Nursing Career After Reprimanding

[1jacque]

I'm an RN BSN with 5 years of experience in the Cleveland/Akron, OH area reaching out to any Nurses who have or are knowledgeable of direction in career paths with a reprimand on license visible to public.

I will explain briefly, the reprimand/disciplinary action was in 2013 due to "falsifying documentation" I forged my docs name on a physical clearance form for a job. It was during a stressful time in which my position as a family practice nurse was eliminated and I was trying to find employment. I cut a corner rather than schedule a doc appt. Yes I know big mistake. It was outside of my character, I was in a state of anxiety which is no good excuse, but whats done is done. The compliance dept called my doc to verify and then when they found it was forged... reported me.

So here's where I am at. I have completed the consent agreement all while working for a long term acute care rehab center that hired me before the reprimand appeared on my license verification. I was not settled in my career path at the time and began searching for employment. An agency hired me and requested I complete the requirements... ACLS, background and drug screening... So while doing so I put in a 30 day notice with my then current employer who hired another RN within a couple weeks. Just at the end of 30 days I completed the ACLS submitted it took my vacation THEN GOT A PHONE CALL.

Another big mistake, assuming the agency had verified my license and seen the reprimand, surely, before hiring me... WRONG. 5 years of Nursing and I made the fatal mistake of assumption. The assignment specialist stated this could be a problem, but that he would submit my profile to all their companies.

The most I have been offered is a contract for a place, 2 hour drive, 12 hour shifts. Most companies have turned me down right away. I have interviewed with 5 companies outside of agency, TURNED DOWN.

I have contacted Ohio BON only to be told the reprimand will remain permanently visible and there is nothing I can do to have it removed/drop off... EVER...

I bring the documents to interviews and explain, I am upfront, and I do state my case of lesson learned, and my awareness/ regret of my poor decision.

I have been turned down from home health, behavioral health, LTACH, even LTC places. One place, a friend worked for and she even referred me! They went with the other interviewee who I am sure HAD NO REPRIMAND.

Its been over two months now, I have never been unemployed this long. I've began considering whether to change career paths all together. I feel shunned, blacklisted.. All while I have dedicated so many years of my life to caring for others. I don't know what else to do, what my next move is??

ANY ADVICE/SUGGESTIONS would be greatly appreciated. I want to add, there are no restrictions on my license.

Thank You in advance,

Jacque

[caliotter3]

Looking for another line of work might not be a bad move. There are many nurses with no black marks on their record who have no work after a year, or even two years, of looking, so you know that your road is not going to get easier any time soon. You will have more energy and resources to change your direction now than in the future, should things not turn around. Good luck.

[RN-APNstudent]

I'm really sorry to hear about your struggle. It is awful, it must seem hopeless for you at this point. I do not have much advice for you, besides just keep being honest with future employers. Explain yourself and how you recognize the mistake you made and how serious it is. I would not suggest starting a new career path but you may need to choose a different job for now until somebody hires you. Keep your head up and don't give up!

[1jacque]

I've considered other avenues. There just isn't anything else I feel very convicted about doing, but you are right. I'm not one to sit around for one to two years hoping... I gotta keep moving forward one way or another.

[Libby1987]

I think I would take the long distance contract, cheap motel it, and keep doing that until someone hired me. After getting past a probationary period, I would relocate and start over.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

Some markets may be more employee-friendly and willing to pick you up despite the bumps and bruises. In an area with plenty of nurses looking for work, your luck could remain bad for quite some time.

[1jacque]

That has been the hardest of decisions, my willingness to accept the long distance assignments. I suppose I should be grateful for any offer but having a pre-teen girl and three teenage boys makes it hard to consider uprooting. Plus my husband has an excellent job near the area and I don't think he'd be in it with me... I look at going back to school as more $$ out of our pockets, I just feel stuck and defeated which is unlike me. I'm embarrassed of my stupidity. I was actually googling "places that will hire RN with reprimand". IDK just pointlessly venting now, but thank you. Your words are encouraging I know I need to get a plan and get on it fast.

[Libby1987]

Oh, you have kids at home? That really complicates it.

You do need to think about your future and how you will support yourself. Something made you forge a signature despite your husband having an excellent job, I'm guessing something made you feel insecure?

[caliotter3]

Without necessarily going into all the details, you might want to sit your teenagers down and have a talk with them about how you need to work (or find work, or work at a distance), and you will really need to rely upon them to do their best to help matters by doing more for themselves and being responsible, etc. You would be surprised how even a 12 year old can understand when parents need their help.

[1jacque]

Yeah, I was working with United States Public Health Service in PA prior to moving back to OH. My husband and I were separated. I was back in OH working things out but living separately from the husband when my position was eliminated. So, spot on there was some insecurity going on at that time. Us Nurses are the best observers

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Stop beating yourself up to stay in a field that will PERMANENTLY mark you for one transgression.

Your husband has a good job. Seems like you have your hands full at home.

Why not take some part time work, and take a few classes? Your education is not taking money away, it's an investment in the future.

[1jacque]

Yeah, they have no idea about the reprimand. They love me being here 24/7, I am going nuts not working though! They are the most amazing responsible kids. They have been great while I go into my "office" and off to interview. The last job was 12's which were more like 15's... It was good cause I had three days off and only a 15 minute drive. But a 2 hour drive... I sacrificed enough working in USPHS to know what I am and am not willing to sacrifice these days. An hour drive I would tolerate.