I have been reading in allnurses for quite a few years about nurses with prior disciplines on their license who are unable to obtain employment. So, i thought i would share my story. 9 years ago i self reported a 1x marijuana use because i felt so guilty for even trying it. "Oh boy that was the biggest mistake of my nursing career". In the end i received a consent agreement 1 year of monthly UA test at my expense,probation without restrictions. My test were all negative I did not lose my job. But what they wrote on my consent disturbed me. "I admitted to marijuana use after random screen". Untrue, i self reported to my boss who told me "most people have tried it at one time in their life". She told me you are a great nurse you don't miss work, patients love you etc... But, it is my duty to report you to board of nursing. So, going forward one year later my license fully active etc... with notation of prior discipline. No problem with employment etc... for the last 9 years. Now, Ohio joined Nurseys and my consent agreement from 9 years ago in full public view. You probably know what's coming next. My company let me go after all these years, and i pass their random drug test. Oh, by the way clear background checks. Now when i apply i do get some return emails for interviews but then silence. One hiring manager was kind enough to return an email and was very blunt with me. "You will probably have difficulty finding any gainful employment as a nurse due to this blemish on your license" " I have way too many applications with out a blemish as it is". etc.... etc.... "Unfortunately, our corporate views this as a liability that we just can't except". I am so heartbroken over this but she is probably right noone will give me a chance all over again. So i guess it's time to hang up my 20 years experience. So, i feel for all nurses that are recovering addictions etc.... Maybe, because i have had this experience i feel that something/legislation needs to happen to stop the "Lifelong punishments" Maybe only visible 10 years etc.... depending on the issue. This is all i have known nursing. Heck even some adds i see for gas stations want cash register experience etc.... I guess it's all over. Lose my house, car, and everything that goes with it. Felons are treated better than nurses with a prior discipline.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I really thought my boss @ the time was forgiving.
Sorry if this has already been addressed, haven't read the entire thread yet. It has nothing to do with your boss being "forgiving" - it has to do with what she is mandated by law to report if she is made aware of it. Believe me, I bet she wishes you had never told her also!
I actually didn't realize that Nursys information included this stuff. But, as I understand it, it reflects information downloaded from the state BONs - so if it's on their record, I guess it shows up on Nursys. In states that have alternatives (IPN, TPAPN, etc) other than just discipline, is the information excluded from Nursys?
It seems your circumstances were a lot more complicated than what was initially explained. In any case, I'm glad you're doing well now. Hopefully, future employers will take the age of the offense into account when considering your applications.
I've been on probation for the second time for almost 2 years now. I got a job, even w/ 2 DUI's on my record, within 4 months. I go to a weekly nurse support group. Many will tell you which hospitals are probation or diversion-friendly. You just have to find one that is and not give up.
So, i feel for all nurses that are recovering addictions etc.... Maybe, because i have had this experience i feel that something/legislation needs to happen to stop the "Lifelong punishments" Maybe only visible 10 years etc.... depending on the issue. This is all i have known nursing. Heck even some adds i see for gas stations want cash register experience etc.... I guess it's all over. Lose my house, car, and everything that goes with it. Felons are treated better than nurses with a prior discipline.
klone, MSN, RN
14,857 Posts
Sorry if this has already been addressed, haven't read the entire thread yet. It has nothing to do with your boss being "forgiving" - it has to do with what she is mandated by law to report if she is made aware of it. Believe me, I bet she wishes you had never told her also!