Interviewed for a job....I think this might be it!!!

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Well, after months of searching and being turned down, I think I may have a good chance of being hired at a LTC facility. I really hope and pray this is it. I have been rejected more times in the past 6 months than I care to think about. I have even been trying to get non-nursing/office/clerical jobs but continue to be rejected. I almost decided to give up my nursing career, was so discouraged, but after being turned down for several non-nursing jobs, I decided to get back out there and pursue a nursing position. It was like a light came on in my head...that I am meant to be a nurse and just because I am an addict and I screwed up doesn't mean that I shouldn't pursue it and can't be a nurse anymore. So I went to the LTC care facilities (which I have been avoiding) and turned in applications. I had 2 interviews scheduled within an hour. I really did not want to go back to the 12 hour shifts, and I said I would never work night shifts but I just got into the right frame of mind, so desperate to go back to work, and I am at the point where I am willing to do anything!

I just laid it all out there on the table during my interview with the DON. Before we even got into the formal interview questions I told her about all of my issues and that I am an addict in the monitoring program for nurses in our state. I didn't try to sugar coat it or make excuses and I was confident in telling her about my recovery. She was very understanding and familiar with addiction and nurses in monitoring programs. She really put me at ease unlike the other interviews I've been to after I told them of my problems, the atmosphere and tone completely changed and became cold. She said that she has hired nurses in the program before and they turned out to be excellent employees. I think I nailed all of the formal interview questions as well. I was there for about an hour and a half and also met with the administrator who seemed supportive and understanding of my situation as well. I felt so good when I left. She said that she has to clear it through corporate first before she can hire me and actually called me later in the afternoon to touch base and tell me that she hadn't gotten a phone call back but promised she wouldn't leave me hanging. We then talked on the phone for another 20 minutes. She said that corporate has agreed to hire nurses in my situation in the past so it sounds like I have a good chance. Fortunately it sounds like they have had good experiences with the nurses they have hired that were in the program. AND, it is a day shift position!!

Oh I hope this is it! Please send good vibes and thoughts my way that I get this job that I so desperately need!

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Specializes in ICU.

Wow! I am praying with you! It feels great to finally have a good interview doesn't it? After all of the let downs, finally they treat you like a nurse again. I hope you get this job. And when you do, you will be so thankful, and you'll be their best nurse!

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Specializes in LTC, MDS, Education.

Sending best wishes! Remember, the best things come to those who wait. You deserve this job after all you have been through. And when they see what a great employee you are, it will encourage them to take another chance on someone else who is recovering. Please be sure to keep us posted! :yeah:

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Good luck, does help when they have had good experiences with nurses in similar situations

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Specializes in ER.

Awsome! I am so happy to hear you found something. You are such a strong person and it paid off! Good luck and keep us posted.

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Specializes in Med-Surg., Agency Nursing, LTC., MDS..

That's wonderful news ! Good luck with it ! It's a new beginning. :yeah:

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Specializes in surg/ortho/trauma- float-travel nurse-ic.

HI!! I swear I thought I was just reading about myself!!! I can't believe you just wrote my situation exactly! I'm waiting to hear about my job/offer by Thursday. Good luck...I'll send vibes and positive thoughts your way. I, too, had a wonderful experience and the woman who interviewed me said I'd be an even BETTER nurse today because of what I've been through and how I live today. Good luck...You're worth it!!!:yeah:

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Specializes in medical surgical ward and operating room.

hi....good for you....hope is the key!!!!never surrender....try your very best and if you failed it means to say you go to the next step....:yeahthat: if it is really for you it will be yours forever.....goodluck!!!:hpygrp:

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Specializes in Certified Respiratory Therapist.

That is awesome I sooo know you are going to get the job and you are going to kick a#$. :yeah: Hopefully I will be posting a similar thread, still no prospects yet but it's gona happen I can feel it!

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Specializes in Acute/ICU/LTC/Advocate/Hospice/HH/.

YEAH!!! I am so very excited for you and your potential employment. I am in the exact situation you find yourself in. I started TPAPN in 6/06 after a post-op addiction to Lortab led me to diversion of Morphine and Demerol. I had only been using for 3 months and denied my addiction to my family and myself, but followed every requirement of TPAPN and completed treatment, therapy and anything else they asked of me. Struggled with co-workers daily comments and ridicule and cried nearly everyday. Had to delay my last semester of the RN program until TPAPN said I could restart. I was tormented and judged by my classmated and instructors. Had to complete extra care plans and assignments that the other students were exempt from just to prove myself. Was fired from one job "because of my HISTORY" when a narc came up missing, even though my voluntary UDS was negative. Filed a complaint with the EEOC and after a year of investigation, the company agreed to mediation and I won back my dignity as well as a small $ settlement.

Then, 4 months shy of completing TPAPN, I had a + UDS, MRO said it was due to something I had eaten, MD, Psychiatrist and LCDC all said it was not a relapse, but I had to restart the 2 year program all over again. And none of my previous work history would count. So, I have struggled for over a year to find a job. I finally applied at the local drug rehab and had an interview on Tuesday. HR said that all the nursing positions required med administration and that would not meet the TPAPN requirements, but she was going to talk to her compliance director and see what she could do. So, I interviewed with her that same day and she was so understanding. She said "Once your on TPAPN, you are treated like a Lepar". She is currently trying to create a position as her assistance that would allow me to inservice employees, monitor infection control, revise and create policy and help them prepare for JCAHO inspection. Then after 6 months, I could go to the floor as a charge nurse and hopefully complete TPAPN in a little over a year!. Thank GOD for those who understand our struggles. Yes, Addiction is a disease, just like hypertension. But there are choices we make before, during and after diagnosis that we are accountable for. Just because I work for a Cardiologist does not make me immune to HTN, but it does give me the tools necessary to help prevent the disease progression. So, I pray for those who have it and those who don't understand it. Judge me not, for you may walk in my shoes someday and I will care for you with the respect you deserve. Good luck ALL.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

w00t! Sending positive vibes your way and to everyone looking for a job!

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Specializes in ICU.
YEAH!!! I am so very excited for you and your potential employment. I am in the exact situation you find yourself in. I started TPAPN in 6/06 after a post-op addiction to Lortab led me to diversion of Morphine and Demerol. I had only been using for 3 months and denied my addiction to my family and myself, but followed every requirement of TPAPN and completed treatment, therapy and anything else they asked of me. Struggled with co-workers daily comments and ridicule and cried nearly everyday. Had to delay my last semester of the RN program until TPAPN said I could restart. I was tormented and judged by my classmated and instructors. Had to complete extra care plans and assignments that the other students were exempt from just to prove myself. Was fired from one job "because of my HISTORY" when a narc came up missing, even though my voluntary UDS was negative. Filed a complaint with the EEOC and after a year of investigation, the company agreed to mediation and I won back my dignity as well as a small $ settlement.

Then, 4 months shy of completing TPAPN, I had a + UDS, MRO said it was due to something I had eaten, MD, Psychiatrist and LCDC all said it was not a relapse, but I had to restart the 2 year program all over again. And none of my previous work history would count. So, I have struggled for over a year to find a job. I finally applied at the local drug rehab and had an interview on Tuesday. HR said that all the nursing positions required med administration and that would not meet the TPAPN requirements, but she was going to talk to her compliance director and see what she could do. So, I interviewed with her that same day and she was so understanding. She said "Once your on TPAPN, you are treated like a Lepar". She is currently trying to create a position as her assistance that would allow me to inservice employees, monitor infection control, revise and create policy and help them prepare for JCAHO inspection. Then after 6 months, I could go to the floor as a charge nurse and hopefully complete TPAPN in a little over a year!. Thank GOD for those who understand our struggles. Yes, Addiction is a disease, just like hypertension. But there are choices we make before, during and after diagnosis that we are accountable for. Just because I work for a Cardiologist does not make me immune to HTN, but it does give me the tools necessary to help prevent the disease progression. So, I pray for those who have it and those who don't understand it. Judge me not, for you may walk in my shoes someday and I will care for you with the respect you deserve. Good luck ALL.

Good luck with all of this! I went through the same thing, but am lucky that i have been done with this! You know, be careful, because after 6 months you think they will automatically lift your narc restriction, they may not. They may ask you to work 6 months on the floor, bedside nursing, before they lift it. I've seen it happen. Just thought I would let you know. Specially since this is your second time. I also see them reinstating the restriction after you have been off of it,, if you get a new job,, they will do it for like another 3 months, which is very very inconvenient!

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