Possible job not using license

[OhioRN1234]

I found a posting for a 'clinical liaison" position that required "three years medical sales/patient interaction and BS or BA" with a very vague job description. I applied and had an interview the other day. A medical device company is testing out a new position where I would be responsible for explaining the process these patients will go through, support their doctors/families/themselves through lengthy medical changes. They are not using me as a nurse or billing me as one. No registered nurse title anywhere.

Apparently there is a lot of miscommunication between the company, drs. offices, hospitals, patients, and insurance and I would be trying to find ways to make things more streamlined and cohesive.

This will take a lot of autonomy and motivation but I am tentatively excited. After everything that I have done and put myself and family through I am afraid to feel happy! I was up at three in the morning thinking and worrying that they would somehow need my nursing license to do this job. They have interviewed occupational therapists and physical therapists for this position as well.

I still have this nagging fear that somehow I will be violating some practice act. I will not be known as a nurse at all from all my questions to them. No giving care/charting/treatments/meds/being billed as a nurse. I have no board order as of yet but I know its coming, this would give me the ability to pay for the expenses that accompany that and while I am looking for a nursing position if I ever look again. I did not disclose to them what has occurred in my nursing career but did encourage them to call my previous manager. I guess I don't want to fall on my own sword if its not needed.

This is such a grey area. I am excited about a fresh start, away from drugs, in a new environment where I can continue to work on sobriety and my feelings of self worth. I am rambling now.. Thanks for reading.

[CryssieD]

I'm glad you are excited about your new life in recovery--it really is a does give you a different perspective on life; I have grown so much and learned so much in recovery--it's really been an awesome journey. Welcome!

About the job--it's great you found a medical-type job that doesn't actually require a nursing license. However, if you wind up in a monitoring program, they may still want reports on how you're doing there. When I was looking for work, I was offered a receptionist position in a medical office--not a nursing job, didn't require a license or anything under the Nurse Practice Act. However, my case manager told me that if I took the job, they would still require that my employer be made aware of my situation and submit monthly reports on my performance. I'm not an expert, but I think the job you've described sounds perfect--you need some medical knowledge but not an actual license, so you shouldn't be in any hot water with the Board--but just be aware that a monitoring program may still consider it to be in the general medical field and therefore something they need to be involved in.

Good luck to you in all you do.:)

[OhioRN1234]

This is what I fear, this job is a great starting point into something new but still using knowledge gained from school. I am disheartened at the thought of divulging this to an employer when it does not affect that current job. If they are wanting reports, would they count that as time served?! Otherwise why the heck do they care? I am not providing direct patient care, passing medications, charting, or being billed as a nurse. I would think this is not under their jurisdiction so to speak.

I did get the job and am trying desperately to just focus on being a great employee and learning the subject as passionately as possible but its so hard with this monkey on my back. I called both lawyers to see if I was in any sort of legal danger by accepting this and they both think its a great idea to take the position. I am so tired of feeling like a societal leper and need to worry about recovery and not all the strings that come with the license/criminal aspects. I know what I did was wrong, and Ill pay for it. I just hate to destroy a position (possibly) where falling on the sword is not needed. I want to feel like a valuable person again!

Thank you for the reply!

What was the position that you would have had to report for if you don't mind me asking? What was their rationale?

[odaat]

I was told by my program at orientation that they would have to approve any position I got that was in any way associated with the medical field, even as a receptionist at a doctors office. I was also not allowed to have any position like that until I was approved to return to practice even though it would not be using my license in any way. I never got a job like that but I assume that if they have to approve it, it would require divulging to the employer, getting the necessary info from them for approval, and most likely monthly reports if they were gonna go through all that about it. It blows, if I'm not using my license I don't see what business it is of theirs but they call the shots now and I just ask how high I should jump 😕

[CryssieD]

I interviewed for a medical receptionist position. As for the monitoring--maybe just being in a medical environment, dealing with medical issues, using medical knowledge and terminology, is enough to require oversight; or maybe they were afraid I'd get friendly with the doctors and get them to write prescriptions for narcotics? Honestly, I don't know why they (the monitoring program) felt it was any of their business, since I wouldn't be working as a nurse, but I just looked at it as an opportunity to get someone in my corner, submitting good reports every month, giving them positive feedback. I told the HR person interviewing me for the receptionist position about my problems and the monitoring agreement, because I was obviously overqualified for the job and she wanted to know why I was applying for it. She didn't have a problem with it--she was actually very understanding and wanted to help. So maybe letting your employer know about your situation will work out better than you think.

Good luck, and hang in there--you will get through this!

[Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

Imo if it doesnt require a license its off the radar

[Oceanpacific]

Frankly you could just surrender your nursing license and wash your hands of them. If you aren't seeking a license, they have no jurisdiction in the matter.

[OhioRN1234]

Ocean pacific, The thought has crossed my mind. Nursing was a cutthroat profession where I turned into someone/something that I hated. I have no idea if I would really ever want to get back into it ever again or not.. I messed up, I stole, I was the one who violated nursing practice act. Even if I give my license up I think all my dirty laundry will be up for public view (probably will say revoked) and that is tough. Even if this job goes swimmingly they or a coworker could stumble upon this at some point.

[peachfuzz]

Congratulations on your job. I feel your pain. I too am in Tx without work. You are from Tx right?