New to forum---24 years in addiction

[Susancas]

I also am new to this forum. I have read many great posts. I don't know why I decided to do a search for "addict nurse" but this is where I found myself.

After 9 years away from nursing, in recovery, I decided to get my license back (from suspension) and try to get a job in nursing. With all the jobs out there, I have to say, I am finding it very intimidating to go job hunting these days. I have been an addict for 23 years, in and out of recovery and my most recent treatment was 1997. THAT time I was arrested and jailed, fired, and forced to move back to my home town with my 3 children.

As is typical for an addict, I have applied for only 3 jobs, and have concluded that I am a total failure and that no one will hire me because of my history...I have a lot of faith that the right one will come along, either in nursing or not, but I have to say, I'm scared, and really tired.

Addiction has been my constant companion for so long, and occasionally, it gets old. I look at some folks and think: "They don't have to worry about addiction." I know that is really "stinking thinking" but the struggle grows old after so many years.

I'm sure tomorrow will find me feeling a lot differently, but I just wanted to say ****o to everyone and thank you all for being here. It helps to know I am not alone.

Susan

[joe m m]

I think your post was right below mine, I am glad to see that you are in recovery. Doing what you have to do maintain your health, sanity. I am kind of there but I was not in jail only one that I imposed on myself.
I pray god will give you the desire to do what you need to do.


Pm me if you want.

[ladybug42]

First of all let me say congratulations on 24 years of recovery. What an accomplishment that is. I have almost three years. I have found that office nursing is the place for me. Generally there are no narcs that we have to worry about, the hours are good and the supervisors generally are a little more forgiving of a not so "pristine" past. We are good nurses! Keep your chin up!!!!! The right job is out there for you, I know it!

[rjlpn00]

Hi,
this is my first time to the forum as well. I am an LPN and currently am under disciplinary actions from the nursing board, due to addiction. I am waiting for the final ruling from the board, as to what my stipulations are to return to work.
I am scared, embarassed and feel as if I am the only one with my problem, but I know that's not true.
I still feel confident in my skills as a nurse and know that when clean, I am very good at my job. My major concern however, is how I will be looked upon when returning to the job....will I be hired? will there be talking behind my back?
I would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has been in the same mess, and returned to nursing and how they were received.
thanks
rj

[Susancas]

Oh no, no, no. I don't have 24 years in recovery! In addiction. However, I DO have 8 years in recovery.

I have been job hunting for the last couple of weeks. Wow. I'm glad I don't take things personally, or I'd have an inferiority complex by now. No one wants to deal with my 1 year key restriction. NO ONE. Not even jobs where there are no narcotics involved.

I'm not discouraged yet. I have a truckload of faith that somewhere in this state (Alabama) someone will give me a job in nursing.

Thanks for the replies.

Susan

[Rickwood]

Hey Susancas!
Keep your head up. What city are you in? Two large Birmingham hospitals are known for hiring nurses on VDAP and on probation. I can point you in the right direction. Have a little faith in yourself!

Rickwood
Birmingham, Al

[sohpie1]

Hi all- My clean date is December 13, 2005 and I've been in recovery since then. My life has changed and I have peace/serenity today. I decided to take a year off from work (my husband is very supportive) but now it's time to go back to work. Well, I had a job as an office nurse for 3 months. The doc I worked for came in smelling like alcohol about 3 days a week so it was time for me to leave pronto. Now I'm having trouble finding a job. My sponsor has told me so many times, "God hasn't brought you this far for you to not go further.....keep doing the foot work.....pray......talk to other recovery nurses to open an opportunity for a connection.........pray........and don't give up 5 minutes before another miracle might happen. That helps me. Lets "root each other on" and let each other know how our job searches are going. Good luck and smile.........we're clean!

[lscrn]

What a wonderful story you have told, all persons in recovery are here for the rest of their lives, no matter if we say its 24 hours at a time or forever. Recovery is with us for life and unless you understand that treatment is not just for the moment for the rest of your years you will continue to slip. I have been sober for 14 months and it has been the best year of my life. Continue to pray, go to meetings and thank your higher power each day because it does work. GOOD LUCK.