SWFl RN Looking For Help

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In August of 2011 while working in a Pacu I had a pt complian that they did not get there Medication. While on call on a Sat I was meet in the hall by the Nursing Supervisor and informed of the problem and was taken for a UDS to clear up the compliant and told that I was suspaned three days pending the results of the UDS. Friday of the following week I was cleared of the Opiate in my UDS but tested positive for TSH. I was terminated that following Monday and told to report to IPN within two days. I also was denied unemployment after being told by my former employer to apply.

I self report to Ipn that monday and went for a Eval in Tampa two weeks later. I was Evaled and had another UDS and a Hair Folical test. The hair folic test came back neg for tsh but positive for oxicodone. Which I took two Percocet from a friend (we are no longer friends) a month prior to all this starting.

I complete 12 weeks of outpt rehab in Sarasota and was contracted and cleared to work in late Nov. My contract is Two years with a Six month Narc restriction once I start working again.

I have been on over five interview with a few phone interviews, I have found out that Many Hospitals and A few Nursing homes in Charlotte County are Not IPN friendly. I have expanded my search to Sarasota, Lee and Desoto counties. I Have not been offered a job since I have a Six month Narc restriction even though All interviewers told me I was more then Qualified for the Positions I applied for.

Thank God my wife has been very supported of me and she works. But I am losing hope on returning to My Profession of over twelve years as a RN for sometime I did on my free time and only a few times and yes I understand MJ is not legal. I feel the punishment is Extreme after six months of zero income.

So any suggestions of IPN friendly employers in Southwest Fl between Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota or Desoto counties would be much apricatiated.

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Specializes in adult health , critical care.

Dear golf23rog,

Hello and welcome to this site! I think you will find many nurses in your position on this forum. The unwanted adverse effects of IPN seems like they captured you. I am in Pa in recovery for alcohol a little different scenario.It doesnt sound like you even have an addiction problem and Im not here to judge you on marijuanna usage . Thats a shame you have to go thru this program but hang in there! A Job will surface, I am still looking as well no narcotic restriction but my Nurse Practitioner privileges are greatly restricted for no apparent reason . I have been contacting recruiters and let them do some legwork if that helps.:rolleyes: Keep us posted.

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You will get a job, I will keep you in my prayers about this situation. The only thing I can add is maybe the TSH wasn't the biggest issue but the percocet was. You said they were going off a claim that a patient made about not getting PAIN medication. Then you have pain medicine in your system that you did not have a valid Rx for. I'm guesing here of course but just wanted to throw that out there/ Keep your chin up we all make mistakes!!

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Also wanted to say this, I dont know anything about hair follicle testing but can it tell WHEN you took the percocet, if so I would ask them to review that to see that you did not have it in your system in tthe timeframe they are investigating.

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"TSH"....Ok can you tell I am tired LOL...I meant THC....I don't think they are worried about your thyroid right this second....

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My Bad I meant THC, It has been a long hard road these past few months. Yes the Percocet is what put the Six month Narc restraition in my contract. I have done the crime and I am doing the time, but what I did on MY time never effected my work performance and I was never Impaired at work or on the job, or Diverted. After twelve weeks of outpt tx my therapist also expressed that I don't have an Addiction issue. The Hard part of all this is the wait, waiting for the phone to ring, waiting for the face to face interview then hearing over and over " I would love to hire you But....". I understand that those before me have broke the system for us IPNers, I have talked to them in my weekly group. They freely admit yes they have relapse more then once but they are all working. I am just asking for a chance to prove myself and not be mainstreamed with those that have ruined it for those like me that did not make a smart choice once.

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Specializes in u name it.

Relapse is a symptom of our disease. We struggle with this. We are not bad people...we are just people with real human problems. I do not think it is fair to label you or treat you as an addict, but the BON does not look at illegal activity as work and non work realted. It speaks to the poor judgement and they have no where else to put you except to lump you in with us addicts. Welcome to the fold..keep an open mind..keep looking for jobs..you will find one..and you might just learn a little about yourself.

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Hello golf23rog,

Welcome to the Nightmare of IPN. Don't get me Wrong. IPN is a Great Program, But Really Needs Help. Sorry to Hear about Your Difficulty in Finding Employment. I can tell you that Lee County is Monopolized, especially in the Hospital Area. I am Still dealing with the State and IPN, It's been 4 years now. I have went through my Unemployment and then some. I am finding I am either Over Qualified or Under. I feel your Pain. Have you tried Dialysis Places? Those seem to be the Most IPN Friendly.

SP

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Yes I have heard that IPN is a Nightmare but also a great program and yes I will agree with you that IPN needs a major overhaul. I have heard that the Lee Mem hospital group is IPN friendly. If this not true? I have tried one Dialysis place and I was not a Good fit because it was a acute position and I would not have the supervision that IPN mandates. Thanks for all the positive feed back. I must apoligize if I offend anyone, I am just upset with all I have lost because of my Illegal behavior and I need someplace to vent.

I have learnt much about myself through all this and will never take my next Nursing position for granted. I have worked hard for my RN lic and I am proud to say I am a nurse. I look forward to the day in the future when i look back at all this and can say " I made it through."

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