Nursing even worth it for me?

[Malenurseprospect]

Hey guys and girls,

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this I'm new to the site. Here's my situation. I'm a 23 yr old male planning to enter nursing school this fall. My school makes you clear everything up with the BON before entering so I have already submitted my declaratory order. Back when I was 20 I got a DWI and went to a rehab facility under the advice of my lawyer and father to help my case out as much as possible. I've never been addicted to any substance, though I did go through the juvenile teen drug phase like most people, I have since stopped childish activities like that and have been out of the legal system and taking good care of myself. So I received my letter back and the board approved me on the condition that I do TPAPN.

Ive looked into the program, 3 freakin years! AA? (already went to during dwi probation), Can't handle narcotics? How am I supposed to be a highly effective nurse, advance in my career, and seek new and better job opportunities when I can't even handle patients narc medicine!? The drug screens really don't bother me because I have absolutely nothing to hide, don't even drink anymore, employers can test my urine any day they want, I wouldn't care about that at all but I've heard they get expensive. Honestly I feel like EEP is more suited for my situation. None of these hoops (drug tests, meeting attendance, etc) would bother me except that this is going to affect my ability to do my best in this profession for three years, and my first three years at that!

I'm feeling discouraged about nursing now, and wondering if it's even worth going through the three years or should I just maybe look into another profession. I'm at a point in my life where I could easily go another career path and not have wasted much time, though becoming a nurse has been my goal for the past few years, and I wanted to one day become a CRNA. Also I read such horror stories about TPAPN on here it makes me wonder if it's worth it. Any thoughts?

Finally, I am not addict, so I've read that after the initial assessment with TPAPN if you don't meet the criteria for addiction or don't identify as one they could possibly refer you to EEP. Has anyone had this happen? I'm not above jumping through some hoops to get where I want to go but the thought of pretending/playing the"addict" card for 3 years makes me cringe, especially when it's not true to myself. Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Welcome to allnurses.com

Thread moved to a forum for replies from those with similar issues.

[1sttime]

That makes a rough start to nursing- I don't know if I would be able to make it through if I didn't have years of nursing experience to get me into a job to meet the monitored practice requirements.

Maybe if you worked a job in a hospital, can, unit secretary, ekg tech, phlebotomist, etc... you might be able to find a manager that would be willing to work with the stipulations you will have.

Its a little longer road, but maybe the medical board would be a little more forgiving if you went the PA route. It might end up being more cost effective as you might be able to get clearance before starting PA school- I would hate to see you go through the whole nursing program just to be unable to get a job.

What about nursing school in another state? Maybe nursing school and then sit for the boards in a more forgiving state? I'd definitely take the time to explore those options.