3rdeyeRN

So, it's been awhile since I've posted. Quick history...I live in California, received my RN license with restrictions r/t a DUI over 10 years before I applied for my license. I finally got a job 6 months after getting my license at a SNF in 2016. Fast forward to now and I have no more restrictions on my license, yay! But, I'm still working in post acute for 2 1/2 years (I wasn't able to get hired anywhere else while I had the restrictions). I've recently started applying to other jobs because I'm ready to move on and the facility I'm at doesn't pay very well. I've been applying to acute and I've even applied to hospice. I haven't had any response even though it's just been a few weeks. Am I unmarketable? 2 1/2 years is a long time to be at a SNF; is it too long? My license online also now says prior discipline. How does that affect me? Will I be an LTC nurse forever? My career feels stagnant. Please give me some advice!

Hi, So I did finally get a job 6 months after being licensed. It's at a SNF and it really sucks, but it's the only place that would hire me. What I mean by it sucks is that it's completely overwhelming to be a new grad and be responsible for the care of 25 to 35 patients. I never take breaks other than my 30 minute lunch because I won't finish my work by the time I have to give report to the night shift. We are often short handed, get new admits within the last 1 to 2 hours of my shift, and I often work 15 hours because of having to carry out orders and chart (by hand) after my shift is over. I've been contacted by HR recruiters at hospitals and I've gotten a horrible response. I had an interview with one even after I disclosed my probation. It was brought up by the manager interviewing me and once I explained my situation I was told to reapply when my probation was completed. It was really heart breaking and I had to muster up the courage to get up, shake everyone's hands and tell them thank you, then walk out. I have all of the stipulations up to completing the mental and physical evaluations. I passed them, so I didn't have to do the chemical dependency conditions. At work I have RN worksite monitors, I report to the monitor that's working that day at the start of my shift and after breaks, I can't float, my shifts must be scheduled at least a day in advance, I can't work OT unless it's after my shift to complete my work (I can't come in to work extra days that would put me over 80 hours), I have independent access to narcotics and if any are wasted then it needs to be witnessed. My employer submitted monthly performance evaluations for the first 6 months and now it's only required quarterly. This has probably been the biggest challenge I've had to face in life. The whole process has been mentally and physically draining. It's upsetting when all of my classmates are working in hospitals making a decent living and I'm stuck working somewhere that I can't realize my full potential as a nurse. At this point I'm able to petition to modify the probation terms, so I'm trying to gather supporting evidence because it will require going to a hearing. I'm hoping that if I can get the supervision requirements reduced and the no floating lifted it will open up more opportunities for me.

Hi bruin2010, Sadly, no. I've been licensed for 6 months now and no job. I've interviewed a lot and was even extended several job offers, but once probation is brought up things go south. It's really discouraging. The only way I'll ever get off probation is if I work as a nurse for at least 6 consecutive months during the probation period.

I have been kind of chronicling my experience with the California Board of Registered Nursing and my licensing battle with them for about a year now. I was finally licensed in a couple months ago and was able to be ruled out of participating in the BRN's treatment programs (random samples, support groups, rehab, etc.), however, I'm still on probation for 3 years unless I meet the requirements (working at least 24 hours a week for 6 months as an RN, turning in my reports on time, not violating any terms, etc.). My issue is that I haven't been able to find a job :'-( I have literally applied to every job anywhere and what I find most of the time is that it's required to have an "unencumbered license" or the application has screening questions regarding disciplinary actions. I've had 5 interviews since I've been licensed. I'm a really great interviewer and have never not been offered a job up until this point. I make sure to research the company's mission and core values, the specifics of the job I'm applying for, prepare questions for the employer, and I wear a really nice suit. I prepare and come to the interview very confident. So, I'm left wondering why I can't get a job and the only thing that comes to mind is my license being on probation. Since I've been dealing with this, I've felt judged, discriminated against, and mistreated by many people. I'm beginning to feel extremely defeated right now. When I started nursing school I truly felt like I had found my purpose in life and I feel really lost because I haven't been able to continue with my passion. I could really use some advice from anyone in California who's gotten a job after they started probation. Any ideas or tips would be much appreciated!

LibertyTX, That's exactly what happened to me. It was a dialysis clinic and I was told the legal team wouldn't move forward because of the supervision requirements, however, my monitor told me I won't know what the level of supervision is until I submit for job approval :-/ I almost threw up when I called back regarding the next job. I decided to just get it out before because I don't want to waste my time if they already know they won't hire me before hand. I got a good response and am going on an interview next week at a children's surgery center. I'm hoping it will be a foot in the door to pediatrics later so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I just never realized how horrible this would feel. I imagined getting my RN license to be exciting and it isn't. I feel like a criminal and I don't even want to tell anyone I'm a nurse. It's hard to be proud of my achievements with this hanging over my license. I think in addition to having no experience, what makes it worse is that because of the legal drama with the Board of Nursing it took over a year for me to get licensed. I've graduated over a year ago. It scares me and I worry that I will forget my clinical skills. Thank you so much for your input! I really appreciate it.

Hi Everyone, So, I am finally licensed now and have begun probation. Unfortunately the restrictions on my license haven't been made clear to me because I had to complete evaluations first. I don't know what level of supervision I require yet. I was interviewed for a job and the manager wanted me to come back, but their legal department got back to her stating that the supervision requirements may not be met if there's time during my shift where I'm the only RN on duty (if I need max supervision). So, for obvious reasons, they didn't hire me. I don't really know what to tell a future employer. Also, I initially assumed that the company's recruiter looked up my license before calling me since my license number was submitted on the application (there were no questions regarding restrictions or disciplinary actions). After thinking about it, I wasn't sure so I informed the manager at the start of my interview. AWKWARD. I don't think it will ever get easier to disclose, but is there a good way to do this? I really need some suggestions because it really is an awkward situation. I got a message regarding a job interview this afternoon and it made me feel sick thinking about returning the call. What do I say? Hi, I'm interested in the position and would like to schedule an interview, but I need to let you know my RN license is on probation? Please, any suggestions would be helpful. I'm really exhausted; it's been a lot to deal with as far as rehashing the past over and over and twice very intensely at my evaluations this past week. I'm so tired and want to try to make a good impression, but it's discouraging. Thanks!

Hi tootsies14, You can't start the probation requirements until everything is settled with the Board. If you do, they will NOT recognize it as completed and you will have to redo it. I took my test July 2014 and it took almost a year from that point to receive my license and start probation. I was able to negotiate the probation by having a lawyer, which is part of why it took so long. Once I signed the agreement in March 2015 it took several months to hear back from them letting me know that if I passed the NCLEX my license would post on Breeze in June and if I failed I would get a letter in the mail. I did pass and then was able to contact the probation department to meet with my monitor and begin the initial requirements of completing the Board ordered evaluations (they give you 45 days to complete them from when your license went into effect). And yes, your probation will be put on hold until you return to California. Also, you will not be able to use your insurance for the evaluations. I had to pay out of pocket. I don't know whether you can use insurance for any of the rehabilitation treatments or the random urine tests. My guess is no. My monitor let me know that if I required those it would be extremely costly and some nurses surrender their license because it's too financially and emotionally burdensome. I was able to get a "rule out" clause in my agreement, meaning that if the doctors evaluating me for the Board "rule out" substance abuse disorders then I will not have to participate in the Board's treatment programs. So, I'm not positive on the other associated costs.

Check the wording on their application. There should be info on disclosures of crimes and felonies. In California you MUST disclose any arrest, whether it resulted in conviction, has been dismissed, or expunged. I've heard that other states only require you to disclose things that are within a certain time period, etc. Your juvenile record should be sealed though…so not sure how that would work. Anyway, I say that you should still pursue nursing if that's what your passion is. You were only 13 and it sounds like it didn't involve drugs or alcohol and it's been a long time since then. So, if you have nothing else on your record and can document what you have been doing in your life to better yourself since, go for it!

Pacific College in Costa Mesa, CA has an accredited online RN to BSN program and will take nurses on probation.

Hi, When did you apply, was it after January of this year? That is when the law went into effect. I was also told the same by my lawyer. I was also told by a representative at Mr. Bonta's office that it depends on the licensing board's interpretation of the law. It essentially leaves the door open to either use the misconduct (drinking, drug use, theft, etc.) as potentially a violation of the nursing code of conduct or they could use the behavior and call it a pattern. I honestly don't know who this law will help. I did manage to get information by reading several licensing boards' (within DCA) meeting minutes, where they state that they will be forced to issue licenses to applicants who would have otherwise been denied because the burden of proof would now be shifted to the licensing board rather than the applicant, which would in turn be extremely costly for them…I passed up the opportunity to reapply after the first because I have already been waiting a year. If I withdrew then I would have to wait an additional year to reapply and could possibly be in the same situation 3 years after graduating.

…oh yeah. As far as applying early to the BRN, great thinking because it's an extremely lengthy process. However, I applied last February/March-ish and got my denial letter 2 weeks before finals and my pinning ceremony, which put a huge amount of stress on me and made the whole experience less enjoyable.

Hi Emnmsrn, I just saw the post you left on my thread about this so sorry for the late reply. I believe that you can't pay pearson vue for the NCLEX until you get your ATT from the BON. Then I believe that they verify you're approved then you get authorization from them to schedule your test. Paying early won't speed things up so I would just wait. I took my test in June or July of 2014 (it's been so long that I don't remember the exact date anymore) and I had the good pop up even months after taking the test. I won't get my official word on my license until June or something of this year. I have been having horrible nightmares that after all of this I didn't pass and have to go back to retake the test. I tried it today and got the credit card screen! I don't know if it's because it's been so long or what…time will tell I guess. Hopefully you have a much better experience with the board than I did. Let me know how things go. I'm anxious to see how the new law (AB 2396) helps out applicants with a criminal history. Good luck!!

Actually the TEAS is pretty difficult. It's been a while since I've taken it, but I remember it having anatomy, physiology, etc. The average score is like 67%…just saying...

All convictions must be reported, even if they are expunged. CA is extremely strict. You may be okay since it was just a speeding ticket/failure to appear though. Just submit a great explanation and any rehabilitation evidence like traffic courses you had to take and letters of recommendation just to be on the safe side.

On_E: It took the BON a day to sign the agreement, but they said it would take 2 months for them to adopt the settlement agreement and another month after that for my license to post and go into effect.