Starting Monitoring in AZ

[lalakay]

Hello All,

So I graduated a nursing school at the tip top of my class in August 2015, passed PN NCLEX at 85 questions. But, I've made a lot of poor decisions in my past. I'm only 30, Ive only smoked pot. But I had a bad relationship with my ex and there was DV. I got caught stealing at 16 and was a terrible rebelling teen.

I've came too far to not sign this 3 year contract. But, I'm very worried that I won't be able to find a job? Scared that I can't afford all these classes and tests since I don't have a PN job.

I feel like I'm starting my career as a nurse with a big Scarlet letter on my front and a bullseye on my back.

Has anyone survived this? Im a single Mom and I just am terrified that the AZBON has set me up to fail. Is all this stuff concurrent?

[RN2364]

Why are you on a monitoring program?

[lalakay]

I used to smoke pot. I was in a bad relationship with DV, as a victim. Also was a rebellious teen.

[RN2364]

How did the BON find out? Have you ever worked as an RN. Sorry to ask so many questions but I am just trying to get an idea of how you got to where you are.

I to am in the Az monitoring program. I hahave been doing it for a couple of months so still just getting my feet wet also. I am in it because I have a back injury and take prescribed medications. Not everyone is here for diversion (like I thought prior to this). It has been a long couple of months trying to remember all the things I am required to do like call in everyday (I get to do drug screens to make sure the medications are actually in my system lol) plus all the meetings we have to go to. This group has been one of the most helpful things I have found. I find a lot of useful information on this site. It also reminds me I am not alone.

[lalakay]

I self disclosed my marijuana use. But I really think it's because of my anger issues. I have been on many interviews only to be denied. Two potential interviews where they cancelled after seeing my disciplinary actions.

Ive never worked as a nurse, but I have been a medical assistant for over 4 years.

It it is very discouraging. I know I am a good nurse. I know I will be the best providing safe care. But I haven't been offered a chance due to my past

[GeneralistRN]

I self disclosed my marijuana use. But I really think it's because of my anger issues. I have been on many interviews only to be denied. Two potential interviews where they cancelled after seeing my disciplinary actions.

Ive never worked as a nurse, but I have been a medical assistant for over 4 years.

It it is very discouraging. I know I am a good nurse. I know I will be the best providing safe care. But I haven't been offered a chance due to my past

Well that was a mistake -- disclosing that you have smoked pot. What was your reason for doing that? Many people have smoked pot. However, most people when looking for jobs or professional licenses don't go around volunteeering that information. It doesn't make sense to do so.

[lalakay]

Well duh...obviously it was a mistake. I'm pretty sure that's the last thing they are concerned about. My issue is my past anger issues. They asked and I told the truth. As I believed all nurses should. I'm not here to be beat up or criticized. But I've definitely learned my lesson about telling the truth. Lie until it can be proven

[GeneralistRN]

Well duh...obviously it was a mistake. I'm pretty sure that's the last thing they are concerned about. My issue is my past anger issues. They asked and I told the truth. As I believed all nurses should. I'm not here to be beat up or criticized. But I've definitely learned my lesson about telling the truth. Lie until it can be proven

Honesty is not a policy that is rewarded in nursing. I'm glad you learned something from this.

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

Sadly This ^^^^ is true. If i had kept my trap shut I doubt I'd be in the position I am now. Unfortunately i have this bad habit of trusting that people are doing the right thing. Regarding that...i am usually wrong.