2015

I have had a lot of job interviews and trying to keep my searches to those places who would be more likely to hire me, LTC, rehabs, doc offices, and utilization review. I have not had much luck and really getting down about it! Not sure what else I should be doing.

NurseJustin · Mar 21, 2015

Don't give up yet. All that you have been through over the last several years is part of your story now and this difficulty finding work will be part of it all soon too. Are you committed to being in one specific geographical area or are you able to relocate? I work at Kindred in Peoria and we seem to always be in need. Fresenius here is pretty big too. As traumaRU said there are no narcs or bentos. You will find something.

dknurse74 · Mar 21, 2015

There are quite a few Kindred locations in Chicago and have applied to a lot of their job postings. Fresenius I have applied to as well, both with no luck. I am just getting frustrated and am beginning to think I will never get back into nursing. I have no restrictions on my license and am fully active. At this time I am not willing to relocate.

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2015

Could you do a refresher course? Your employment gap may be causing you almost as much grief although it sounds like you are getting interviews?

Confusedandsad · Mar 22, 2015

Can I ask what happens during your first probation meeting? I'm attempting to prepare for mine and do not know what to expect besides a possible drug test. paperwork? Background check? Any info greatly appreciated. Good luck to you!