Need some career advice/guidance

[Cgritz77, RN]

Hello all,

I have been a nurse since 2014. I graduated with a diploma in nursing that same year. Since then, I have not had tremendous success in this career. My first job I was at for 6 months and ended up resigning, because I was a float nurse in a hospital and it was very difficult as a new grad. After that I had about 4 other jobs that ranged from home health to long term care all of which I was terminated from for different reasons that I can honestly say did not cause patient harm, but they were minor things that built up over time. The longest I was able to maintain one of those jobs was 10 months which I know does not look good. My most recent job was in a long term acute care hospital where I was able to make it for 8 months, but I ended up resigning due to how difficult it was and I was nervous that I would again be terminated. I loved it there though, and I am very sad that I had to leave. Unfortunately, in 2017 I had a DUI. While all the state's legal terms of my probation have been fulfilled and my fines have all been paid, I am currently involved with a case against the BON in which I have a very good attorney. On top of this, I am currently going back to school online for my BSN. I am very stuck and don't know what to do. I have always had aspirations of being a nurse anesthetist or a nurse practitioner, and I want to continue to fight for my dreams, but I am so stuck. Can anyone please give me some kind advice? I realize this all sounds very bad, but please do not reply negatively. I am fully aware of my mistakes, and I need for someone to help not hurt. Thank you so much.

[TriciaJ, RN]

Unless you're really enjoying the online BSN program for its own sake, you have to realize that a BSN is not likely to further your career goals until you clean up the mess behind you.

Since the DUI has ramifications for your nursing license, in addition to having a good attorney, I would look at other ways to get ahead of this. I would get started on an alcohol treatment program and regular AA meetings. That way, if your lawyer is less than successful, you have something positive to show the BON.

If you make it through that hurdle with your license unscathed, your next step is to find whatever nursing job will hire you. Then you keep your head together and do whatever they need you to do for 2 years minimum.

Meanwhile, I'd think about exactly what it was that got in the way of any job success before now. How big a role does alcohol play in your life? Are there nursing basics that you're spotty on? Only you can figure it out. Good luck; you'll need it.

[allnurses Admin Team]

Thread has been moved to a forum where those with similar issues can respond.

[Cgritz77, RN]

1 hour ago, TriciaJ said:

Unless you're really enjoying the online BSN program for its own sake, you have to realize that a BSN is not likely to further your career goals until you clean up the mess behind you.

Since the DUI has ramifications for your nursing license, in addition to having a good attorney, I would look at other ways to get ahead of this. I would get started on an alcohol treatment program and regular AA meetings. That way, if your lawyer is less than successful, you have something positive to show the BON.

If you make it through that hurdle with your license unscathed, your next step is to find whatever nursing job will hire you. Then you keep your head together and do whatever they need you to do for 2 years minimum.

Meanwhile, I'd think about exactly what it was that got in the way of any job success before now. How big a role does alcohol play in your life? Are there nursing basics that you're spotty on? Only you can figure it out. Good luck; you'll need it.

Thank you for your reply. Alcohol does not play any role in my life. It has had nothing to do with my previous jobs. I have certainly learned my my dui mistake as I definitely don't chance it now if I've had a drink. However, with my impending judgement from the board and my online schooling, I have also not even thought about drinking. I simply don't have the time for that. So, I see the alcohol as a nonfactor. My attorney has recommended I go to AA meetings, which I plan to start doing now that I have some free time as I just resigned from my last job. He has successfully struck a deal where I will face no public reprimand and I will not have to pay for the costs of the board's investigation. He is currently trying to see if he can do more. He recommends that in the meantime I seek casual or part time employment as an RN so I will be able to focus on school and the case. Thank you very much for your reply and your advice.