Another 'problems from the past backfiring' ?

[Priddyeyez]

I am finishing my pre-reqs for the nursing program at my school this semester. I just picked up the application yesterday, and read that if you have been treated for mental health problems or alcohol/drug dependency in the past 5 years this may disqualify you from the program. My mother died very unexpectedly in her early thirtys and i move out on my own. Had issues with depression and alcohol- and sought treatment. It has since been 3 years and I have my own child, and have worked hard to move forward. Is there anything I can do? Does HIPPA not protect me here?

[shock-me-sane]

how strange. how do they go about determining this? unless you release your records to them they should not be able to figure out your past medical history. i would call the department and ask about this. i would imagine that it would simply be a yes/no box that you would check off. do you have to do a background check ahead of time? if at all possible i would avoid any mention of your history, not because you should be ashamed, but because the nursing department likes to think that everyone in their program is in perfect mental and physical health.

i have history miles long. they didn't ask about anything, nor would i ever dare to mention it. very stigmatized.

[rn2binca]

Your past should not be an issue during nursing school BUT I highly recommend you are completely and totally honest with your school and the Board of Registered Nursing about it. I am in my last semester and we had the program director come in and talk to all of us about our license paperwork. She said she has seen everything in student's past and as long as they have recovered or changed their ways the Board will usually grant a license. The director has to write a letter of recommendation to the board and the student must write a letter explaining what occurred and what the student has done since then to prove he/she has recovered.

Congratulations on getting through your prereq's!

Tracy

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am not sure as to what to do. I would call the department and explain the situation without giving your name. Do this first then work the ladder.

Best wishes to you.