getting a job with a narc restriction

Nurses Recovery

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Does anyone have a suggestion for the best hope of getting hired with a narcotics restriction? Its only for 6 months and I have been clean for 3 years, however, I did not practice nursing during that time because I wanted to be sure I was stable before trying to take care of others. Now I am ready an the double whammy is making it hard to find work. I have sent out my resume to like 20 places and gotten a handful of replies, but once I tell my "story" you can hear the brakes squeal over the phone. Any ideas? I am new to this site and I have found a lot of solace in this forum. Thank you.

Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/Ortho/Psych.

Be honest. Pray and ask for guidance. You may not want to go into every detail. Don't offer anymore information than what is asked of you. When you are asked, focus on all the wonderful things you are doing in your recovery NOW. Talk about the good things you do today. Fake it till you make it. This too shall pass. Maybe the places that aren't hiring you are not the one for you. Have faith.

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Keep applying. It takes a LONG time. I didn't tell them until I interviewed. It seemed if HR, knew first, the application never made it to the manager. Be sure you don't give a drunk log to the manager, focus on the positive changes in your life. Talk in up beat manner, talk about how you are helping others in recovery. Also , be sure to highlight your skills, let them know how your skills are valuable. Good luck, say a prayer before you go into and interview. Ask for help, willingness to be humble when necassary, get up from the prayer and expect results. The promisis do come true. Hang in there.

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Specializes in n/a.

Like the last poster I am also on methadone but for chronic pain. It is an extremely low dose 2.5 mg every 8 hours. It does not interfere in my ability to be an EMT in NY state even at the intermediate level; but I am starting nursing school later this month and we start clinicals our very first week. It was listed on my health form but do I need to let the teachers know also?

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Specializes in n/a.

A medication and allergy section was on my college physical form that the doctor had to fill out. I still do not know the answer. I am going to ask the school health center when I turn in my physical if I need to let the instructors know. If I am not required to I probably will anyways just because I do have other medical problems and it is not listed on my medic alert bracelet. I just don't want it to affect my clinicals or be judged because of it.

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Hello. I am not an RN. I am asking this question in regard to my niece, who is an RN. I found out something by accident while surfing the web. I have known for some time that my niece is a recreational pot user. I do not approve, but she is an adult and has to make her own choices, right or wrong. I found out that she tested positve during a random drug screen. I am heart sick. I feel like slapping her and hugging her at the same time. She is a traveling nurse who would like to come back to her home town some day. She is such a good nurse! I watched as she flew home during the holidays to give hospice care to a family member. She worked so hard and so long to get where she is! Can some one translate this into laymans terms? She does not know I know so I can't ask her..

"It was moved and seconded the Board find the respondent guilty of violating NRS 632.320 (7) unprofessional conduct, and NAC 632.890 (11) positive drug screen as condition of employment. It was moved and seconded the Board reprimand the respondent. It was moved and seconded the Board order the disciplinary action become part of the respondent's permanent record

and be published and reported to all appropriate agencies".

Does this mean she will lose her license or possibly not be able to work once she comes home as her licnese here has lapsed? I have ben reading the posts here and I have a feeling her days as a nurse may be coming to a close :-( Thanks for letting me ask here.

This statute means:

1. she was found guilty of unprofessional conduct (testing positive).

2. She was punished (how I don't know...could be losing her job, or her license, not sure).

3. Whatever punishment she received/receives will be on her record permanently.

Most states (all?) have a nurse recovery program which will allow her to keep her license if she complies with certain requirements (NA meetings, random drug screens, not giving narcotics, etc...not all WILL apply, these are just some that could apply). Essentially she could have a restricted license or it could be taken away. Hard to know until the board of nursing evaluates the case and makes a decision on it.

Best thing she can do is to be absolutely honest and be willing to comply with whatever stipulations the board makes--assuming of course that she wants to remain a nurse.

Best of luck to you and your family!

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