Starting over after relapse

[LisalaRN99, BSN, RN]

Hi everyone!

You may have read my post under General Nursing Discussion. I've had a bad 2 years with my disease of alcoholism! Not only do I have difficulty staying stopped, even after an "expensive rehab for a month", to quote my manager, but I added overdosing on meds when I'm intoxicated, so I end up in my own ER! Plus, I developed diverticulitis, and after a few attacks and home with IV antibiotics, I recently had my sigmoid colon removed. I had used up all my FMLA and now do not have a position to return to, but was encouraged to apply for any available jobs within the hospital.

I am not in the IPN, so that isn't a part of my story. Having said that, what do I say in any interviews about why I am not returning to my old job? Yes, my manager had to replace me and they did not have to save a job for me without FMLA. And I have been out now for a month because of post-sigmoidectomy recovery. Do I have to mention my alcoholism?

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

See my answer to you under general Nursing. You do not have to tell any employer with whom you interview about your alcoholism Your medical history is no one's business but your own. From this post you are really very lucky you were not referred to a monitoring program .

I also have diverticulitis and had 18 inches of my colon removed. I had complications with healing and what was supposed to be a month long recovery turned into turned in to 16 weeks flat on my back with a wound vacuum. I would simply tell any prospective employer that you had a medical condition that required surgery and an lengthy recovery and the company you worked for couldn't hold your position so you are exploring new options.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Hella no. Do not even hint about an addiction issue.

[CryssyD]

A month away from work with your medical issues is not going to be hard to explain. If they didn't keep a place for you after your FMLA leave, that's more than sufficient reason not to have gone back.

Now, about the hard time you're having. Addiction is a real beast, and you have to learn how to keep it in its cage. I'm glad you were able to go to rehab, but it sounds like you don't believe it helped a whole lot. Do you have a sponsor or counselor--someone to talk to, someone to call when the urge to drink comes on? Because ODing when you're drunk is pretty serious--you're probably lucky to still be here. Please take better care of yourself! Worry about your health and happiness first, then worry about possible interview questions!