I am getting ready to begin prerequisites for an ADN program and was a bit concerned about the background checks. No I have never committed a felony so it's not the criminal background check I'm concerned with. I guess I am worried about things from my past being dug up and becoming "public records" after passing the NCLEX. Or even being denied a license because of this.
I'm so uncomfortable about this possibly happening that I'm afraid to even discuss it anonymously on this board, but for clarity's sake I will do so.
Okay deep breath. I am a woman who overcame transsexualism. Meaning I once lived as a "boy" but have long completed all the medical, psychiatric, hormonal, and surgical treatments involved in this process. Every vital record has long since been changed and I am legally female. During this process I encountered just about every obstacle a human being could face. Most of my family abandoned me, I lost my job, was physically threatened, publicly humiliated, discriminated against, you name it. Just because people were either ignorant or insensitive about my condition. I finished my transition and began to move on with my life. I made new friends, began dating, started a new job where no one knew my past and life was grand! Well then I decided I could trust a few of my new friends or dates with my "past" but I soon found out that many who liked me when they didn't know, rejected me when they found out. Once again I became a curiosity, or worse. So I learn from this mistake and move on with my life vowing to never tell another soul. Not employers, not co-workers, not new friends, not even boyfriends. I fear if anyone finds out I will once again be rejected, treated as a freak, or worse. It's a sad reality I face so I choose to remain silent. Well except for this post!
So now that I have thoroughly embarrassed myself, back to the background check question. Will they check court records for name changes? Do they ask if you have worked under another name? (My work records, school transcripts, etc have been changed). What about this condition unfortunately being listed in the DSM? When I first researched my condition in High School I was devestated when I found it in the DSM, and even moreso when it was linked to some really icky stuff. It was humiliating to go through some of the psychiatric testing I did, but I guess it was necessary to rule out other "disorders". Thank goodness this is all past me now, but I do fear that it somehow may resurface if I follow my dream. I am smart, articulate, hard-working, sensitive, caring--all the qualities that make a good nurse--but I worry that my "past" may continue to haunt me. I'm enjoying my peaceful, normal life and don't want to be branded again. Am I being overly paranoid here?
