On Probation having difficulty finding employment

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics, ER, Home Health, Rehab.

I am an LPN/RN graduate recently put on a 2 year probation for an incident that happened 1 1/2 years ago and the probation doesn't start until after I start working as a nurse again. With all of the restrictions placed on my license at this time I am having a hard time finding a job. I have been an LPN for 14 years and have never been through this before and am overwhelmed. My probation has nothing to do with my nursing abilities as I consider myself a good nurse, always on time, never call off, and really care for my patients. I live in the Cincinnati area, actually Hamilton, Ohio so if anyone knows of any possibilities of employment for me in that area please let me know. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. :confused::confused::bluecry1::confused::confused::bluecry1:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I am not in Ohio, but I do have experience finding a job with restrictions. The best advice that I can give you is to go and apply EVERYWHERE. Get out of the house at 9am every morning,, dressed like you're going to an interview. Get out there and pound the pavement. Show your face to those nursing managers, show them what a good person you are.

You will get experience in interviewing. You will get turned down. You will LEARN how to approach the nurse manager with your probationary status,, and... you WILL get a job. It might not be the perfect job, at the perfect place, but it will be a job. You need to be working, to work through your probationary period. Even if it is at a nsg home, or a place where you thought you would NEVER work, apply there, talk to the manager, the hiring authority.

And whatever you do, don't feel sorry for yourself. You need to project confidence. Know that you messed up, but also know that you are better than that. Know that you are a good nurse and show them.

Don't even worry about sending applications over the internet,, get out of the house and apply everywhere.. I can't stress that enough.

Good luck! And let us know how it turns out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg., Agency Nursing, LTC., MDS..

Excellent advice ! I'm going through a similiar experience. Not having worked since April,I've been having difficulty determining what to say to prospective employers about,"Why did you leave?" And,the truth is, I was "let go",due to my many addiction related absences. The first few opportunities,I kind of viewed as practice runs. I applied at a couple of places that I really was'nt interested in wholeheartedly,but needed to get out there and market myself and then whatever happens,... happens. You have a chance to show your new and improved attitude. I'm not in your exact situation,but I know.... how you feel. And, so will your new employer. Change those negative tapes that we play in our heads. Good Luck !!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
Excellent advice ! I'm going through a similiar experience. Not having worked since April,I've been having difficulty determining what to say to prospective employers about,"Why did you leave?" And,the truth is, I was "let go",due to my many addiction related absences. The first few opportunities,I kind of viewed as practice runs. I applied at a couple of places that I really was'nt interested in wholeheartedly,but needed to get out there and market myself and then whatever happens,... happens. You have a chance to show your new and improved attitude. I'm not in your exact situation,but I know.... how you feel. And, so will your new employer. Change those negative tapes that we play in our heads. Good Luck !!

For me, LTC was a place for me to cool my heels, and work thru the probation time and constraints ..... I was lucky enough to get a job as facility nurse assessor, doing the MDS and LTCmi assessment reports. It was administrative, very little, if non clinical.. There is a big demand, and getting bigger.... with us aging baby boomers putting a strain on the LTC market.. Good luck :heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×

my best advice is to IN PERSON let the interveiwer know what happened. Fill out the applications and answer truthfully all...but don't fill in what you don't have too meaning save what you can to tell in person. I also advise putting on the app 'would like the opportunity to disscuss this in person.' That shows you want to have some privacy which is understandable AND gets your foot in the door a little better I think. In person is so much better than some stranger spilling their guts on paper and lets face it on paper it all looks bad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg and home health.

Iread with some relief this link/problem. I too am there and have not been able to find a job. The advice is excellent and instead of "hiding" waiting for probation to end I too am going to apply "everywhere" and be upfront and professional for I too feel I am a great RN with alot to offer and hope and pray staying in recovery, my life/career can begin again. Best to All !

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Network, network, network. Leave no stone unturned, be it across town, or across the country. Use those fourteen years of experience to your advantage no matter how they ended. You can and will be successful. Best of luck! And remeber, 90% of luck is planing and perseverance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion