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I graduated from nursing school in May, and was just now granted a license due to eligibility issues. I have an unrestricted license and have no criminal background. Now I am expecting to be asked why it took me so long to get licensed, and I don't want to lie but do not want to tell employers that I have a drug history. I have already told the BON this and after a very extensive investigation, I was completely cleared to be a RN without monitoring.

I don't want to lie, but I know from experience that telling a prospective employer that I had drug problems at one point will not leave a desirable first impression, even though I know that my past issues have given me my best characteristics. Is it okay to leave out this information and tell them that I didn't get my license immediately because I have had to finish up RN-BSN pre-req's in the classroom for the last two semesters and that I have had family issues (all of which is true). This is the first time that I really feel that I should not be 100% honest about this. I have always been completely honest about my past and it has only resulted in me being stereotyped against. I do not know what to do and would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

You are not required to bring up your drug history. If the BON feels you are competent to work without monitoring then you shouldn't feel compelled to be upfront about your past drug use. Do not bring up "family issues" on an interview. In fact, you shouldn't bring up anything about your marital status, health, kids etc on an interview. It is illegal for an interviewer to ask this information. You can bring up that you were finishing your BSN pre-reqs. That is a perfectly valid explanation.

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I see now that I shouldn't bring up "family issues" in a interview. Thank You for the advice, it is much appreciated.

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You don't have to bring it up and it's probably best that you don't.

I have 12 years clean so I know your thought process. Even though I'm proud to announce that there are still some very judgmental people out there.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moving to career forum

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