RN Brady

I recently entered myself into an outpatient rehab program for chemically addicted nurses. I was released from my position as a CVICU stepdown RN because of this, and was struck with immense grief in trying to find new employment. I soon realized there are a plethora of positions for nurses who are not able to work in the hospital setting - not many hospitals are willing to hire an RN with a recent substance abuse program. They usually will require you are 6 months sober and in a documented outpatient rehab program. I found a job as a chart review nurse for a law firm, and then was offered a position at the actualy rehab facility I was doing my rehab at! I guess I am writing this article to give hope to any RN's who have difficulty finding positions in hospitals. I know psych may not be your first choice, but soooo many behavioral health hospitals are hiring RN's, and even encourage new grad nurses. And if you are an experienced RN who wishes to leave the hospital setting or are an RN who cant find a job in a hospital, check out chart review! It pays extremely well (about 15% more than I made working full time nights in the hospital) and you get to work from home and make your own hours! There are of course deadlines to meet, but if you are an experienced RN sorting through charts should be a no brainer. Good luck to all of you out there!