What choice should i take?

[NurseRed]

Hello again,

I will soon be given a choice to get into my PAP, or probation. I do not know which way to go, i would like to continue working as a nurse through this, if someone gives me the chance to. I dont know if potential employers favor upon one or the other. ( if they favor any ) I am already in recovery, group 3 times a week, individual once a week and attend NA meetings. I have not worked as a nurse for 3 months. I have a couple interviews set up next week, hoping someone will give me a chance! I am praying. Any advice would be wonderful..thank you all for support here.

[hppygr8ful]

Originally Posted by NurseRed

Hello again,

I will soon be given a choice to get into my PAP, or probation. I do not know which way to go, i would like to continue working as a nurse through this, if someone gives me the chance to. I dont know if potential employers favor upon one or the other. ( if they favor any ) I am already in recovery, group 3 times a week, individual once a week and attend NA meetings. I have not worked as a nurse for 3 months. I have a couple interviews set up next week, hoping someone will give me a chance! I am praying. Any advice would be wonderful..thank you all for support here.

If you go into PAP you will probably not be allowed to work for at least 6 to 9 months. On the other hand if you go probation there is almost always a permanent record on your license - so unless you are prepared to be totally honest in your interview I would suggest PAP. The reason when you go probation you get on that dreaded list that the BON puts out that states your offense and all your dirty laundry. Better to take the time off, utilize your disability and get a firm foundation in "Recovery" before you start back on the stress treadmill and working around Narcs.

I don't know the specifics of your story so bear with me. IF you were caught diverting you will most likely be reported to the board. It may take the Board up to two years to catch up with you. Many people use this time to work a lot and sock away as much savings as they can. With the economy the way it is that's not a bad idea. The problem is when the board does take action they will most likely revoke your license. Most employer's don't appreciate finding out after the fact that there was a pending action against your license. The may decide to let you go if they feel you were dishonest on your application.

If however you take 6 to 8 months to cement your recovery you will be better able to handle the stress of going back to work and from your peer assistance group you will be turned toward employer's more friendly to nurses in recovery. Rest assured you will not be forever branded. My current employer doesn't even know my history - because there is no record on my license.

Take time to heal and work your program of recovery - the answers will come to you about what you should do.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

[NurseRed]

Thank you hppy, I am leaning towards getting into my PAP. I wish i had the oppurtunity to take the required time off while i am not able to work as a nurse, to focus only on recovery. Having food on the table is becoming a hard thing to do. I will find employment outside of the nursing field for now, until i meet all requirments from the BON. Thanks again for all your advice, I have been reading this forum for a while now, it's great to see your "status" as moderator here! Take care

[hppygr8ful]

Originally Posted by NurseRed

Thank you hppy, I am leaning towards getting into my PAP. I wish i had the oppurtunity to take the required time off while i am not able to work as a nurse, to focus only on recovery. Having food on the table is becoming a hard thing to do. I will find employment outside of the nursing field for now, until i meet all requirments from the BON. Thanks again for all your advice, I have been reading this forum for a while now, it's great to see your "status" as moderator here! Take care

One thing I have learned is to trust in my Creator and that all things will be provided. I would suggest that you check into collecting disability. It's usually equal to about two thirds your regular pay and you can collect for up to 12 months. The diagnosis you need is depression, or major depression. IF you are seeing a psychiatrist he/she can do the necessary paperwork for you. IT takes the pressure off to have some money coming in. When I was off work back in '04 we ended up having to take out a second on our house to stay afloat. All is ok today but that was a scarey time. The economy being what it is makes things even harder. Hang in there - When you are ready to share you journey write to me - I will help in any way I can even if it's just a shoulder to write to....LOL.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

[cali510]

I would agree that you should look at the long term effects of having marks against your license at the same time you pay close attention to your recovery. I am glad to hear that you have taken the first steps toward that goal. Your recovery is worth more than anyting else, but in the end you will need to go back to work and it would be helpful to have things as much in your favor as possible. Good luck in the days to come.