Disgusted to say this.. 4 misdemeanors before facing demons

[Purple7892]

Hello. I know this is a touchy subject and I know nursing is an amazing profession and I feel so deplored that I have to bring in my terrible moments in history in considering a nursing education and career! I'm in Ohio, 31 years old, and I between the ages of 19 and 26 I received 3 or 4 misdemeanors . At 19 (12 years ago) I was around alcohol and received a minor in possession (did not have anything in my hand- none the less..). At 21 or 22 (about 10 years ago) I was on my way to work and a guy pulled right out of his driveway and then if that wasn't bad enough he exited his vehicle so although I knew our cars were close together I went around him and on my way.. It turns out the corner of my fender slightly scratched the corner of his bumper so I was issued a ticket for a hit skip eventually convicted of a disorderly conduct -- I should have stopped my car and not gone around him, ugh (I don't know if this one was a misdemeanor and I was not arrested-- I'm ordering my records, and and FBI and background check next week)! And, now for the big guns that I deserve to be ripped to shreds for... In 2008 at age 24 I had went out after work and was going to go home when I got a phone call for help from a coworker. To make a long story short I went against my better judgement and to make matters worse I had a drink. Leaving the bar she asked me to drive because she'd had a driving under the influence already.. so I did and immediately got pulled over and got one myself. I thanked God no one was hurt and believed that could never happen to me let alone ever happen again. Well in 2010 at 26 I was working for an establishment which was just getting off the ground and the restaurant owner paid us in IOUs and alcohol. I always declined but I was at the messy end of a messy relationship, hadn't eaten much or slept much, had been seeking help for sliding into depressed and anxious state, and my Grandfather was terribly ill and that very day made a minor improvement. Anyway I got a second dui:cry:. I thank God everyday no one was ever hurt. Also, never any property damage or accident. Around that time I heard of several cases of multiple conviction cases where people had been killed by drunk drivers and I knew I had to stop drinking so I did and I have not since. I go to AA for the sober support and environment and socializing. Nursing has always appealed to me, but in the last year or so I have really been pulled towards it. I know this is not a legal forum but I'd really like to hear your thoughts if you think I could become a nurse with my record. I want to give my all to nursing and have a career helping people through their illnesses to heal, recover, and understand the processes, etc. I'm desperate to hear other's opinions, especially you guys who are invested in nursing. Whether you have encouragement or discouragement, would you please share what you think! Can a person turn their life around and become an amazing nurse (legally/from your point of view/just your plain old opinion/your experience/etc.)!?

I did talk to a licensing expert who thinks I'll have more hoops to jump through besides nursing school but eventually will be a licensed nurse in one way or another. I am still desperate for your thoughts/opinions! Thank you

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Welcome to AN! There is actually a forum for nurses with criminal histories that you may want to check out.

On that note, I highly encourage you to contact your state BON to see what they tell you about your possibility of becoming licensed. A school may allow you to attend, but the BON has the final say. Don't waste money on school for a license you might not get. Be proactive.

As for whether people can turn their lives around and become nurses, yes, it can be done. But be prepared for it to be a potentially difficult road.

[Purple7892]

Thank you. I appreciate your comment! I am definitely still in the hopeful state and dwelling in you believing it can be done (you have an MSN ). I will take your advice and call the BON, but I have heard so many times they will tell me it's a case by case basis and that will be my final answer from them:nailbiting:!

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

Her lovely highness said it better than I could. There are many recovering addicts and alcoholics in nursing. It is possible, but again, check with your BON first as you may find better information and avoid any undue stress as you try to negotiate school. If they give you information you need, proceed and good luck!

Social work may also be a venue for you. It's a core helping profession, especially in mental health, and with your experience, you might find insight to help others like yourself, just a thought. :)

[Purple7892]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your words of wisdom!!

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Assuming that you jump through all the hoops and end up with a stipulated license/in a monitoring program -- I wouldn't do it, especially as a new grad. The program itself is expensive both financially and emotionally. The stipulations will absolutely tank your job prospects which, depending on where you live, may already be slim for new grads. Not worth it in my opinion.

[caliotter3]

People with pristine records can't find work after graduation without life changing compromises. Your road may be too difficult, time consuming, and costly, to achieve something that may not be practical in the long run. I could not advise you to proceed pursuing nursing at this point, but I would not dissuade you from attempting to remedy your record, if you can. Best wishes.

[Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I tried not to chime in on this post, but I am compelled. We are only going to get older, and we should be pursuing our dreams and enjoying life during the process. Nothing will get in front of me and my dreams. There are people on this forum who have been to prison and become nurses and gone through monitoring programs. I am one of the fortunate ones who dodged the legal bullet and never had charges brought against me. But, there are many who have records that have made it. It wont be easy, but I do believe it can be done. Does it cost money? Yes it does. Calculate potential cost vs benefit ratio over the life of your career. I personally wasted so much money in my addiction, its like I got a huge raise once I quit buying all those scripts! I suggest you consider getting a job as a CNA or clerk or something before your pursue Nursing school. Be a stellar employee and let the DON and management see the type of employee you are. Once you are ready to enroll in school talk to them about your situation and see if they will work with you as a new grad with stipulations. Also, dialysis units hire nurses with stipulations, so going to work there before may also be a foot in the door option. Its your dream...

[Purple7892]

Thank you for your your compassionate responses. I took a class this fall on the human body which is over my head and somehow managed to get a 100% on everything (I know it won't always be 100%s). I've been doing well these last few years, and know/knew I still have a lot more work (both academically and continuing/maintaining self improvement) ahead of me before I could be that great nurse. It seemed like the path was just lighting up for me and was what I'm meant to do. I kept history in the past but just to be safe asked someone at my school about my problems from my past and she was shocked and horrified. So I have to determine if I can handle these two issues separately (becoming a nurse as well as facing and defeating all of these old demons once and for all). These demons are quite distracting in trying to sleigh them! I agree it is costly emotionally and financially, and I must keep in mind that it will be through out nursing school, the licensure process, and at least the beginning of employment and every time I find a new job. Anyway, thank you again for your words of wisdom, they really do help me get a realistic perspective! You nurses are the best!!

[Purple7892]

Thank you so much for responding. I believe it can be done too, and if I do follow through with my dream it will only be because it is the right thing to do.. I'm not trying to force it and I need to accept that if its not meant to be, then its not meant to be. The reasons will become apparent as time presses on for why to proceed or why not to. I have added your great counsel to my list of brilliant steps to take in proceeding with this -- measuring cost vs. benefit ratio for the life of my career. I forgot to mention that I am a caregiver (STNA) at a place I have been for almost 3 years. Doing well there... my heart beats on toward nursing, praying to follow the right footsteps! God bless you

[whodatme]

"Not worth it in my opinion." Disregard certain people's opinions. This is YOUR life and your very young. 35+ years more of work...whew. Nursing is great. Hurdles ahead. Sure. But there will always be hurdles. Pray about it and allow God to lead you wherever your needed. Who knows what amazing things might be around the corner? Only God! Take care and good luck!

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

"Not worth it in my opinion." Disregard certain people's opinions. This is YOUR life and your very young. 35+ years more of work...whew. Nursing is great. Hurdles ahead. Sure. But there will always be hurdles.

Sounds great until you are 50k in debt and can't find a nursing job because you are a new grad with stips. Listened to a lady at my monitoring meeting go on for 45 minutes because she couldn't get a nursing job because she is a new grad with stips and a record -- she can't feed her kids, can't afford the program fees, can't pay back her student loans, etc. When you hear stuff like this at monitoring meetings all the time, it provides the perspective that frankly you lack. God doesn't put dinner on the table or keep the creditors off your back.