On Probation-Can I Be a Dialysis Clinical Manager?

[RNZenpeaceful]

I am in the last 10 months of my 3 year probation with the Pa Disciplinary Monitoring Unit. My license was suspeneded for 3 years, during which time I was fortunate enough to find a position as a Drug Safety Associate. However, once my license was back, I wanted to return to nursing, so I applied to literally hundreds of hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. No one was willing to hire me because of my on probation status and also because of the tanking economy in this area of the country. After a year, I was hired by a dialysis clinic in a very poor clinic, and I've did very well-the Facility Administrator promoted me to Charge Nurse and gave me additional responsibilites, as well as a modest raise. Although I am very grateful for all of this, the job itself is difficult for a number of reasons. Many, but certainly not all of the Patient Care Techs are lazy with no work ethic-there are constant call-outs, complaining, fighting, people taking long breaks, talking on their cell phones/using the computer for non-work-related things, and more. Miraculously, the FA has told me that every one of the PCTs has mentioned how much they like working with me and how hard I work (that is because I do alot of THEIR work-I am so afraid of losing this job that I work non-stop and constantly do things like stock the floor and put on/take off patients...) Also, since the hourly pay is so low, I have had to pick up additional shifts at other clinics. Third, the hours are incredibly LONG (05:00 am until 10:00 pm). I've been at this clinic for 15 months.

Fast forward to last week, when out of the blue a recruiter called me to see if I would be interested in a position as a Clinical Manager for another dialysis clinic. I had a phone interview, then took an on-line test, which was folllowed by a 2 hour face-to-face interview. My four references were checked, and now the Regional Manager want to interview me! All of this is wonderful, except for one little thing-no one except for the recruiter knows about my "on probation" status. Apparently, she keeps trying to reach the person with whom I interviewed to let her know, but has not been able to talk with this person. I do not want to interview with the Regional Manager unless he/she knows about my status-and I do not want to bring it up during the interview...this is so awkward! I would love to have a regular Mon-Fri 9-5 job so that I can be with my daughter in the evenings-I really hate leaving her alone ( I have been a single parent for over 12 years now). She is 15 and too old for a babysitter but I had leaving when she is asleep and returning when she is asleep again! Also, I don't yet know what the pay is for this new position, but I imagine that it must be much better than my current salary. Also, I am horribly afraid that my DMU Case Manager will not allow me to accept this position while I am on probation.

Does anyone have any advice about this situation? Anyone know if I can accept a position as Clinical Manager of a dialysis clinic while on probation? I would appreciate any insight or suggestions. Thanks!

[AimeepawsRN]

I have seen the case managers decide case by case. Yes, in my peer assistance,I have seen a few make manager. Of course, you need to be one hundred percent compliant with the program. :):) Good luck!!!

[TXRN2]

if i were you, i would contact my case manager- since she is the one who will approve or disapprove this position for you. then you will know whether or not it is necessary to inform the others of your probationary status. best of luck!! i work in dialysis, so i know how grueling it is-but am likewise grateful just to have a job!

[rnbob]

Go get it!! But wait until very late in the process-after they are sold on you, and you on them, to advise them of your probationary status, after all it doesn't impact your ability to perform the job, and you shouldn't be divulging your probationary status to just anyone. I agree with the writer who suggested you get prior approval from the Board, which should be easy.

Best of luck to you, and to your daughter who needs you even more at this age.

[luvche]

In our peer we may not be in a role to supervise other nurses, make schedules, or make hiring/firing decisions. However, I hae seen a peer nurse, near the end of their term, be able to be charge nurse. So i assume he got special permission. being he was a few months away from completing

[Dixiecup]

I was an ADON in LTC almost the whole time I was on probation. I live in Missouri.

[jackstem]

What does your consent agreement or contract state? It should be spelled out what restrictions have been placed on your ability to practice while in the program. TXRN2 recommended contacting your case manager. If the decision is up to her, then why not go straight to the person who makes the decision? As for...

I am horribly afraid that my DMU Case Manager will not allow me to accept this position while I am on probation.

Take a deep breath and know that it's possible they may do just that, but that you won't die and you don't have to use if that should be the case. We have a tendency to "catastrophize" things that "might" happen which only serves to get us completely out of wack! Take it one day at a time and keep working your program. Your Higher Power will take you where you need to go.

Good luck.

Jack