Super nervous about new job

[Rnagain1]

My nursing license was revoked back in 2005 for major substance abuse issues. I have felony convictions and left every hospital in this area under bad terms. After 13 years of getting my life together I got my nursing license back in 2018. I took an online refresher course and have been working in a SNF for almost 2 years. After a 13 year absence from nursing it was pretty intimidating at first, but I’ve gotten over it and feel pretty confident in my job now. I just got offered a position at a hospital I worked at before (one I left on bad terms before) on a PCU, mainly CHF patients. The manager who hired me says they’ll give me a good orientation but I’m still really nervous about it. There are also a lot of people that still work there that know why I left all those years ago and it might be difficult to work with some of them. Have any of y’all went back to nursing after a long absence? How did it go? What about working with colleagues who know about your past?

[AbbeyR, ADN, BSN]

If this a job you want go for it! We all have a past and if anyone would be so bold to say anything, it’s a bad reflection on them, not you. I wish you the best and you should be so incredibly proud you have success in your recovery! It’s great you can return somewhere you have been before for a second chance.

[Rnagain1]

3 minutes ago, AbbeyR said:

If this a job you want go for it! We all have a past and if anyone would be sold bold to say anything, it’s a bad reflection on them, not you. I wish you the best and you should be so incredibly proud you have success in your recovery!

Thank you! I’m taking the job. I’m kind of scared about how long it’s been since I’ve worked in a hospital, but I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this and so grateful I’ve been offered this job.

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

Hey best of luck to you!

[K. Everly, BSN, RN]

Your story is incredibly inspiring.

For what it’s worth, I think if you’ve overcome everything you have (with tenacity, intellect & grit) then you can definitely get back into the swing of this.

In terms of what other people think, I tend to like the old saying “those that mind don’t matter and those that matter don’t mind.” As long as nobody can make the job a living hell, they can move along with their opinion & I’d pay it no mind. Those of us in recovery, while we have regrets, are better and wiser for having gone through it.

[Psickal09, ADN]

Rnagain1, your story is so inspiring. I have not worked as an RN since 2013. I recently got my license back active and unrestricted. I have a diversion and patient neglect on my BON record. I'm applying for jobs left and right praying that someone gives me a chance. Your story gives me hope. ? hopefully I will be working as an RN soon.

[Rnagain1]

The only place I could get a job was a SNF. I’ve been there for almost 2 years. I just kept applying and finally got an offer at a hospital. I hope you find a nursing job soon.