crna05

Thank you for these words of encouragement, I have found a job as a CRNA and have been working for almost 6 months now and it feels great to be back in practice.

I completely agree. When I was job hunting, I found that applying through HR often led to dead ends—I rarely heard back. The real progress came when I took a more direct approach: 1️⃣ I cast a wide net, sending out numerous applications. 2️⃣ I applied directly to anesthesia departments, reaching out to department heads instead of relying on HR. Another key factor? Being open to relocation. In my case, I had to move five hours across my state just to secure a position. It wasn't ideal, but it was necessary to get my foot back in the door and avoid being out of practice for too long. Your situation may be different, but if this is your second offense, finding a facility willing to work with you could be even more challenging. Persistence and flexibility may be key to securing an opportunity.

I did but it took sometime. I went to gas work site and applied to every listing made available in my state. I found 2 places that were willing to work with me and I chose one. What state are you located in?

I agree with all the above. It took me 2 years to find an employer willing to give me a second chance.

"For Zoom meetings, I simply ask the host to send me a confirmation email to keep for my records. The process of attending 3 meetings a week is straightforward—you just need to participate in 3 meetings weekly. My sponsor hosts one meeting at his house, which I attend in person, and I join a Zoom group for the other two. However, it's difficult to provide specific answers to your last paragraph without knowing more about your situation. The details of your KARE contract can vary depending on the substance involved. For example, if your issue was alcohol-related, your contract might be different from mine. I know someone who was placed in KARE due to alcohol-related DWIs, and while I'm not sure when they were able to return to work, their contract didn't involve restrictions on narcotics, which made it easier for them to find a job. My situation involved narcotics, so hospitals have been more hesitant to let me return to work."

You have until 12:00 midnight on the day you're selected to complete a urine test. There are multiple locations where you can do this, depending on your area. Even in my rural location, I have three options within 15 minutes of my home. Using the Affinity app, you can easily enter your zip code to find a list of nearby facilities that participate in drug testing. When someone checks your license on the Nursys.com website, it will only show that you are a participant in the KARE program without providing any details. However, when it comes to informing your employer, you will need to explain the reason for your participation in the KARE program.

Everything Hmhgjh shared is spot-on. It might seem overwhelming at first, but trust me—it's completely possible if you're truly ready to get sober. I didn't self-report, and yes, I was diverting, but I took responsibility and didn't resist the process. I don't know the specifics of your situation, but perhaps my story might make you feel a bit better about it all. I'm almost two years into the KARE program, and while it hasn't been easy, it's been worth it. Finding employment wasn't immediate, but now, I think I have secured a position in the OR, even though it's a bit farther from home. If you stay the course, your opportunities will come. My advice? Follow every step they give you without delay—do the meetings, submit the paperwork on time, and follow all the drug screen guidelines to the letter. I haven't failed a single test, and I don't intend to. If you have access to HSA funds, they can help cover costs like evaluations and drug screens, which has been a blessing for me. Non-compliance won't reflect well with the board or potential employers, so staying on track is crucial. But remember this: even if you can't see it right now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take it one day at a time, and know you're moving toward a brighter future, step by step. You've got this!

Thank you for the info!

hey KVB, I was reading through the thread and saw your post about being a CRNA. I am currently attempting to find a job again doing anesthesia. I can see that you haven't been on for a bit but if you do by chance log on and see this, I would love to chat about where you are at in getting back to work as a CRNA. I am finding it a bit difficult in getting back to work mysekf at the moment.

Wildcat NP, I do have the ability to PM after replying to 15 post on this site. Here is my email ([email protected]) as well. I don't check it very often bc it isn't my main one I use but if you send me a message, get on here and let me know when you do and I will read it and reply. Any and all advice is needed while I am trying to navigate these waters I am in currently in.

Thank you for this. It is encouraging to hear stories of APRNs who do get 2nd chances at this profession. It wasnt easy getting this degree and I hate that I am where I am at currently, but I am ready to get back to work and show others that we do recover!

Just curious if you ever found a job? I am a CRNA currently in a monitoring program seeking employment in Kentucky.

Just curious, does the place you receive infusions at happen to be in Kentucky? If so, could I get the name of it so I can put an app in?

Thanks you for the response!

thanks!

thanks for the info Big Blondie!

Very good information Steven! All I hear is how bad it is for someone to be submitted into the NPDB and that is why I came to this forum to find individuals either in my situation or know of others who are in my situation. I really need to see that this is hope in all this myself I ultimately put myself in. Thanks again!

It was during my time as a CRNA. Thank you for the response. Every story heard about CRNAs returning to practice gives me hope.

CRNA here diagnosed with SUD after self reporting opiate use from prior hospital. I did complete rehab and I am currently 18 months into a 5 year state monitored program for SUD. I remain compliant. I was reported to the NPDB for my actions. I am currently seeking employment as a CRNA at several places and my concern is getting credentialed after being reported to the NPDB agency. Everything I am reading online says it is very difficult to get a job after you have been reported to that agency. Just searching to see if there are others who have been in my situation and did regain employment again? any words of encouragement are welcomed because I feel like I won't ever get another job as a CRNA again because of this...

My home state is Ky, but I held licensure in TN and CA. I entered tx for SUD and the same action was taken against my expired CA RN licensure. Not sure what action to take now, if any.

CRNA here, just curious if anyone here was successful on getting credentialed after being reported to the NPDB for SUD that was self-reported?

Just curious if you ever have run across candidates who had a self reported substance abuse problem (opiates) but was successful in treatment, state BON recovery program? if so, was their credentialing accepted or declined?

Nice work on the list!

Just curious how difficult it was geting credentialed again if you were reported to the NPDB?

I am willing to connect just not sure how to go about it. I just signed up to allnurses.com to maybe help in my search for employment, but I do know I need 15 post to PM individuals. I would like to add that I have not experienced anything negative being in the KARE program and I take full responsibility for my actions. I have just had a lot of employers who are ready to hire me but when I tell them I am enrolled in KARE and the reason for this, I get denied. Again, I understand why, just looking for a 2nd chance to prove I can be trusted again.