still waiting on that chance

Nurses Recovery

Published

Well I am so overwhelmed still waiting on that one person to say "ill give you a chance" hoping and praying everyday for that one job thats for me...so difficult with these stipulations...the other day my son says what are you waiting for so you can get a job as a nurse again...when will your probation be over? I said I have to find a job first so it can come off....he says well tht doesnt make sense if u cant find a job because of the restrictions how can you find a job to get them off? You are a nurse not a call center person!!! I wanted to cry so bad but held back and just told him I will not lose faith...its just so difficult because I remember how easy it used to be to get a job and now it seems almost impossible.:(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

I feel your pain! After I lost my job after getting caught diverting meds, I had NO idea how or where I would find someone willing to give me a chance at nursing again. I had been a nurse at that time for almost 10 years but no one really seemed like they wanted to give me a chance.

I took a job as a pizza delivery driver - at least that way I could make enough money to survive. (Those drug screens got expensive quickly!!)

I was at my nursing support meeting one week saying something and one of the other nurses said something to me about his manager maybe needing someone. I got an interview with her - she and I didn't click but another mgr saw my app and called me. That interview went great and I finally got a job!

Hang in there - I had really started to worry - how can I get off my probation if I can't find a nsg job??!

It took a while but I'm so thankful! Made it through my probation time and RNP contract - and we just celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary this summer! Some time after, we started dating and then married.

Good luck - something WILL turn up - it might not be the place or position that u might u would have thought but just keep working your program and looking.

Anne, RNC

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you I will cont to have faith. ...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I feel the exact same way. My daughter is only 7 but she asks me all the time, Mommy when are you going to go back to work. I'm trying to hold my head high and stay positive but it's so hard. I've ran out of places to apply. Interviewed with dialysis and just found out today they hired someone with experience. I have to keep moving forward but the guilt of my past seems like it's always there, right in front of me. I'm sorry I wish I had some words of encouragement for you. Just know your not alone. Things have to turn around for the both of us we just have to keep trying. No matter how hard that is at times.

Wishing you all the best!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thank you I will cont to have faith. ...

I too feel the same way you both....was terminated for diverting meds....now have many of the common stipulations and can't get a job. However, extremely grateful for sobriety--it's been 8 months. Somedays it is also hard to keep my head up...sometimes I wonder if the reason why I don't get offered a job is because of what my past employer may say about me on a reference check....can they tell others what I actually did or is that all in my head? (Meaning the diversion) But.....then I just try to be positive & tell myself that the right job hasn't come around for me yet. Sorry that I rambled, I just wanted you to know that you truly are not alone and that I feel your pain.

God bless.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I too feel the same way you both....was terminated for diverting meds....now have many of the common stipulations and can't get a job. However, extremely grateful for sobriety--it's been 8 months. Somedays it is also hard to keep my head up...sometimes I wonder if the reason why I don't get offered a job is because of what my past employer may say about me on a reference check....can they tell others what I actually did or is that all in my head? (Meaning the diversion) But.....then I just try to be positive & tell myself that the right job hasn't come around for me yet. Sorry that I rambled, I just wanted you to know that you truly are not alone and that I feel your pain.

God bless.....

Im so sorry your going through a similar situation. My story is much like yours. My past employer and coworkers though have given me wonderful reviews. My problem is my narc restriction. I don't think your past employers can tell them what really happened just the dates you worked there and your job performance, but I'm just assuming so I really don't know. We have to all keep moving forward and remember this to shall pass. Sometimes it's easier said though. I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.

The real problem isn't with any of us. The economy is still in the dumper. I have no stipulations and can only get prn work as a flu clinic nurse since my knees can't take working the floor in a nursing home (another common job for nurses with "a past").

When I returned to nursing after a 6 year absence in 2006, I found a job within just a few weeks, despite a narc restriction and 5 years probation stretching out ahead of me.

Now, with no restrictions and an "unencumbered" license, I can't get arrested.

Very disheartening.

Catmom :paw:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Thank you for sharing your story and PLEASE know that you are not alone. I feel the same exact way with my current situation and would be more than happy to talk with you about your situation, if you need to vent. Some days seem very overwhelming and depressing, but that's why we need to take one day at a time and have faith that our hard work WILL pay off. Your situation is not impossible, even though it appears that way. And remember, when you land that position, know that your past will allow you to be a much more compassionate, hard working nurse than before. Don't give up hope

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Hospice, Management.

As a newcomer to the process, I have to say the majority of the stories I see online make it sound pretty hopeless. :( This is a godawful process only to not get a chance. I don't have diversion charges but it doesn't seem like it matters WHY we are in the program, just that we are.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your encouragement. I have been to so many interviews I have lost count. I even ended up going to one place twice under two different DONs. I have applied to so many places but those narc restrictions just throw me off and actually I have applied for multiple treatment nurse positions and they require to be on call and thats another restriction. I have applied to dialysis, psych hospitals. The state hospital offered me a position but as soon as I told them of my restrictions they didn't even want to look at me. And even worse now I have to explain a termination for a documentation error. uggh

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.
Thank you for your encouragement. I have been to so many interviews I have lost count. I even ended up going to one place twice under two different DONs. I have applied to so many places but those narc restrictions just throw me off and actually I have applied for multiple treatment nurse positions and they require to be on call and thats another restriction. I have applied to dialysis, psych hospitals. The state hospital offered me a position but as soon as I told them of my restrictions they didn't even want to look at me. And even worse now I have to explain a termination for a documentation error. uggh

I "liked" your post, not because I think it is just peachy that you are suffering but because I really appreciate your honesty and can really relate to your frustration.

I have been looking for work so long that I, too, reapply at nursing homes when I see that the DON is different. (I apply for case management jobs that my knees can handle).

Thanks again for your honesty that helps me feel less alone.

Catmom :paw:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment