Working restaurant job in recovery..

Eris Discordia BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2018

What in the actual heck?? That seems grossly overstepping some authority there. At the start of my program, I worked as a pre-k teacher and substitute teacher, so they didn't give me flack. I had to list my employers, their contact info, and names on my monthly reports. But my program never talked to them and I never had to tell those jobs about my issues with the Board or monitoring. I did have to tell the program though, but I was under the impression that as long as it wasn't connected with healthcare at all, they didn't give two snits and I kept those jobs totally separate from the program.

Did she say there would be a consequence if you took the job? Or just verbally belittle you into feeling like crap? Can you get a job at an establishment that isn't known for booze, like the Waffle House or IHOP? Since generally one does not want to piss of your case manager....even if they are being straight up ridiculous and completely innapropriate.

catsmeow1972, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2018

I'll take â€˜grossly overstepping authority' for $500, Alex.

Unless this twit plans on paying your bills for you, it is none of her blasted business what you do for work outside of healthcare. To quote (more or less) one of my favorite expressions, if you want to swing on a pole to make your rent money, that is none of any programs dang business.

So long as whatever you are doing is (obviously) legal employment and not in healthcare, I'm sorry, they have no right to judge what you are doing and it should not have any impact on whether you should be considered for this program.

Although on another thought....if you've already been consigned to IOP, or whatever your state calls it, aren't you already in the program....?

Nursealc123 · Mar 3, 2018

Yes she recommended working in a non alcohol-serving restaurant instead.. like I'm *sure* the tips at friendlys are out of this world but no thank you!

Nursealc123 · Mar 3, 2018

And yes I've already been through the admission process and signed my contract. So I'm in it to win it. I wouldn't drink alcohol or take drugs if my life depended on it for fear of never returning to nursing.

Eris Discordia BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2018

Yes she recommended working in a non alcohol-serving restaurant instead.. like I'm *sure* the tips at friendlys are out of this world but no thank you!

How does she even know that the restaurant you will be working at has a bar? Is a chain known for drunken debauchery or something special like that? I mean, unless it's called "The Drunken Sailor" or something, how does she even know that it isn't a family friendly establishment? I mean, for frick's sake, you're gonna be a hostess, not a bar back, bartender, or even a waitress!!! (Not that being a waitress should be a concern either.)

You aren't in healthcare on any level, you have a job offer that has zero to do with any kind of public safety, you won't be handling liquor, and you will be paying to randomly pee in a cup that can easily and accurately test you for any alcohol use. How is this even a remote concern for them??? I don't care if alcohol was your DOC or not, your a grown adult and this is not a decision they should have a hand in.

I'm sorry, but I cannot wrap my brain around the fact that the program is shaming and putting the thumb screws on you over a simple hostess job. Do they not even know what a hostess does??? This is the Kingpin of over stepping authority and abuse of power. And I say that as a person who generally takes whatever my program throws at me while keeping my mouth shut, bending over, and taking it...just so I can fly below their radar. I do believe that even I would be protesting this.

SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN · Mar 3, 2018

Everybody has bills to pay and these folks in the recovery industry don't seem to care about that so long as they are getting paid. Some of these counselors live in some dream state in an alternate universe. I'd talk to your monitoring board counselor to see if this would disqualify you from the program. I don't think it would as I don't remember any of the zillion stipulations saying we had to stay away from places where they serve alcohol. Good Grief!!!

catsmeow1972, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2018

One of my rather large issues with these programs is the fact that they have oozed thier way out from monitoring one's nursing practice into attempting to control what one does outside of work. If it is not relevant to my nursing practice it's not thier business. I am resentful that I have missed family vacations because of this garbage. Granted it is somewhat because of my stubbornness. I refuse to ask permission to leave the state. I know the answer will be that I will still be subject to a possible P test. My family has a vacation home that I do not get to go to because it is in the mountains. The nearest town has 1 traffic light. I've no clue how far I'd have to drive to find a LabCorp. I'm not driving off a mountain in winter for that.

Sours me so much, I'm tempted to go get a job as a bartender......except I've no clue how to tend bar....

allnurses Guide · Mar 4, 2018

Hi everyone! I am newly in recovery for diverting narcotics from work.. I just started in a IOP program for the next 5 weeks or so. I am currently unemployed.. unable to work as a nurse for a while. I am terrified of losing my home, getting behind on bills, etc. I mentioned to my IOL LADC that I had the opportunity to work as a hostess in a restaurant to earn some income while not able to work as a nurse, and she was horrified that I would even put that option on the table! She basically said that I shouldn't even be considered in the program if I am going to submit myself to that type of environment.. the whole people, places and things talk. Although, alcohol is not and never has been my drug of choice.. I basically know that being in a bar/restaurant environment is not going to be a trigger for me.. it's also only for a month or two until I'm able to work again as a nurse. So my question is.. if I were to take this job, and my program found out, would they dismiss me from the IOP program?? It was not listed in the contract that I signed upon admission to NOT work in that type of environment. I don't have any experience besides nursing and restaurant experience. Just wondering if anyone had feedback and/or experience with these recommendations. Thanks in advance!!

in most of these programs you are only prohibited from working as a nurse in patient care. There is usually no provision for being able to work in other areas such as Retail or restaurants. Even part time office work if your skills are good enough. You have to be able to pay your rent and eat etc..

I don't see a problem with being a hostess in a restaurant where there is sit down table service. I would hesitate to take a job in a sports bar where a lot of alcohol is served. Even though ETOH is not you DOC it might be a temptation in times of stress and why risk it. Why not get a job in a restaurant that doesn't serve ETOH such as a pancake house. I know the tips at these types of places are lower but if no ETOH is served and you choose to tell the Board they shouldn't have a problem with it.

Hppy

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 5, 2018

I can't understand why the monitoring program would really stress over where you are working outside of nursing. You're going to be drug tested way too many times during your contract, so if you were to divert some Pinot Noir, it's not as though it'd be a secret from them for long.

That being said, definitely check with your counselor to make sure it won't disqualify you.

SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN · Mar 5, 2018

Cats,

As I remember through the haze tending bar was much easier than passing the nursing boards. It was also so some fun. When this program super-sucks I sometimes think about chucking the whole thing and going back to it. The draw of having your own life back is incredibly strong