\To tell or not to tell about my restricted license, Urgent Help Please!!

lwalk1963 · Aug 29, 2009

I do feel your pain about having a restricted license. I have a restricted license for 6 months. The board puts so many restrictions on your practice that it seems impossible to get a job anywhere!! I must work with a RN present at all times!! I have to have a witness to give narcs. I have get approval from the board before working anywhere.

I feel the boards of nursing are pocketing money from drug screens, classes, and counseling!! They are "protecting the public"? More like "protecting their pocketbooks"!!! They need to be exposed!! They don't give a **** about the public!! They just want to keep nurses under compliance orders and in recovery programs to line their greedy pockets!!

Maybe we need to form an organization to protect our right to make a living and protect us from boards of nursing!! Doctors get away with anything and keep on practicing!!

Sorry to fuss, but I'm at my wits end!! I have lost everything because I can't get a job with this restricted license! I had no idea it would be so difficult!! By the way, I signed an agreement with the board for 6 months due to a charting issue. I really had no choice because you can't fight them!! I would have been restricted longer if I had a hearing!! My agreement requires me to work as a nurse for 6 months. How am I to do this if I can't get hired anywhere?? The board probably knows this and will then say I'm not in compliance!!

If anyone has any advice, I would really appreciate hearing any suggestions!!!

exnursie · Aug 29, 2009

I do feel your pain about having a restricted license. I have a restricted license for 6 months. The board puts so many restrictions on your practice that it seems impossible to get a job anywhere!! I must work with a RN present at all times!! I have to have a witness to give narcs. I have get approval from the board before working anywhere.
I feel the boards of nursing are pocketing money from drug screens, classes, and counseling!! They are "protecting the public"? More like "protecting their pocketbooks"!!! They need to be exposed!! They don't give a **** about the public!! They just want to keep nurses under compliance orders and in recovery programs to line their greedy pockets!!
Maybe we need to form an organization to protect our right to make a living and protect us from boards of nursing!! Doctors get away with anything and keep on practicing!!
Sorry to fuss, but I'm at my wits end!! I have lost everything because I can't get a job with this restricted license! I had no idea it would be so difficult!! By the way, I signed an agreement with the board for 6 months due to a charting issue. I really had no choice because you can't fight them!! I would have been restricted longer if I had a hearing!! My agreement requires me to work as a nurse for 6 months. How am I to do this if I can't get hired anywhere?? The board probably knows this and will then say I'm not in compliance!!
If anyone has any advice, I would really appreciate hearing any suggestions!!!

I am unsure how you think that the BON is making money by choosing to monitor nurses vs just yanking licenses when a nurse is in violation of the Nurse Practice Act. It is much more expensive to pay for case manager, invertigators, and clerks to document all that is required, and not something that could be labeled as a money maker, or that brings in money!!

If you had only followed proper documention guidelines, this would be a non issue. Instead, this created enough concern that you were reported to the BON and in turn is why you are being monitored and have the restricitons that you do.

vivacious1healer · Aug 30, 2009

Hi. I replaced the letter with this:
August 28, 2008,

Dear United Health Group Hiring Manager,

I am interested in the Care Advocate - Special Needs Outreach and Advocacy, position, for which I am now applying.

I have many years experience with this population, and would look forward to advocating for these children and their families in a position like this with your company. I hope you will review my qualifications and consider me for this position. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your time,
(Thanks to you elkpark, I hope I didn't go too much in the other extreme direction)
and to SIRI , thanks for the feed back. But of course I know the board puts restrictions on licenses to protect the public. It is kind of ridiculous that it took them 3 3/4 years! Seriously! And it is not because I didn't notify them. Kind of defeats the purpose. Just saying. I know there are consequences and all that, and it is out of my control, but it just is very disappointing that they are coming so long after I have finally gotten all my personal problems pretty much under control and feel that I could contribute from a much better place. I worked for 20 years as a nurse, and now for the past 4 and currently I can't, and I'm actually at a much better place. I don't want to every work around any narcotics, it was only a rare situation that put me there in the midst of the quite a fIew difficulties all at once, but oh well, guess I'm suppossed to do something else, it's just that after 4 years I haven't been able to find that other thing that will pay me enough to live, i'm down to nothing now. Guess i need to spend time on the street or something.[/quote
" need to spend time on the street or something"..What?!?..that last line is a bit dramatic.
Just make sure to include in your letter that you are a nurse with 20+ years of experience, and have had a restricted license for the last 4 years. That you can discuss the details in the interview if needed (and it probably will!) Answer their questions honestly, without having to give a long winded story of the events surrounding it (it will sound like an excuse). If you accept the accountability of your actions (as you have stated) then that is what you need to convey to this potential employer.

Dixiecup · Oct 27, 2009

Hi. I replaced the letter with this:
August 28, 2008,
Dear United Health Group Hiring Manager,
I am interested in the Care Advocate - Special Needs Outreach and Advocacy, position, for which I am now applying.
I have many years experience with this population, and would look forward to advocating for these children and their families in a position like this with your company. I hope you will review my qualifications and consider me for this position. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your time,
(Thanks to you elkpark, I hope I didn't go too much in the other extreme direction)
and to SIRI , thanks for the feed back. But of course I know the board puts restrictions on licenses to protect the public. It is kind of ridiculous that it took them 3 3/4 years! Seriously! And it is not because I didn't notify them. Kind of defeats the purpose. Just saying. I know there are consequences and all that, and it is out of my control, but it just is very disappointing that they are coming so long after I have finally gotten all my personal problems pretty much under control and feel that I could contribute from a much better place. I worked for 20 years as a nurse, and now for the past 4 and currently I can't, and I'm actually at a much better place. I don't want to every work around any narcotics, it was only a rare situation that put me there in the midst of the quite a fIew difficulties all at once, but oh well, guess I'm suppossed to do something else, it's just that after 4 years I haven't been able to find that other thing that will pay me enough to live, i'm down to nothing now. Guess i need to spend time on the street or something.

I totally agree with you. It took over two years to get my settlement agreement. I knew it was coming so I was on pins and needles for two years before it even happened. I feel like I already spent two years on probation, then had to do five more!

Cherybaby · Oct 28, 2009

I am unsure how you think that the BON is making money by choosing to monitor nurses vs just yanking licenses when a nurse is in violation of the Nurse Practice Act. It is much more expensive to pay for case manager, invertigators, and clerks to document all that is required, and not something that could be labeled as a money maker, or that brings in money!!
If you had only followed proper documention guidelines, this would be a non issue. Instead, this created enough concern that you were reported to the BON and in turn is why you are being monitored and have the restricitons that you do.

While I do agree with you that the BON is not a money making machine. However, I find your statement "if you had only followed proper documentation guidelines, this would be a non issue" a bit out of line and definately not supportive.

Perhaps you are an "exnursie" for a reason?

aprilflower123 · Oct 29, 2009

To Liandra: I had to help a best friend of mine with this similar situation....The best thing that you can do is to write a letter, not the "babbling" one like earlier. I'm sorry, but that was a bit much and will seem like you are begging to them. Also, the letter you write needs to be with proper english, pronuncation, and proper punctuation (periods, comma's) and in a professional manner that says to the reader that you are educated. I don't mean that to sound rude, but in your last letter there was alot of runon sentences, improper grammer, etc. You know, that is one of the first things they will look at, over and beyond anything else your letter has to say, if your letter shows professionalism or not. People in those hiring positions can tell alot about a person just by the professionalism or non-professionalism of the words they write. You can ask someone to critique the letter for you after you have written it, or ask someone to help you write the letter. In the letter, you need to explain what position you are applying for and why you feel like that you are qualified for this position. Yes, you need to tell the incidence that brought about the restriction of your license, because all places of employment check the validation of license. After telling that you need to explain to them how you have changed, what you have learned from this experience, being you have been to recovery program, NA meetings, etc. You need to really stress why you feel you are qualified for this position and that given the chance to prove that you have recovered and want to make a better future for yourself. You can't write a letter degrading someone, (BON), or anyone else for that matter, for the mistakes you have made. You just need to focus on you, in this letter, and trying to convince them why they should hire you for this job and how you could best benefit their company. If this company is the one that your restrictions doesn't apply to, the position you are applying for, than you need to name that too in the letter, saying something like, "these restrictions will not interfere with me being able to perform my duties as"...... My friend, that I helped to write a letter for, had completed a 30 day inpatient rehab and is following a solid recovery program thru NA, counseling, doing the 12 step recovery program, agreed to random testing should they hire her....just things like that. I hope this helps. Good Luck. You also need to write a letter after you get an interview, even if you are turned down for a job, thanking the person for their time and that you are still very much interested in the job should they reconsider....You would be amazed at what that means....I had a friend that happen to, as well, she wrote a letter thanking them for their time, that she feel's like that she is the best qualified for this position due to her many years experience and references and that she is still very much interested should they reconsider. Yes, you must mention in your letter that you will be providing references on a separate page, be that from former employers, co-workers, counselors, NA sponser, and with phone numbers. You must provide these with the letter. I hope this really helps and good luck.....keep us posted...

caliotter3 · Oct 29, 2009

Please contact the moderators of this site and ask that the name of the employer be removed from your post and subsequent quoted posts.

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2009

Okay, I think I posted something in the wrong thread... .

CASTLEGATES · Oct 31, 2009

D1. NEVER mention restricted on a cover letter

2. Apply for any and all jobs THEN tell them you don't know if your license is restricted but your practice is (many states won't do anything to your lic while you're in their program); you just can't give narcs and that's it (interviews are free; make interviewing your FULL TIME 40 HOUR A WEEK JOB). If they show you the door, be kind and thank them AND SEND THEM A THANK YOU CARD! You have no idea how well that works and makes em think. Thank em for their time and for being so kind or frank or whatever they did you can commend them on.

Admin who made the "unrestricted" requirement may not understand; it's worth a try!

It's not uncommon to go to 2 or 3 interviews (I'm NOT kidding here) if you can squeeze em in A DAY. Garbageheads need to work harder (I say this affectionately...smile! Some of my friends are the happiest felons in the world)

Yes, they really do hammer out 2-3 interviews a day and is recommended. I cannot tell you the education you'll get while doing so then you'll get body slammed with a miracle. Do it like your life depended on it and hit 30 in 30 "rooms" starting now.

Let's see how well you can take suggestions...I got a dare coming later...

Disabilities are not covered but may be after your unrestricted. It's a licensing issue right now, disabilities come later (how they see it).

Speak to a professional about how to respond to the magic questions (a life skills coach, someone you trust IM here, etc). You need to answer the magic questions honestly on the app and say "prefer to discuss in person" or whatever your gut tells you when you apply. Tell them more what you've done about it, less what happened. Your cover should always include not me, me me, but how you can benefit them them them! Don't tell them of relapse, etc. earth people will see that as a weakness. Lost time makes you a newbie again. Be short, sweet and tell them you're one nurse they know won't be under the influence of squat since you're monitored and offer them free screens on your dime unlimited for any reason without a single comment or question if they're considering you. You need them to feel safe and it's important they feel comfy with your past. Say so.

As high as 18% of nurses depending on region and time of study are eligible for mind altering discipline so the "Shame on you, you're bad and how does the BON make any money?" Fec doesn't help-ignore that; that's the past, let's focus on the future and those who are offering help; ignore armchair criticism.

Mee'ins sponsor and hit the steps (something is telling me you need a hard 3, 7, 9th). Right now you're in your head and you can't be there; we know what happens...those little people will tell you to get a resentment!

So...I'd suggest meditating (listening), praying (talking) and waiting to see what the next right thing to do is. I'm basing this suggestion on the feeling of your posts.

Read this next line 10 times: "We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us..." Sound familiar?

Work the steps, get that intuition back and you'll have an advantage. You relapsed because you became complacent. Opportunity, desire and missing HP is the magic triangle that gets you to pick up. Remove one and you're set. Work on all 3 for insurance. You lost all 3...can't afford to do that for today!

You're darn lucky you've been introduced to the steps cause you'll have an advantage...see it that way.

Don't panic; you've got to know 100% in your heart you will get the job you're supposed to get. I've heard of MANY who applied for jobs they were slightly underqualified for and got hired-all druggies and drunks. More than 10% of managers and non clinical people; as high as a quarter may be in your shoes at one time or another or have had family there. You've got to work your program and follow your gut. If you lose that autopilot (that intuition), you need to hammer your program to get it back. It's a no brainer; I can see you :redbeathe

Anything to get in that door and show them your recovery glow (once you do a SOLID 3, 7, 9) that will show through you and you won't be able to hide it if you were thorough. THEN you'll intuitively know how to handle situations that used to baffle you!

I guarantee if you do all this and post after a month...come on and tell us what's up? Will ya? I'll eat a grasshopper if you do it and it doesn't work and I'll send you the video...deal? Yes I believe in you THAT MUCH! Come on, you can do it, you've done it before but do it better and more thorough this round, just for today and get that intuition and glow back! Brutal honesty with yourself is usually the missing link...statistics say for those who relapse.

Bless you all over the place and up on the side a little, spilling over the edge!

MizChelleRN · Oct 31, 2009

Castlegates, thanks for the lovely post. I'd love to see you eat a grasshopper!!! But really, that post made my weekend. Glad you're on board over here at N&R. xo

jackstem · Nov 1, 2009

An awesome post! An excellent blueprint on how to approach so many things in recovery. As Scott Peck says in his book "The Road Less Travelled";

Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult--once we truly understand and accept it--then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.

Take life one day, one hour, one minute at a time. Something that is overwhelming when seen in it's totality can be dealt with for the next 5 minutes, the next hour, or the next day. When we learn (an relearn over and over) to see each situation as an opportunity to learn one more thing about ourselves, our recovery, and our life, we can transcend the difficulties we face.

Let us know how things are going!

Jack

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2009

right.. what he said, and she said. They are all good replies.. Believe it or not, if you work hard enough you will dig out of that hole. .