Turned down due to nursing probation

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I just wanted to share an experience I had recently with applying for a nursing job. I have a consent agreement with the BON for 5 years also called nursing probation. I was interviewed for a RN job a local hospital and the interview went great. I did not share that I was on nursing probation and wanted to let them know at the 2nd interview. I was called back for my 2nd interview and it went very well then I told them about my consent agreement and what was required of it. I got a call back about 1 week later stating that my interview, references, and experience were amazing and they wanted to hire me! BUT, the nurse manager had experience with my type of situation in the past and it did not go well and I believe the nurse relapsed. So, she stated point blank that the reason I was not being hired was because of my history of substance abuse! I'm over half way through my nursing probation and have been clean and sober for 4 years....I explained. The nurse manager said that was great and to give her a call when it had been 5 years and my probation was over! What the heck! What is her mindset? Does she feel that I'll be magically "cured" when I hit the 5 year mark? I cannot believe the ignorance some people have when it comes to addiction. Somehow I feel that she just didn't want to deal with the paperwork.....sigh.

Michelle, I'm in the AP, I think we are in different programs.

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Specializes in LTC, Management, MDS Nurse, Rehab.
Michelle I'm in the AP, I think we are in different programs.[/quote']

I think you are correct..sorry :)

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It's all good, you're just lucky to have less paper work and obstacles :) Either way congrats on only having 8 mos left!!

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Try applying to home health care. I have taken nurses on probation. I just don't have them on hospice cases. Do understand that your supervisor has to submit reports to the state every 3 months (at least in my state) AND the supervisor signs with their lisence number as well that things are on the up and up. Addicts can be sneaky though, this is why many supervisors won't do it. If that employee relapses/divert, you have to report it to the state, which makes you feel bad. I have had a nurse blame me for losing her lisence, it's not a pleasant situation. i have found overall though that these are loyal employees because they can't get jobs in many places. i really only had a problems one time. Try applying to practice setting where you're not dealing with a lot of narcotics, those supervisors are often less fearful of diversion.

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don't know about the state you are in- but the Texas program does not allow you to work in home health- i think because you aren't working directly under the supervision of another RN.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Louisiana doesn't either. There's quite a few places we couldn't work while in our state's RNP.

Anne, RNC

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Try applying to home health care. I have taken nurses on probation. I just don't have them on hospice cases. Do understand that your supervisor has to submit reports to the state every 3 months (at least in my state) AND the supervisor signs with their lisence number as well that things are on the up and up. Addicts can be sneaky though, this is why many supervisors won't do it. If that employee relapses/divert, you have to report it to the state, which makes you feel bad. I have had a nurse blame me for losing her lisence, it's not a pleasant situation. i have found overall though that these are loyal employees because they can't get jobs in many places. i really only had a problems one time. Try applying to practice setting where you're not dealing with a lot of narcotics, those supervisors are often less fearful of diversion.

To. Karen Jordan, It was civil of you to hire a nurse who suffers with the disease of addiction. However, recovering addicts ARE NOT sneaky, unless they are still using. Did she have a preceptor to report to. Nursing is a caring profession. Funny that a majority of nurses would rather see nurses who suffer from the disease of addiction be shunned and burnt at the stake. Regina F Eckhardt, RN on probation [email protected]

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I am in Texas and not allowedto work in Home Health. Class A misdemeanor as threatened my husband who was going to kill my 3 bunnies. Have 3 months left. Been Nurse for 39 years without a blemish. One error and now can not get a job due to it! Have interviewed and turned down due to situation. Guess my Nursing career is over. Applications a s k about pa s t 10 years legalities. Sad!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I am in Texas and not allowed to work in Home Health. Class A misdemeanor as threatened my husband who was going to kill my 3 bunnies. Have 3 months left. Been Nurse for 39 years without a blemish. One error and now can not get a job due to it! Have interviewed and turned down due to situation. Guess my Nursing career is over. Applications a s k about pa s t 10 years legalities. Sad!
((HUGS)) what a jerk!
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I am having the same difficulty. I agreed to probation instead of having to spend 20.000 to fight the BRN. Now I can't find a job in the LA area. Any ideas?

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I found successful employment in dialysis, and know of at least 5 other RNs who are in the same boat as I am. Granted it was never my dream job, but I have found myself settling in well. Prayers for you to find something soon.

Hunnie

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.
I am in Texas and not allowedto work in Home Health. Class A misdemeanor as threatened my husband who was going to kill my 3 bunnies. Have 3 months left. Been Nurse for 39 years without a blemish. One error and now can not get a job due to it! Have interviewed and turned down due to situation. Guess my Nursing career is over. Applications a s k about pa s t 10 years legalities. Sad!

As I read this I can't help to wonder what the other side of the story is...

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