Question of Discrimination

[REdnurse646]

Hi. ten years ago I had a problem with substance abuse and I took meds that were for patients. No harm for patients I took p.r.n. ativan and brought them home, fortunately I got caught almost immediately..I met with the state soon after ;My Licsense was to put on probation for 3 years I successfully completed

the program. I continued to work never having any trouble

obtaining a job . I recently accepted a postion in a great place that paid well. I knew some nurses there and they put in a good word for me knowing that I would be an asset to work there.I was in orientation for 3 wks. and then the D.O.N.approached me about my license apparently the dept of health had notified them to contact them. But before they did ,they approached me, I told them what had happened. Soon after they told me to go home and they would call me with as to whether I would continue to be employed there .I never recieved one word. All through orientation they were very pleased with my performance.I then applied to other places and have been rejected for the same reason. This happened 10 years ago and I have been o.k. this whole time. Now I'M having trouble and do not know what to do, I don't want to leave Nursing.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I am sorry this has happened to you. Can you think of any reason why the Dept. of Health would notify your new employer? What probably triggered that? Why didn't they similarly "get to" your other employers over the past couple of years?

Also, it appears from you post that you did not tell your new employer about your past problems until after they asked you about it. Does that mean that you mislead them on their job application form? If so, that is grounds for automatic dismissal at most hospitals. If you mislead them in any way, that could be the reason behind their severe reaction.

Finally, this sounds like a situation in which you might need a lawyer. You need to know your rights and may need professional help to get your nursing career back -- or at least financial compensation if some sort of illegal "black balling" has been going on.

Good luck,

llg