need help with employment in Ohio

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I just started my 6 month period of my license being inactive,got about 4 months to go.I went through out patient treatment,I'm in the random drug screen program,and I attend AA and NA meetings every week.I have not worked since April.I don"t know what to say when I'm appling for a job,do I tell them something like I'm getting out of nursing,or do I tell them of my situation and hope for the best? There aren't any nurse support groups in my area.My monitoring agent suggested I try getting hired at a hospital as a nurse assistant. Has anyone had success with that? Would anyone like to offer thier thoughts? I really could use some help.

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Specializes in Geriatric/LTC/Home Care.

I have been in that situation as well here in MI. I went through HPRP which is for recovering addicts in the health field. I do not know if your nurse assistants need to be certified but that is why I could not get a job as an aide/assistant. As far as what to say that is tough, during recovery you are taught to be honest and open which is what I tried to do and it worked to a point. I did get a couple of jobs while in recovery and my license was only on probation. But also I was denied as well until the status of my license was cleared. My case manager basically told me to be truthful because I needed prior approval for any job I got in nursing and "most" facilities would be willing to hire and the numerous paperwork that HPRP needed done. Which in my opinion is bull

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

I no longer practice but I live in Ohio and am the peer assistance advisor for CRNAs in Ohio.

My first question, did you make a disability claim? You are entitled to your disability coverage unless the policy specifically states substance abuse is not covered. Yes, the insurance company will tell you you're not covered. As a CRNA and attorney I have contact with says...they will lie to you about the coverage. They know we feel guilty as hell when it comes to this whole topic. Pursue the legal rights you have for disability coverage. By receiving disability payments you can focus on your recovery. The first year is so important in establishing a solid program and enabling you to deal with the stress of returning to the work force.

Second question, were you fired as a result of diversion? Even though you may have been fired, your disability insurance may still be in effect. Contact me for additional info in that respect. Better yet talk with an attorney familiar with nursing law and issues.

If you were arrested and/or prosecuted, or have a plea bargain in place, any prospective employer who performs a background check will discover your record. If you withhold the information regarding your record, they most likely will fire you for lying on your application and during your interview. If you have no criminal record, you are not obligated to tell any potential employer about your treatment. They are also specifically prohibited from asking you about addiction or alcoholism (ADA) in your past.

Information from the Federal Government about the ADA and your rights:

http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/govpubs/phd1091/

Rights

In general, these employers

  • May not deny a job to or fire a person because he or she is in treatment or in recovery from a substance use disorder, unless the person's disorder would prevent safe and competent job performance.
  • Must provide "reasonable accommodations," when needed, to enable those with a disability to perform their job duties. Changing work hours to let an employee attend treatment is one kind of a reasonable accommodation. (But if an accommodation would cause the employer undue hardship--significant difficulty or expense--it is not required.)
  • Must keep confidential any medical-related information they discover about a job applicant or employee, including information about a past or present substance use disorder.

Limits

The non-discrimination laws protect only applicants and employees qualified for the job who currently are not engaging in the illegal use of drugs.

  • "Qualified" means that a person meets the basic qualification requirements for the job, and is able to perform its essential functions--fundamental duties--with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  • Remember: people who pose a direct threat to health or safety, or have committed misconduct warranting job discipline, including termination, are not protected.

Also

"Before making a job offer, employers may not ask:

  • Questions about whether a job applicant has or has had a disability, or about the nature or severity of an applicant's disability. Pre-offer medical examinations also are illegal.
  • Whether a job applicant is or has ever abused or been addicted to drugs or alcohol, or if the applicant is being treated by a substance abuse rehabilitation program, or has received such treatment in the past.

Employers may ask job applicants:

  • Whether the applicant currently is using drugs illegally
  • Whether the applicant drinks alcohol
  • Whether the applicant can perform the duties of the job."

Having said all of that, I recommend you be up front with any potential employer. I was rejected for several jobs because of my history (although they gave me other "reasons"), but I was also hired because I was up front and open. Something to consider.

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Thank you for the reply.

I'd like to talk more with you,but don't know how to contact you directly. Please advise.

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Hi Jim53. Click on his name, and you can send a message or email him.:smokin:

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

To send pm or email you need 15 posts to your name

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

I guess I better get posting then!

Thanks!

Jack

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LOL. Happy to see that your sense of humor is intact! Rock on.:up:

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

A sense of humor is one of the few mental faculties still intact. Hypoxia can be detrimental to neurological functioning. Having been a lady partsl breech delivery probably explains a great deal as well. (How many more posts do I need? :D :chuckle)

Jack

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Keep 'em coming, and you will have enough posts soon. I laugh so much, it hurts at times. This occurred when I had my "Spiritual Awakening", and realized that I never had to take another drink of alcohol if I followed the suggestions of AA. 20 months so far, one day at a time here in Alvarado TX.:clown:

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Keep on applying. I went to 2 interviews a day for a month or more before I finally got a job. Just remember, keep it honest. I didn't bring the subject up to HR. I waited until I was able to speak to the manager. When at the interview, I kept my conversation about recovery, short , posative and to the point. You can't pass on what you don't have. If you are in good recovery and your life has changed, it will show. If you are BS'ing, they will know. I'm suprised your not going to more meeting. Be sure you have a sponsor, (I recomend one that uses the Big Book"), and bring the subjuct up at meetings. That is what the meetings are for. Always, One day at a time.

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Specializes in Impaired Nurse Advocate, CRNA, ER,.

Twenty months!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! :yeah:

Thirteen+ years for me, but they happened one day at a time. I have so much "less" now, while really having so much more. In June of 1990, I never could have hoped for who I am today. Glad you're here to share your E,S,H!

Big Hugs from Cincinnati!

Jack

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