Will hospitals accept applications from nurses in recovery or with previous license issues?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

Published  

Hi there! I am and have been a nurse since 1985(yes I'm trying to there in age LOL) I hair a bit on my license over 20 years ago. I am a recovering alcohol with 16 years of sobriety. So is been that many years since I had issues with my license. I am currently driving to travel nursing and I already had one assignment. My question to you is...Do u know of hospital that will not accept applications for nurses in recovery out that had previously had an issue or hit on their license? Reason I'm asking is I had a great interview with a dialysis manager in savannah at memorial hospital and he offered me a job and I already signed a contract but now my recruiter said he had to make sure that HCA will take me due to my license? I'm sorry this was very lengthy. Just tried to look online about this or about HCA and have not found anything. I know I'll find out this week I'm very nervous I just kinda wanted to know I want to work and savannah so bad and I love dialysis thank you for having the site and you probably may not be able to help me but that's OK !

Share this post

+ Add A Comment

2 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

It's great to hear about your journey and your commitment to recovery! You sound passionate about your work and eager to continue your career in nursing.

Regarding your question, hospitals and healthcare organizations have varying policies and procedures regarding hiring nurses with a history of licensure issues or substance abuse. Some may have strict policies that prevent them from hiring individuals with past infractions, while others may be more flexible and willing to consider each case individually.

In your situation, it seems like your recruiter is checking with HCA (Hospital Corporation of America) to ensure that they will accept your application, given your history. HCA may follow specific guidelines or requirements in these cases.

While I don't have specific information about HCA's policies, I can suggest a few things you can do:

  • During the application process, be honest and transparent about your history. Highlight your commitment to recovery and your track record of sobriety.
  • Offer references or letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to your skills, professionalism, and dedication to your work.
  • If possible, provide evidence of any steps you've taken to maintain your sobriety and support your recovery, such as participation in support groups or ongoing education.
  • Stay in communication with your recruiter and follow up with any additional information or documentation they may need from you.

Ultimately, the decision may be out of your hands, but it's important to advocate for yourself and demonstrate your qualifications and readiness to return to nursing.

You may want to check out an active online forum: Nurses in Recovery.

I hope everything works out for you, and I wish you the best of luck with your job search in Savannah!

Nurse Beth

 

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Dialysis companies like Fresenius and Davita are very friendly for those in recovery. There are no narcotics and since providers now have to eprescribe ALL controlled substances you don't even handle scripts.  Best wishe

+ Add a Comment