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??
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
Hello~Just thought I'd reach out to you too. I'm bipolar 1 with rapid cycling (diagnosed only a couple of years ago) and have a spotty job history, although I've managed to hang on to some jobs for as long as 2 1/2 years. I'm thankfully not in a monitoring program, but I suspect my inability to land a job---despite having had several interviews---has a lot to do with the fact that I've had 3 different ones within the past 13 months. I'm also in my 50s and badly overweight, which also does me no good, although it didn't seem to be a factor in those last 3 jobs.
I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but just know that you're not alone in battling a mental illness while trying to work as a nurse. (((((HUGS)))))
well, I can't figure out how to leave a private message. I read some 15where you have to have made 15 posts before you can start private messaging people? Weird rule, anyway, here is my email address. If you feel comfortable, send your cell phone number there and I will text you.
Hey sorry about being so negative I had just got another email after I was sure I was going to get job the manager had even sent me to get TB test and do pre- employment lab but then emailed me stating she could not offer me a job at this time.But today is a new day so I know the right job will find me if I keep looking. I guess I'm trying to say keep your head up , apply for everything and it will be as it is suppose to be.
I'm not going to give up. I haven't even received my TPAPN paperwork in the mail yet and I'm already frustrated! hahaha I better buckle down and hold on tight!
Thank you, everyone, for answering my post!! It feels so good to have such great support!! I think what helps me right now at this moment in time is "one day at a time". Because I just try to make it through each day as it comes, doing the best that I can and that is just about all I can expect from myself. If I start thinking about everything that I have coming down the pipeline I start to get overwhelmed and it doesn't do me any good!
Well, my dog is fighting my laptop for my attention! hahaha, she keeps pushing my hand away from the computer with her nose. I guess I've been on this thing too long! Good night ladies and thanks again!! Let's keep this thread going! I want to keep up with everyone!
Just tell them your simply looking for a change. LTC however is incredibly stressful, lots of admissions, huge med pass, working short staffed, but if you can work in LTC you can work anywhere. Good Luck!!
VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN
22 Articles; 9,996 Posts
Hello~Just thought I'd reach out to you too. I'm bipolar 1 with rapid cycling (diagnosed only a couple of years ago) and have a spotty job history, although I've managed to hang on to some jobs for as long as 2 1/2 years. I'm thankfully not in a monitoring program, but I suspect my inability to land a job---despite having had several interviews---has a lot to do with the fact that I've had 3 different ones within the past 13 months. I'm also in my 50s and badly overweight, which also does me no good, although it didn't seem to be a factor in those last 3 jobs.
I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but just know that you're not alone in battling a mental illness while trying to work as a nurse. (((((HUGS)))))