Struggles with getting a job after monitoring

[greygirl81]

I have been a nurse for 4 and completed a one year monitoring program in November 2013 successfully. My license was also on probation related to that, as well as meds errors, documentation, and safety issues. I totally own up to the mistakes I made. My license has been clear and active for the past year but obviously shows the past probation.

My question is...in interviews should I bring all of my past up? I have been on so many interviews lately, and I want to be completely upfront and honest with the interviewer so I always bring up my past even if not directly asked. I feel like I'm shooting myself in the foot divulging the information, but I don't want to appear like I'm being dishonest either.

I feel like the system makes it nearly impossible to stand back up once you fall.

[Emergent, RN]

You definitely should discuss this. I also advise you to seek work in higher need areas of nursing, such as LTC. Don't waste time competing for harder to get employment until you have established a solid work history.

[odaat]

I found the answer to this varied a lot but for me personally I have always been upfront and honest in all my interviews. Due to my criminal charges they're going to find out anyway and really I just haven't found a better way to answer "why did you leave the ER?". I went on a lot of interviews, I got some nasty responses and some nice ones, I held a job for a month and then was forced to resign due to my crime being a "barrier crime" at this facility even though I was honest from the beginning. I have had so many doors slammed in my face, I have been told I should never be allowed to be a nurse again, I have wanted to give up so many times because it just seemed like I would never be allowed back in to the profession i love, I would never be allowed to redeem myself. But finally, a year and a half later, i got my yes and start my new position in a few weeks. So my advice is be honest and never give up even when it starts to seem insane to keep going! Also, check in to dialysis:)

[greygirl81]

Thank you guys! Honesty has always been my policy in the interviews too. Its just so frustrating. Thankfully, I have no criminal charges, but most interviewers instantly assume I do once I start talking about the situation. I've been trying all the normal recovery friendly areas too since long term care is what I have done for the past four years. I'm currently working a temporary job doing chart abstraction for a major hospital that is switching EMRs through a consulting company and I'm hoping that could open some doors as well.

[LibertyTX]

After my 12 month monitoring is over, I am definitely NOT going to bring it up in interviews. I will list it on my application if it asks about past disciplinary action, but that's it. My monitoring is not related to criminal charges, addiction, or patient safety. I have never been fired from a nursing job and I have been employed full-time the entire time. My warning won't show up on the TXBON website after the monitoring period is over. I just don't see any reason to bring up a closed case.

Does past disciplinary action really hurt job prospects??

[PCORRAL]

What areas of nuesing will take chance on bipolar recovering drug addict?

[Omaapecm, ASN, RN]

I always encourage people to be honest about the past. Unfortunately, many pass judgement and don't like to give out 2nd chances but that's just what we have to deal with. It takes time but there are people/employers who will understand you and accept you for your passed. Our pass don't define us so try not to get discouraged. Hang in there !!!

[adm6290]

I suggest waiting until the second interview. Be brief, focus on your recovery, what you've learned and how it will improve your empathy and care for patients.