5 years and I'm done

Thanks for the inspiring words and thanks for giving us all an update.  Your line that we are not alone is the most important - there are those of us who are going through difficult times and we can learn from each other.

Congrats on being done. Well done and a huge milestone completed.

Once you reached the 5 year mark, was it over that same day regarding check ins and meetings, reports? Or, is it another week or 2 or 3 until the BON says so? What I'm getting at is...........while you are awaiting the final letter from the BON that closes out your case and tells you your license is now unencumbered, do you still have to check in daily and test if selected while you are awaiting the letter to arrive in the mail? Thanks in advance.

SheelaDavis said:

Congrats on being done. Well done and a huge milestone completed.

Once you reached the 5 year mark, was it over that same day regarding check ins and meetings, reports? Or, is it another week or 2 or 3 until the BON says so? What I'm getting at is...........while you are awaiting the final letter from the BON that closes out your case and tells you your license is now unencumbered, do you still have to check in daily and test if selected while you are awaiting the letter to arrive in the mail? Thanks in advance.

Yes I my last log in was on 10/5 which made exactly five years. I submitted my last report prior to my final day. I received my completion letter from the monitoring program via email. I now wait to have my license placed back unemcumbered. But the hard part is over with just one more hurdle. But unfortunately I will have this mark on my license forever in Tennessee. It almost seemed unreal to not log into affinity today. I have a sense of pride and relief . 

A friend of mine is currently in monitoring and she is very open about it, definitely is good to learn about as a newer nurse. What I thought was interesting is that she still has to keep up with her CEUs ? 

maddieebobaddiee said:

A friend of mine is currently in monitoring and she is very open about it, definitely is good to learn about as a newer nurse. What I thought was interesting is that she still has to keep up with her CEUs ? 

She will continue to do her CEUs as she is still has a license. Monitoring program does not exempt you from maintaining your license. 

blackpear1981-MSN said:

She will continue to do her CEUs as she is still has a license. Monitoring program does not exempt you from maintaining your license. 

ohhh gotcha! I think I was also just confused bc she said hers is suspended, didn't realize you had to keep up during suspensions but it does make sense now that I'm thinking about it more

Hey, I wanted to ask you do you happen to have any advice about obtaining a job while on nursing probation? I'm currently on my first year out of three years for nursing probation and it's been really hard. Trying to find a job as soon as possible to fulfill the requirement, which is my last requirement I have to complete in probation besides the daily checking in for Drug testing of course. I feel like I've applied at so many places and it gets discouraging. Any advice you have I would more than appreciate and congratulations on completing your five years. That's amazing.

Find your local low income health care clinic that usually have lots of turnover and openings. These clinics cater to underserved populations. Cities and small cities have lots of them. At some point, you may have to wrestle with the decision of possibly moving across your state to get that first job. Not easy to do and very difficult, but keep in mind that if you land that first job, in 365 days, you apply to jobs you were turned down for located back near your home. Moving can be brutal with kids, family, finances, but understand that possible move is Not forever. After you have worked somewhere for one year, employers alarmingly are more likely and quicker to hire you. Also, look at mental health facilities. Also, call the nursing department DiRECTLY. Many nursing departments would hire you, but your application is being turned down by someone in human resources who is simply completing a checklist to discard applications for people on probation, so the nursing department never even knows you applied. Start by going through the nursing department "door" first and backdoor your way in past HR, so when you apply, the nursing dept knows about you and will get your application through. 

Best wishes and prayers sent your way to help you find a job.

DreamCatcher2025 said:

Hey, I wanted to ask you do you happen to have any advice about obtaining a job while on nursing probation? I'm currently on my first year out of three years for nursing probation and it's been really hard. Trying to find a job as soon as possible to fulfill the requirement, which is my last requirement I have to complete in probation besides the daily checking in for Drug testing of course. I feel like I've applied at so many places and it gets discouraging. Any advice you have I would more than appreciate and congratulations on completing your five years. That's amazing.

There are many jobs to work while on probation. Long term care facility are always open to hire nurses on probation. Many will say dialysis clinics are welcoming. I advise you to be up front about your probation and use each interview as a means of growth. I've had luck at a family clinic where I'm still working even after monitoring. It's  not in the best side of town so think out the box. Low income areas of town are supportive as well. You will find a job and looking forward to you posting here when you do.