Stories of RNs finding work after being placed into monitoring

Do you have to disclose at the interview? It's a disability ans they can't ask you about it. 

So I took a shot and emailed a hospital asking if they hired nurses on probation. Next day they interviewed me and I was upfront about everything- gave them my story and what happened versus what the piece of paper says. They took a chance on me and hired me- and while I still have a restriction for a little while longer on passing controlled meds- I've never once felt judged or like they view me differently. Being open and honest is my biggest suggestion. Why? Because they are going to see limitations on your license regardless and it looks worse to go through the interview and then try to explain it afterwards in my opinion. My lawyer and monitor person actually suggested being transparent and, hey, it worked!

Nursrcy00901 said:

So I took a shot and emailed a hospital asking if they hired nurses on probation. Next day they interviewed me and I was upfront about everything- gave them my story and what happened versus what the piece of paper says. They took a chance on me and hired me- and while I still have a restriction for a little while longer on passing controlled meds- I've never once felt judged or like they view me differently. Being open and honest is my biggest suggestion. Why? Because they are going to see limitations on your license regardless and it looks worse to go through the interview and then try to explain it afterwards in my opinion. My lawyer and monitor person actually suggested being transparent and, hey, it worked!

That's really interesting insight! I never would have thought to do that. I may consider doing this. 

I got the first dialysis job I applied for. 
 

lucky for me it turns out I really like dialysis! I'm almost done with monitoring but at 44 I'm thinking I'll just stay here.

Scared2020 said:

I got the first dialysis job I applied for. 
 

lucky for me it turns out I really like dialysis! I'm almost done with monitoring but at 44 I'm thinking I'll just stay here.

That's good to hear!! What do you like about dialysis? I've been considering it if I can't get a hospital job. 

NurseGray said:

That's good to hear!! What do you like about dialysis? I've been considering it if I can't get a hospital job. 

I like the autonomy. We have 12 chairs so I'm the only nurse on shift (luckily I didn't get a stipulation against this). I find it just as fast-paced as working in a hospital. The only thing I miss is having other nurses and doctors right there for support. 

Scared2020 said:

I got the first dialysis job I applied for. 
 

lucky for me it turns out I really like dialysis! I'm almost done with monitoring but at 44 I'm thinking I'll just stay here.

Do you know anything about finding work after monitoring? Is it as hard as finding work during monitoring? 

NurseGray said:

Do you know anything about finding work after monitoring? Is it as hard as finding work during monitoring? 

Not even in the same ballpark. For example, just a guesstimate, roughly 90 plus percent of employers will say NO for the nurse trying to find that first job back. It's very very hard. When your monitoring is done and complete and your license is unencumbered, just a guess, the number of employees saying No will drop to 50 percent and 50 percent is a high estimate. You could argue 25 percent. It's actually EASY to get a job after monitoring is done, even if you are in the NPDB. It's actually not terribly difficult to get a job AFTER you have been in monitoring and working for a nurse after 1 to 2 years. The potential employer sees that you are in monitoring, have 18 months completed in monitoring and you have worked as a nurse for 18 or so months, so that potential employer has somewhat lower risk because they aren't the first one's to give you that reentry job back into nursing. The place you have been working at for 18 or so months did, so even after 1 to 2 years I to monitoring, getting a job is much easier than getting that first one (it's still tough, but easier) but after monitoring is completely done, the word Easy can actually be used. It's fairly easy to get a job.

SheelaDavis said:

Not even in the same ballpark. For example, just a guesstimate, roughly 90 plus percent of employers will say NO for the nurse trying to find that first job back. It's very very hard. When your monitoring is done and complete and your license is unencumbered, just a guess, the number of employees saying No will drop to 50 percent and 50 percent is a high estimate. You could argue 25 percent. It's actually EASY to get a job after monitoring is done, even if you are in the NPDB. It's actually not terribly difficult to get a job AFTER you have been in monitoring and working for a nurse after 1 to 2 years. The potential employer sees that you are in monitoring, have 18 months completed in monitoring and you have worked as a nurse for 18 or so months, so that potential employer has somewhat lower risk because they aren't the first one's to give you that reentry job back into nursing. The place you have been working at for 18 or so months did, so even after 1 to 2 years I to monitoring, getting a job is much easier than getting that first one (it's still tough, but easier) but after monitoring is completely done, the word Easy can actually be used. It's fairly easy to get a job.

So good to hear! Thank you for your responses 

Can I work as a tech while I'm on probation? I'm not being monitored for SUD & do not have any narc restrictions but continue to be unable to find work. 

Kyle Wallace said:

Can I work as a tech while I'm on probation? I'm not being monitored for SUD & do not have any narc restrictions but continue to be unable to find work. 

I have seen comments on here from people who worked as a nurse tech while in monitoring and then transitioned to work as a nurse at that same place. So, it is definitely possible. Have you tried applying to detox centers, psych, or outpatient behavioral centers? Great schedule, and usually very monitoring-friendly for nurses. Even clinics that are for the underserved population will hire nurses in monitoring programs. I recall when I was searching for a job, I emailed a recruiter at Fresenius (dialysis), and they invited me to apply despite knowing my situation. I never ended up applying because I found work elsewhere. I would probably try to avoid major hospitals. Good luck, and I wish you all the best.

RNigothis said:

I have seen comments on here from people who worked as a nurse tech while in monitoring and then transitioned to work as a nurse at that same place. So, it is definitely possible. Have you tried applying to detox centers, psych, or outpatient behavioral centers? Great schedule, and usually very monitoring-friendly for nurses. Even clinics that are for the underserved population will hire nurses in monitoring programs. I recall when I was searching for a job, I emailed a recruiter at Fresenius (dialysis), and they invited me to apply despite knowing my situation. I never ended up applying because I found work elsewhere. I would probably try to avoid major hospitals. Good luck, and I wish you all the best.