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.
That is a good point. Just gotta get everyone on the same page. Going back to school or investing time elsewhere is a big possibility. You know prior to leaving the last job, what really made me try to find a new company was how I was treated. A friend of 22 years passed away. I called off for two days and was treated like I had no right. Its like hello, nurses are human beings too... sometimes... This profession has its challenges. I have began to question, is it worth it anymore? Thats what scares me.
If I had kids at home and a salvageable marriage, i would work around them. I'd probably build a house cleaning/private care clientele while focusing on my personal relationships.
I really think that some of these violations should not be visible after X number of years. The violations need to be rated.
Granted, I understand the BON's issue with trust and forgery, but Jesus, if she was that dishonest of a person, she would have forged prescriptions and sold them.
It was a physical. I know that isn't the point, but when someone is truly sorry and is willing to do anything to make up for it, the BON should recognize that.
That is a good point. Just gotta get everyone on the same page. Going back to school or investing time elsewhere is a big possibility. You know prior to leaving the last job, what really made me try to find a new company was how I was treated. A friend of 22 years passed away. I called off for two days and was treated like I had no right. Its like hello, nurses are human beings too... sometimes... This profession has its challenges. I have began to question, is it worth it anymore? Thats what scares me.
That should not scare you. That should empower you.
I can relate that we are not regarded as human beings, we are pack mules for the corporate master.
My MOTHER dropped dead.I needed a month off. Went all the way to the director of nursing.
She never even said "sorry for your loss". I got my month off , only when I quit. Then was told, they would be taking all my sick and personal time for it.
Nurses with stipulations and diversion charges get hired in places like psych, dialysis, some LTC facilities, call centers...if you want to stay in nursing, you may have to transition to a specialty that is comfortable working with nurses who have black marks on their records, unfortunately.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
My suggestion would be to find a place to volunteer. AIDS clinic, LTC, Psych etc......IF you are a good worker someone will notice and when an opportunity arises go for it. Also once Summer is over an flu season starts you can work flu clinics giving 200 shots a day. Here in California Shot clinics pay nurses $25/hr - that's how I make my Christmas money.
**update** I have another interview, just applied yesterday, quick call back. This may be promising. Its PRN at LTC/REHAB care facility only 10 minutes away!! If I get this I can chose my hours while focusing on other possibilities. Fingers crossed, again
**update** I have another interview, just applied yesterday, quick call back. This may be promising. Its PRN at LTC/REHAB care facility only 10 minutes away!! If I get this I can chose my hours while focusing on other possibilities. Fingers crossed, again
Good luck! So sorry to read your story. I was going to suggest dialysis nursing as a good friend does it and LOVES it- and it seems they're always in demand. Fingers crossed the interview goes well!
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.
This. I would change your career, look for other work. It's very unfortunate, especially if you are a good nurse...but it's an employer's market now and they can pick and choose. If you can relocate, that job offer that is 2 hrs away may be one of the only ones you get.
The interview went great, the ADON and Manager told me they would hire me on the spot but have to clarify with corporate... Expecting a phone call within 24-48, fingers crossed. If not, maybe its time to consider more schooling and change routes. I know I have been interviewing in fields of interest like home care and behavioral in which I lack experience but acute care/rehabilitation and LTC, I have the experience and the references. If I they wont hire me... I gotta make some big changes.
1jacque
19 Posts
That is a good point. Just gotta get everyone on the same page. Going back to school or investing time elsewhere is a big possibility. You know prior to leaving the last job, what really made me try to find a new company was how I was treated. A friend of 22 years passed away. I called off for two days and was treated like I had no right. Its like hello, nurses are human beings too... sometimes... This profession has its challenges. I have began to question, is it worth it anymore? Thats what scares me.