Boj9

Wade, I know how you feel, more than you know!! I was TERRIFIED to go to an interview, but I looked at the advice on how to handle it from past posts and applied it. After you get a feel for the person, find a way to introduce it "I just want to let you know ...", and then explain your situation, but keep it short and sweet. Stress that your telling them upfront because you want to be honest, and let them know you take responsibility, and whatever else applies (in my case, I'm going to therapy and I intend to keep going). Your career can recover, and so can you. It's not that you can't ever get a job again, it's just the FIRST job that might be tough. Other people have gotten hired with their license on probation and so can you. Let them know you learned from this situation and all your other positive qualities that will make you a good employee. Believe in yourself and keep your head high, your second chance will happen.!! GOOD LUCK AND I'LL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS

This is my first post. In May I was reported to the board for being impaired at work. I wasn't, but in going through the process of being evaluated, I was diagnosed as bi polar. I was reported to the board originally and they didn't just turn me over to IPN they suspended my license (never failed a drug test, no missing meds, just vague I was acting "funny). Because of all the people that shared their stories here and the advice that is given I knew to get an attorney ( I did and the suspension was lifted), to contact the IPN and go through their process and be willing to sign a contract. I have started my contract, and I don't have narcotic restrictions or anything, but I am on probation with the board for 1 yr. They don't trust the IPN to monitor my mental health, they felt IPN is more for addiction. (Sigh, it's their program/people but they don't trust them?). As this was all going on (and the board person I dealt with was just like all "you people" shouldn't be nurses and she just knew anyone who gets reported is an addict, etc), I didn't have anyone who had been through this to talk to, and the shame was overwhelming. But I found this site and it saved me. I knew I could get through this and come out a better nurse and better person. And I like my therapist and it's really helping. I have a 2 year contract but I'm back to work Monday (after 4/12 months off).. So I promised that when I made it through I would post and let anyone who is discouraged and feels like their world is crashing down, you can do it and get through it. And you will get a job. Just believe in your higher power and keep your chin up. It happened, it sucked really really bad, but I'm coming out on the other side stronger. Bless all of you!!!