So worried about jobs

[now_what]

Hi! I was just recently diagnosed with bi polar disorder. It went undiagnosed for many, many years and I struggled terribly with working and keeping up with employment. I was fired from my last two jobs before being properly diagnosed and reported to the board. I also have an addiction to pain pills, however have been clean for over ten years and that hasn't been an issue during my employment, however, after being reported to the board I divulged this information and was then referred to TPAPN for dual diagnosis, bipolar and chemical dependancy. I understand the bipolar, but not too happy about the chemical dependancy, but what can I do? Anyway, I've been applying to jobs, many, many jobs and can't even get an interview. The big problem is they don't even know about the TPAPN part yet! I don't think I'm EVER going to get back in the game at this rate. They take one look at my resume and turn and run! Will I ever dig myself out of this hole I've dug?

I am so upset about what I've done to myself professionally. I want to fix this so badly but wondering if I've just screwed up so bad it's too far gone??

[cat_lady_jr]

I don't think you're screwed for all time. It took me a year to find another job when I got fired for chemical dependency. Keep trying even when all things seem doomed. Apply to LTC, dialysis, governmental agencies, etc. because these are the easiest to get a job with TPAPN. Also, when you do get an interview don't' let them know about TPAPN until the interview is almost over. Obviously if they ask about restrictions to your practice in the beginning don't lie or be coy. TPAPN restrictions are easy to get through for the short period you have them if you pick the right job.

[now_what]

well, my background is in newborn nursery so I never dealt with narcotics so I don't think the TPAPN stipulations are going to be the problem. I think my problem is just getting an interview. I don't even know how to get my foot in the door. All my experience is in womens health. For over 20 years my resume is L&D, post partum and mainly newborn nursery for the last 10 years. What long term care facility wants me? Or dialysis? They're all going to wonder why the heck I'm applying outside my specialty!

[cat_lady_jr]

I actually have the same specialty and a MSN in Maternity. I've only been at it since 2009 though. I work for the state and they were so desperate (I guess) that they hired me on the spot. I ended my interview with, "oh, and I need to let you know that I'm in TPAPN". Without skipping a beat the DON was like, "Everyone has drama. Don't worry about it." She was AWESOME. I'm sad to say she left and the new DON is not so nice.

[now_what]

How do I get job openings with the state? What kind of work do you do? Where do you live? I really want to get back into my specialty but I'm not sure that's possible right now.

[TXRNC]

I've been applying everywhere for about 17 mo no luck LTC , Dialysis ,Chemical Dependancy ect but my 25 yr resume is Pediatrics with a little med/Surg if I'm lucky enough to get interview I think it goes great and have been told let them check with HR or DON then I get the email or call sorry can't offer you a job at this time I hope you have better luck.Sorry to be so negative good luck.

[now_what]

oh great, that doesn't help!! Question, does being in TPAPN mean we have a restricted license? I go to apply for jobs and it states under requirements that the applicant needs "full unrestricted license" even under all the government jobs. I'm wondering if I'm just spinning my wheels for no reason. Maybe I should just start flipping burgers.

[cat_lady_jr]

No, TPAPN isn't considered having a restricted license. Only the board can put sanctions/restrictions on your license. If you went before the board and they put those on your license, then that's a whole 'nother ball of wax. TPAPN is designed to keep that from happening. What you do have is temporary restrictions that go away after working for a certain period of time trouble free. I don't think that's what they mean in the job ads. I work in Austin for Austin State Supported Living Center, but you can try any of the other dozen SSLC's in Texas (Brenham, San Antonio, Abilene, etc.) Please don't give up. I nearly did so many times, but things worked out for me. I remember in early sobriety meeting a nurse in even earlier sobriety that got a job her first month in TPAPN in the ER. Then she got fired for fighting with her co-workers. The very next month she got a job at a nursing home. She then got fired for drinking beers and being "mouthy" at work. I could have killed her! This is a HARD place your life is in right now, but I know that it can be overcome. Just don't give up. I said probably 50 times that I was going to stop trying and go back to working with animals, but when I was on my last leg I got that coveted job offer. I was on food stamps/WIC living in public housing and 26 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. I had spent 48 hours in a mental hospital due to severe insomnia and depression (go figure). There are still good people out there that will look beyond the whole TPAPN thing and see a nurse that's passionate about helping people.

I got an extra year in TPAPN for divulging the insomnia/depression thing, so I totally can see how you feel being lumped into this 1 size fits all program by the way. That being said, I'm still grateful for the opportunity to keep my license clean.

[now_what]

I'm so happy for you! I'm extremely grateful too! I'm also ****** at the same time. I told the hiring manager when she hired me that I would work nights only if my three shifts a week were NOT three in a row. I knew I had to have them spread out. She assured me that would be fine. However as soon as I was hired she immediately had me working three in a row. I didn't know I was bipolar until after i was hired, however I knew the sleep thing was a HUGE issue for me. I go bat **** crazy with lack of sleep. It triggers my symptoms and it all makes sense now. But anyway, my third month into three night shifts in a row (I also have fibromyalgia) I was going nuts but was trying to push through but one night I knew I was a wreck and shouldn't be working. I tried to find someone to cover my shift but couldn't. It was too late to call in sick and I was in my three month trial period so I HAD to go in. About four hours into the shift I fell asleep and was busted and turned into the board.

Anyway, now I just have to do what I have to do. I just have to deal with it. Who knows, something good just might come out of this!! That's how I'm trying to look at it but right now it is very hard. I feel completely crushed, defeated and lost. But at least my license is still clean. It's really too bad we have to tell our prospective employers that we are even being monitored. I mean, I was told it was a confidential program so I thought "OK, no big deal" but then I read on here about telling about tpapn during interviews and I freaked.

I really appreciate your support!! I really need friends that have been through this or going through this now. is there some way I can give you my phone number privately so we can maybe text?

[cat_lady_jr]

Sure. I just added you as a friend on Allnurses. I'm not sure how to do a private PM. Maybe that will work?

[Twoyearnurse]

Im so happy y'all are reaching out to each other in this way. I call and talk all the time to another member here and it has done wonders for my sanity. Beautiful job ladies! This thing gets easier, I promise, as long as you do the work. Put sobriety and sanity first and other things begin to fall into place. I realized today on my drive to work that I hadn't thought "I wish I could change this" in over two months. The "crisis" in front of us always seems to take attention from other things, always remember to look back at where you were to now. That hindsight is a beautiful thing.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

it works when we work it ))smiles((