New Grad with IPN contract

tyvin, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

What you need to do is ask who ever you report to at the IPN program. I take it IPN means Impaired Nurse Program...if not what does it mean. I looked up a few articles on it and whenever the nurse is in an IPN program it's usually the program that notifies the employer to discuss what options are available for the nurse and to work with the employer and the program. Was it voluntary? Have you discussed with the program that you've got your license and what to do if hired?

Going into an graduate program is the same as being employed if they're paying you. You've got to let the IPN person know and take their advice on how to proceed. Point out that you weren't diverting drugs at work, or caught at work drunk.

These programs have become more popular over the last 10 years and almost every state has one for all levels of healthcare. Is it your nursing board that runs the program?

Once you have something like this it's often hard to grasp what a fatal mistake you've made. I talk from experience with my single DUI that was in 1986. I live in a state where they will not expunge DUIs (I'm getting it pardoned). I'm planning on moving to another state and I fear retaliation for my mistake by rejection of endorsement of my RN license. I've already delayed moving for over a year now due to the length it takes for something to get pardoned.

I feel ya and I feel for you...when all is said and done; if they don't require you to tell them, I wouldn't...let sleeping dogs lie. Yet, in this case you must make sure you are OK and have identified and dealt with the concerns that got you into 2 DUIs.

curr987 · Dec 17, 2014

IPN stands for Intervention Project for Nurses. Yes it is a program for nurses that have addiction or substance problems. My dui's were two years before i was ever licensed as a nurse and trust me I have paid dearly for them and ever since the last one chose to not drink anymore out of choice before ever being put in this program. As to IPN's policy , only your direct supervisor must be aware of your involvement in IPN because they have to fill out quarterly evals. I don't know where Human Resources comes in to place in the hiring process for new grad programs. I just don't want to be deceitful but at the same time don't want this IPN program to determine who i am because trust me its not. I made some very poor decisions a few years ago to drink and drive, I have never been a drug addict or taken drugs other than drinking while in college, I was younger and have turned my life around.

catmom1, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

Do NOT say anything to HR if you can avoid it without lying. You will be shot down before you even get an interview.

Catmom :paw:

tyvin, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

Oh, believe me, at the age of 60 I know exactly what you're talking about. I would discuss it with the person you're closest to in the program who has authority to make that call after you've been accepted into the grad program. Human Resources (HR). It's none of HR's business and could result is discrimination that get's you ousted from being considered from the grad program.

They've called you for the first round of interviews; most programs have 2 to 3 interviews before they decide. I would most likely go to the first interview and see if they call you for a second. When and if they choose you for the grad program than tell your IPN program when you find out who you direct supervisor is at the grad program.

Look, I made some bad decisions before I became an RN and I'm here to tell you that everyone has a skeleton or two in their closet. I look at this like the person in a wheelchair who interviews over the phone and everything is great until you tell them you're in a wheelchair...instant silence and er ah oh...than ending their pain by saying thank you for the opportunity but I think we're not a good fit. The RN job was a desk job...

You are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Research ADA, Chapter 4: Substance Abuse under the ADA. You are covered because you are in a program to help yourself (others qualify under different circumstances). In other words you don't have to tell the grad program but you need to comply with the IPN program until it's finished. So go to the first interview and the others if they happen and than if they choose you for the grad program than have IPN supervisor contact your direct supervisor in the grad program (or however the IPN would proceed at that point).

This doesn't have to follow you for the rest of your life. Know your rights and research the laws, especially of the ADA!

Good luck to you and go and live your life without fear... :yes:

BlessesRN_2011 · Dec 18, 2014

If you are not required by your contract to disclose your status, DO NOT SAY ANYTHING! Cat is right, you will not even be given a second look.

This is the day The Lord has made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it.

curr987 · Dec 18, 2014

Only my direct supervisor must be aware that I am in contract with IPN. Im just not sure how new grad programs work and who I would tell when it is even time to before I start working if I got the job. And from my understanding if I am offered the job and take it and then tell them I'm in IPN they cannot legally recant the offer. By the way is it really this bad for someone with a 2 year contract with no key restrictions? There has to be hospitals out here that will hire them???

curr987 · Dec 18, 2014

So if I get offered a job without them knowing that I'm in IPN and take it and then tell my direct supervisor about the program , they can't legally hold it against me?? Your words of encouragement and advice have really put some joy into my eyes. All i want to do is to start a career that Im so excited about but its hard to when you feel like you have a monkey on your back from the get go. I just hope something like this doesn't hold me back from a decent hospital.

TXRNC · Dec 18, 2014

Most hospitals won't touch someone in recovery unless you have a friend in the right place.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Dec 18, 2014

Do NOT say anything to HR if you can avoid it without lying. You will be shot down before you even get an interview.
Catmom :paw:

Amen Cat!! I agree - I got shot down when applying for a job - after that I followed Cat's advice and I did get my foot in the door.

Good luck!

Anne, RNC

KDCRNBSN · Dec 18, 2014

Maybe no the knows the answer but why is it that HR and Nurse Managers are hesitant when you disclose the monitoring contract? the purpose of the contract is so that the nurse can practice safely ... The contract should not prevent us from practicing it should help us attain employment Right?

curr987 · Dec 18, 2014

I would think so , but it seems as if everyone looks upon it as the devil. I am just trying to get in the door without being judged by something in my past 2 and half years ago.