RN just completed probation. Can't find a job

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Good Morning! I am looking for some advice and reassurance, if possible. I am an RN with 23 years experience. I just successfully completed 3 years of probation for "failure to follow facility policy/procedure regarding medication destruction." I was working in home health when this happened. Probation started 9/2013 and I successfully petitioned to have my license returned to active status in 11/2016.

I am starting to look for a new job and am worried that when potential employers see that I have been disciplined in the past, my resume will be thrown in the garbage. I am incredibly worried and depressed. Please, does anyone have any positive words or wisdom or stories they would be willing to share?

Thanks fellow nurses!

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It'll be just fine! My permanent record states I stole drugs from my work place. And yet, while on probation, I have managed to find work.

With that said, you may find yourself working in areas you hadn't thought you would (see: psych, rehabilitation, long term care, dialysis). You just need to start somewhere so you can build your resume back up.

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Thank you so much for your reassurance and kind response! I'm feeling really low and beat up....I appreciate your kindness

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Ever feel that you don't deserve another chance in nursing because you've had endless chances in the past?

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Nope! A job is a job. A career is a career. Nursing is not some golden job that only the pure of heart can do. Anyone can do it, some people can do it exceptionally (as they can in any other job).

Addicts, alcoholics, those with other defined mental illness, those who have made charting errors, made grave mistakes...are everywhere. They are accountants, taxi drivers, and yes....nurses.

you will find something and your only job is to do that something well.

there is a great book called Impaired: a nurses journey (I think) that quotes a verse from the bible (one of a few I like!) that says "let go of the chains that bind so tightly and make clear paths with your feet, so that others may follow and not stumble" or something to that effect.

head up!

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You are so positive and reassuring. Love that bible quote, too!

I'm keeping my head up!

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Specializes in ED RN and Case Manager.

Emod-

Keep you head up & your mind open! Don't let those annoying, nagging little voices of worry keep you down! You WILL find a job. It may be soon or could take a little time...but it WILL happen!

My Case is a little different- I'm enrolled in my BON alternative to discipline compliance program for diverting Dilaudid from the Pyxis. I was terminated by the hospital BUT IT SAVED MY LIFE!

Fast forward to today-I've been sober & in recovery for 2 1/2 years. I was an ED nurse for 22 years-- now I'm a Care Coodinator (reviews Medicare charts) upon hospital admission. I LOVE MY JOB!! Never would have considered this area.

Emod- I remember the first few weeks after my termination- telling my husband, enrolling in an IOP, many, many phone calls to the BON. It was such a surreal experience. My inner voices asking me "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?" I would get online & read about the struggles that other nurses had trying to find a job. I really battled feeling hopeless- I didn't want that mindset because I couldn't give up!

When I applied for the Care Coordination job & got the interview, I decided to be open- I knew when they checked BON license, they would see that I was enrolled in the BON compliance program. I decided to bring it up before they did! Prove I was trustworthy & not hiding anything.

In my interview with the supervisor, I explained my journey, never placing blame on anyone, and showing how grateful I was to be given the opportunity for Recovery. I was enthusiastic & outlined the hard work & accomplishments on the road to recovery.

This may be helpful to you, for an interview:

One idea I planned as a backup but didn't have to use (but may be helpful to you)- if the supervisor or HR appeared to like me but seemed concerned about my background, I would offer to work a probationary period, (maybe 6-12 month) at a lesser hourly wage than what they would normally offer. That way they may be more tempted to hire me, especially if it was coupled with a good first impression of me. After that agreed period of time, my rate would increase to the fair market rate they would normally pay. Although I would work a lesser pay grade for a period of time, it would be win-win for both...I could get my foot in the door & have a JOB---LESS money would be better than NO money! All I would have to do is have a good work ethic (which I know that I do) and prove that I'm a valued employee! í ½í¸Š

As it turned out, i didn't have to use that offer but I had the offer in my back pocket to use, if needed.

If you discuss your probation, emphasize what nursing means to you & how hard you've worked to get your license & return to work. Sell them on your passion for Nursing and the hurdles you jumped over & through to return! Show them how they would be getting an employee that's shoveled their way out of a difficult circumstance because they wanted it that badly.

Be thinking of some things that may help you get your foot in the door...

Believe me, I considered everything! Considered dialysis, office nursing, etc. I even thought that if I couldn't get in somewhere in an RN position maybe I could apply in an LPN or even CNA position...again, anything to get IN THE DOOR, prove I'm a great employee & work my way into an RN position!

it's been several weeks since your post---you may even have a job now. If not, don't give up!!! If you need encouragement, reach out & I will give it to you!

I remember the uncertainty- the unsettling feelings.

i had not found the allnurses Recovery groups at that time...wish I had!

I want you to be positive, know everyone makes mistakes, every one of us has blemishes, and YOU are a valued person and nurse! YOU ARE VALUED!!!

Please update! I'll be praying for you, hoping you find a position, but praying that you keep your confidence up, grow stronger, find comfort, and banish those worrying (useless) thoughts. Guess what? I'm proud of what you've achieved!!

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You are wonderful. Such a positive person. I really needed to read your post, and I'm going to keep reading it when I'm feeling low. I have not found a job yet, but did have an interview (phone) last week with an insurance company. They said it would be 2 weeks before I'm contacted to see if they want to schedule a face to face. I'm thinking about calling today to "check in."

You have put a huge smile on my face!

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Still no job offers....had 2 phone interviews which I thought went well, but no request for a face to face interview. I followed up with both recruiters via email (saying thank you) and then via phone.

Feeling really bummed. I've applied for over 20 positions (insurance, senior center).

Maybe my "good luck" has run out.

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Do you have any positive relationship ex-coworkers that could possibly help you with leads?

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

In my experience with this type of thing (I was in diversion program in California for 5 years) and now I provide help for Nurses with stipulations or just finishing probation, Psych facilities, dialysis and Clinics tend to be more forgiving when it comes to having a history. If you are on the oig exclusion list it will be more difficult.

Hppy

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

I was hired as DON in two LTC facilities

also worked ER.......I'm a better nurse now

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