LPN license on probation;need advice

[edchunt, BSN, RN]

I am an LPN on probation with my state board. I have worked some under probation, but only temp position and I didn't get picked up @ the facility.I did get good reports from my employer though. Evals were great.I didn't miss aminute of work and did real good. I am currently in RN school and searching for work. I need four more monts of work to sucessfully complete the probation , but not having any good luck finding a job. I wonder what I could do to better my chances at getting a job. My past is haunting me .some good advice would be great right about now.I am doing everything that is required under the probation contract and am in contact with the BON regularly.

[bargainhound, RN]

You just need someone to give you a chance to prove yourself.

Be honest with anyone that you have interviews with for employment.

That will go a long way.

You can have a mutual understanding that the employment is on a

trial basis.

[Barb2000]

I work at a long term care facility that has RNs and LPNs who are on probation or under some other type of monitoring by the state board. They reported that LTC facilities seem to be more willing to give a nurse in this circumstance a chance, much more so than the area hospitals (maybe it is a liability issue with the hospitals?) Anyway, these nurses are on 5 years of monitoring, and still managed to get a job at this LTC. So, with only 4 months left on probation, this might be a place to apply (if you haven't already). Also, I heard Dr's offices are good about hiring these nurses, as they tend to not want to pay alot, and also have trouble finding nurses. So, if you can afford a paycut at a dr's office until your probation is up, it might be worth it. In the interview, I would first start out with everything you have accomplished at your previous position,and then towards the end of the interview, let them know about your probation status, and stress that they have the assurance that the state is monitoring you, and you have abided by their stipulations without any problems so far, and have proof of that. I don't know what it was that placed you on probation, and I don't want pry on that issue. But the nurses I worked with are in a recovery program for addiction, and a web site they said was helpful with employment tips is Nurses In Recovery. I wish you the best, and keep trying. Everybody makes mistakes, and the nursing board sees this and gives nurses a second chance. I am sure an employer will see this too.

[dekatn]

I agree with Barb2000, I worked at a LTC with a nurse that was on probation, she was a wonderful person and nurse, she had made a bad mistake and was paying for it. She finished her probation, we had a celebration for her and she continues to work at the very same LTC to this datethat was at least 3yrs ago. Don't give up and continue to work hard toward your goal, someone out there will give you the chance to prove yourself. Good luck.