Unemployed and Monitoring Program

[Starprism888]

So, I currently still have (hopefully) 56 more weeks in my Monitoring Program. (yes, I actually have it counted down. I'm sure other people do too.) I am in a 3 year program my license limited to a very small state. During my active addiction off and on over 12 years I managed to get myself terminated from 3 major hospitals (we have 6) in the state, with no eligibility of rehire. I abused my own prescriptions for narcotics and benzos, often doctor shopped knowing the surgeons so well. After the last termination in 2014, I finally hit rock bottom. After I left rehab in 2014, I got divorced, my children went and lived with their fathers, I moved back in with my parents, got a minimum wage job, and I worked on myself. When I finally felt strong enough I started putting out applications for nursing again. Got an interview. Like others, made the mistake of telling HR I was in a monitoring program. Never received a call back. I did get a job at a Surgicenter, mainly because a friend worked there. He said he told our nurse manager of my addiction issues before I she hired me and her exact words were, "I don't care if she smokes crack, as long as she is a good nurse." I worked there for almost a year. I quit in June because they did not follow policy, correct nursing practice, unethical and illegal practices were going on. I was afraid I would lose my license working there. It just seems the limited interviews I am able to apply for (because of the small state) go very well. But once I tell them about the monitoring program, they want nothing to do with me. Has anyone else experienced this? I know If I lived in a bigger state and had a better previous employment history it would be different. I've got to figure out something because the cost of the random drug screens and regular monthly bills are piling up.

[Starprism888]

Yes, I am definitely an addict. I am lucky or maybe not, depending on how you look at it, that no one reported me to the BON during the 12 years of active addiction. I self reported while in rehab. The 3 places I was terminated from, I went to all of them impaired. It was at the beginning of my shift, so no patient care took place. But still for no one to turn me in....I think now though it would be totally different with all of the education on SUD and impaired nursing. I was actually diagnosed as bipolar in 2009. Funny thing is, since I've stopped using the bipolar symptoms are gone. I feel so much better being off the bipolar meds for over a year and a half. I think the bipolar symptoms were the constant getting high (sleeping/depression) and withdraw (mania/staying awake). But for anyone else...who is forced a whole five years in these programs for like you said the occasional pot smoker, someone who gets a DUI, or mental health problems - making them identify as an addict (which is something they are not) is not right. Especially for 5 years. I'm paying the consequences for my actions, going to work impaired. Why are you paying such stiff consequences for your actions needs to be a serious question asked to all Boards of Nursing. *Just a side note: I think that if it was legal to smoke marijuana, you wouldn't have all of this diverting narcotics, self medicating, and the general public getting addicted to narcotics, cut off by doctors and turning to heroin. Just my opinion. But then again you can't patent a plant and the government wouldn't make any money off of it...

[Starprism888]

I too am OR. Although the stress of a badly run OR is what helped out the crash and burn episode that got me here. My first job out of the gate with this ball and chain was also run like a nursery school sandbox. I am looking for something outside OR now. Its difficult considering that's all ice done for 15 years. I'm at 2 years and 11 months to go....not counting or anything.

I came out of nursing school straight to OR and I have 14 years in the OR. So, like you, I also think they see my resume and think why is she applying outside of the OR. I have lost most medication knowledge, haven't started an IV since nursing school, and other skills that med surg nurses have I have lost. I'm also a little nervous going outside of all I've ever known, but now its time for sink or swim. I need a paycheck. I've even looked into finishing my BSN, and living off student loans. But, I'm not even sure that is possible because I think you need an "unemcumbered" RN license to enroll. I meet with the dean of the college on Thursday. My license just says Valid only in "State." The difference is mine isn't Multi-state and there is no discipline or sanctions listed when you search under my name. Deciding whether to open that can of worms.

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

I have my BSN and CNOR and tried the grad school route. No go...the whole "unencumbered license" BS. I've done pre-op and some PACU as well as ER for a year in the past. I can start an IV and most of the med knowledge is there because I'm always looking stuff up. It doesn't seem to matter. I took that last job because like you, it was the only thing offered. It was truly an awful experience. Since my dirty details are plastered all over my license I will forever have to discuss my mental health with any potential employer even after my sentence is served. I will also never be able to move to another state because any other BON will see it and I risk being forced to do their program too. Even probation for convicted criminals ends at some point.