RN with restrictions,NC, Needing to network

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I have restrictions on my license. I've made some poor choices in the past leading me to my current situation. . I take full accountibility for my actions. Ive learned and grown from this experience and I am ready to get back into my profession that I love. With that being said, I have come to the conclusion that it comes down to luck in landing a nursing job with restrictions. I have been clean and sober for 21 months. I am in the Alternative program and doing everything I am asked to do but I still coming up short. I was reinstated in Dec. of 2012. It has been a very humbling and challenging experience for me to say the least. I am grateful for my recovery and will continue to work on it for the rest of my life. I wish there was a nursing support group in my area. I would love to share my experience, strength, and hope with others who are in the NCBON recovery program. I find it very hard to find people who are going through what I am going through. I sometimes feel like I'm the only one but I know that is not true.I reside in Watauga county, NC and the only support groups are NA or AA. These programs are great but I would like to share with people who are in my profession and going through what I am going through. So if there is anyone out there going through what I am going through, I would love to chat with you.

Sincerely,

mountaintop12

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I just got a job at a nursing home and I looked 6 months this time. Today was my 3rd day and it is ALOT of work ( I nearly had a breakdown mid shift 22 patients and in charge!). However, my ADON and several others there have gone through the same thing. Been looking off and on for almost 4 years. My recommendation: stick to small facilities because you wont get past HR at the big ones. Try dialysis, ltac, and nursing homes. They are desperately understaffed and you will work like a dog but it will get you through your stips and time. Be humble, honest, and be willing to do whatever they ask. Dont kiss ass but be firm in your recovery and your commitment to the company and to prove yourself as a nurse. You could even try to go PRN and/or work a shift for free just to show them... Or, maybe volunteer somewhere or maybe as a nurse assistant and hope something comes of it. It's not impossible but it takes alot of perseverance and HUMILIATION. It is an emotional ride for sure but try and keep it together. Good luck.

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Congrats and thank you for the input my friend. I do have one question. Who passes your narcs?

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Have you considered at Chemical Dependency unit? Your history may actually benefit you in a facility like that. I know it does for counselors...

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The AP does offer a support, from other nurses who have completed the program. I know because it was offered to me when I first started in the program back in March 2013. I find that luck has noting to do with finding a job, its more perseverance than anything. Just keep trying, I kept it small like many others have mentioned. I looked on craigslist to find small doctors offices, ads in the newspapers, networked via AA and aftercare groups and kept the pay realistic. I was blessed to find a job shortly after reinstatement and it had nothing to do with luck. Dialysis is friendly and there are zero narcs to be passed, the pay isn't great but I love my patients and thats all that matters. Prayers for you, I hope the new year brings a new blessing!

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Sassy-RN the NCBON will not allow nurses to work with substance abuse patients. I would definitely stick with dialysis, LTC, and even hospitals. The key is fining the job with the perfect fit. Definitely is not easy (2 years+ here) but will be so worth it when you do find it ...not IF.

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I am just beginning the long road in this process. Its such a taboo topic I have found little help....im feeling very disvouraged

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Hey RNlosingitall, welcome to the site. I know it feels relentless, terrifying, suffocating, overwhelming, but it does get better. Give it some time, eventually things even out a little and you'll feel like you can breath again. It took me a few months to get my legs under me- I'm still not nursing just yet but I am happy and very supported by those around me- even a few nursing friends who I worked with when I got caught. I know it feels isolating at first. Have you gone to any AA or NA meetings? There will be other nurses there, but more important- there will be people there who will know what you are going through.

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