I started a thread last May that might help some people. Last spring I was hired to do history and physical's for patients scheduled for surgery(basically an admissions nurse). I used to be an adrenaline junkie as a truama nurse specialist. It was hard to put that career behind me but I'm content now. Here is the thread:
For anyone who is discouraged about trying to find a job, stay positive to the best of your ability, do the foot work, research every job possible (go to the website: careerbuilder.com to find jobs in your area not listed in newspapers), pray, brush up on interviewing skills, etc. That's what worked for me.
My experience was in ICU's for many years. I do not have any additional degrees other than nursing. (an A.A.S.--not BNS) When I started researching for jobs, I ruled out the obvious ones that that my "contract" wouldn't allow me to do. I looked at the website twice a day and creatively reformatted my cover letter to show how my experience would allow me to qualify for the job. (I would be happy to share a resume that could be tweaked individually--I'll check back here) When I faxed my resume, I usually verified it was received.
Before I went for interviews, I bought a book on frequently asked questions. Most of them were behavioral questions such as "tell me about a time when you were involved in a conflict, how it was handled and what the outcome was." I also checked out an audio tape on interview tips (at the library). I listened to it all the way to the interview and it took my mind off the "committee in my head that would tell me I wasn't going to get the job anyway." I practiced how to inform the supervisor about my contract with the nursing board. When I went in for an interview I remembered my sponsor telling me: God will go into that interview with you and if you're having a hard time anticipating the interview, ask and he will go BEFORE you. It calmed me quite a bit. In general, I didn't inform the supervisor I had a contract until I knew I would qualify for the job. If there was "call" involved, I didn't qualify for the job so I didn't disclose the information. I concluded the interview and went on my way. If I qualified for the job (after being informed more about the job) then this is how I presented the situation: "I need to tell you I am a participant of TNPAP. If they didn't know what it was (and most of the time they didn't) I explained "I had a difficult time in my life and made an inappropriate decision to handle it poorly. I am a recovering addict and participate in a 12 step program. In situations like this, the state of ______, requires nurses to participate in a program of supervision. These are my restrictions: a temporary narcotic restriction for _______, no on-call, can not work more than 80 hours in a two week period, can not work for a temp. Agency, etc..."
I tell them I have random drug screens and will for 3 years. I also tell them they can call my case manager to verify I have been entirely compliant with my contract.
After that I usually get some silence followed by "I appreciate you informing me about your situation. I admire you. Often I was told that it takes real courage to own up to the situation. At the conclusion of the interview, sometimes I asked if being a participant of TNPAP would exclude me from the job. Sometimes they said no, sometimes they said they would need to check with the HR director or the DON.
These are the types of jobs I applied for: treadmill nurse position, office nurse positions, utilization review, research nurse positions, ECF positions, blood bank positions, many state positions (desk jobs), pre-admissions to OR position, education positions, dialysis positions and I'm sure there are more but I can't remember them all. I bet I applied for about 35 jobs. I got about 10 interviews. The position I got was for pre-admission. I do not have access to narcs, I have no call, etc. As far as references, I did not have ONE name that would give me a positive reference. Sometimes I used "old" references from 4-5 years ago. I also found out that I was listed as a "rehire" from the hospital where I had my heavy drug use. I still haven't figured that out. I found that if I "aced" the interview they didn't even call my references. Interesting, eh? I was VERY discouraged many times about finding a job. I felt great financial pressure. But, I didn't give up. I was 100% vigilant and it paid off. It took nearly 3 months. I was willing to clean houses until I got a job. One other thing that kept me going was coming to this website. I read the threads and saw that nurses did get jobs. I was discouraged because where I live, it is well known that the hospitals do not hire restricted nurses to do floor nursing (who need to give controlled substances) and have a "buddy" system. It simply does not happen here. With all that said, DONT give up. There were times I thought about leaving nursing but I am so thankful I didn't. God is grooming a job for all of us....it might not be where we want or when we want it, but it IS possible.
I sincerely hope this helps someone. One of the best parts of being involved with others in recovery is how we sincerely "root" for each other. Hugs.
Hi Sophie1, I think your theard is very helpful, I appreciate you taking the time to write that up. I havent had my license restricted yet, but I know that the time is coming and I want to be as prepared as I can-its extremly important for me to have a financially stable job at all times. I see that you offered to share a resume example, maybe even a cover letter? Do you think you could email it to me? Thanks alot. Ill send you a private message w/ my email.
I am very curious about the restrictions you have. I was told by my manager that my job will be there waiting for me. How often does that happen and what is the process once you are "caught".......feel free to e-mail me at (PM for e-mail address)
My restrictions: no call, narcotic restriction x1year, no agency/homehealth/hospice positions, I can not work more than 40 hours/wk or have less than 12 hours between shifts, no travel positions and I'm sure there are more but I can't remember them all right now. I just know I'm not violating any of them. After 1 year I have to petition to gain my narcotic restriction back. The BON can extend the restriction if they want. Good luck
Re: Interview Suggestions with restrictions
Hello Sophie,
Would love to have a copy of your cover letter! Thank You in advance, Mary.
*Please PM poster for e-mail*
Here's a few cover letters. Basically all I did was be creative with words, emphasize my assets and format the cover letter to fit the job. The last job I worked at (in the end of my using) I didn't have one person that would have given me a good reference. However prior to that job I DID have good/great evaluations, copies of outstanding evaluations and therefore I could provide them with documentation to support my cover letter (even if it wasn't entirely current). I have tried to keep my anonymity by leaving out the hospital names and I hope I haven't forgotten any. I hope this helps someone. My cover letters are very repetitive and simple. I just wanted to get in the door.
Here's a few:
(the ad for this job said:looking for someone who has an inquisitive mind.....
look for those key words and "fit" them in to the cover letter. Also, my experience with ICD-coding was 15 years prior to this application but if I knew it once I was convinced I could learn it again.)
To whom it may concern:
I am inquiring regarding the data documentation specialist position. My 22 years of experience includes direct patient care with adults and children in an office and hospital setting, outpatient surgery facility, the operating room, recovery room, emergency department and adult and pediatric intensive care units. While working for a physician for 12 years, a portion of my duties included ICD-9 and CPT coding. This knowledge and meticulous scrutiny maximized the reimbursement. In my ICU position, documentation vigilance was required to ensure written communication directly reflected the care delivered. In my position I was an advocate for precise documentation and to comply with hospital policies and procedures. I have an understanding that documentation is our first line of defense for reimbursement, against litigation and support communication.
I have experience at ________ Hospital in the operating room and received a 98% on my annual evaluation. I have excellent clinical skills and communicate clearly and professionally. I have an inquisitive mind and pursue continuing education regularly. I work well with others in the spirit of cooperation and contribute respect and feedback to all team members. I am not currently employed and could begin orientation immediately. My work evaluations reflect my strong work ethic, ability to be flexible and work with a variety of patients and family members to meet their needs.
Please see my attached resume.
#2
To whom it may concern:
I am inquiring regarding the chronic dialysis nurse position. I have 22 years of experience which includes direct patient care with children and adults in an office and hospital setting, outpatient surgery facility, the operating room, recovery room and adult and pediatric intensive care units. I have developed excellent clinical skills. My certifications have been in BLS, CRRT, EKG, PALS, TNS, ACLS, and NRP. My ACLS is not current as the position at __________ Hospital did not require that particular certification. I have been certified in ACLS six times and would be willing to recertify immediately.
My experience directly related to dialysis is initiating, monitoring and concluding chronic renal replacement therapy in the adult ICU setting. I developed critical thinking skills that provided with the ability to anticipate clinical deviations and implement care accordingly. I developed an understanding of the clinic indications for CAVH or CVVH and the principles behind the pathophysiology. I was responsible and accountable for the achievement of clinical outcomes for individual patients.
I work well with others in the spirit of cooperation and contribute respect and feedback to all team members. I am not currently employed and could begin orientation immediately. My work evaluations reflect my strong work ethic, ability to be flexible and work with a variety of patients and family members to meet their needs.
Sincerely,
#3
(the ad for this job requested someone who had phone triage experience (what nurse doesn't have that?)....assisting with office procedures and providing vaccinations)
To whom it may concern:
I am inquiring regarding the nursing position (occupational nurse position). My experience includes direct patient care with adults in an office and hospital setting, outpatient surgery facility, the operating room, recovery room and adult and pediatric intensive care units.
As an office nurse, part of my duties included assisting with patient exams and procedures, both sterile and non-sterile. I scheduled follow-up appointments and procedures, drew blood and gave injections as prescribed by the physician. I am competent with telephone triage which included calling in prescription refills. I have 22 years of experience with general nursing duties.
My certifications have been in BLS, CRRT, EKG, PALS, TNS, ACLS, and NRP. My ACLS is not current as the position at _____________Hospital did not require that particular certification. I have been certified in ACLS six times and would be willing to recertify immediately.
I have developed excellent clinical skills. I communicate clearly and professionally. I work well with others in the spirit of cooperation and contribute respect and feedback to all team members. I am not currently employed and could begin orientation immediately. My work evaluations reflect my strong work ethic, ability to be flexible and work with a variety of patients and family members to meet their needs.
Sincerely,
#4
Attention: Dena
I am inquiring regarding the treadmill registered nurse position. I believe my 22 years of experience would make me an ideal candidate for the position. My experience includes direct patient care with children and adults in an office and hospital setting, outpatient surgery facility, the operating room, recovery room and adult and pediatric intensive care units. I have developed excellent clinical skills. I communicate clearly and professionally. I have an inquisitive mind and have pursued continuing education regularly. My certifications have been in BLS, CRRT, EKG, PALS, TNS, ACLS, and NRP. My ACLS is not current as the position at ____________Hospital did not require that particular certification. I have been certified in ACLS six times and would be willing to recertify immediately.
I work well with others in the spirit of cooperation and contribute respect and feedback to all team members. I am not currently employed and could begin orientation immediately. My work evaluations reflect my strong work ethic, ability to be flexible and work with a variety of patients and family members to meet their needs.
Sincerely,
In October '04 when I OD'd and ended up in the hospital where I worked.Originally Posted by distressed
I was terminated. Mind you I had never taken any drugs from the
hospital but I had taken syringes One of which my huband brought to the
ER with him. At the time my supervisor said that if I completed
diversion I would be eligible for rehire pending the statusof my license
With God's help I will complete Diversion in October 08 so I went back
to my old employer and inquired about my old job. After waiting two
days to hear I was informed in writing that I was permenately ineligble
for rehire. My supervisor told me this was not her decision but rather
the decission of "Risk Management." This news struck me like a fist in
the gut as the hospital system includes 4 area hospital's that I can no
longer work at. After a week of self pity I realized there were still
hundreds of hospital's that I could still work at. So my suggestion for
those newbies is to stop thinking about your job and career and start
thinking about your recovery. Antything this disease takes away from
you your recovery will bring back - but you have to stay focussed on
the now. Not what came before or what comes later. Take care of the now
and the future will take care of itself.
Peace and Namaste
Hppy
Sohpie--Thank you for your posts. I'm just beginning my employment search, and your advice and examples are so encouraging! It's wonderful to hear from others who've been there and succeeded. I hope I will soon be able to pass on MY success story!
Thanks!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your job search information. i have been doing the same and am REALLY discouraged right now!!! I feel like people look down on me and will never hire someone like me!!!
I successfully completed the diversion program in CA in January 2008. During that the 3 years and 10 months I was in diversion, I interviewed for 2 non-patient care jobs and 1 patient care hospital position. I am so lucky to say, I got every job I interviewed for. Essentially, what I did, was when each employer called for an interview, I told them over the phone I was in diversion and would that exclude me from interviewing. When they said no, I went in for the interview and as I verbally outlined my career I would say the following: 'I left my last nursing position so that I could seek treatment for substance abuse. I am currently a participant in the CA diversion program and have been fully compliant. Should you choose to offer me a job, Unfortunately I will not be able to work night shifts or pass narcotics, be charge nurse, work double shifts or float to other areas until xx/xx/08. It is difficult to say there are things that I cannot do right away, but I assure you I will work very hard to prove myself worthy of the trust you will place in me.' By the grace of God, by being honest and confident I was successful each time.
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