ADN-RN-CRNA with a dismissed drug case

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**Reposting under this topic discussion, as I did not receive any information in my other topic discussion I had this posted in.

Hello,

So a little background information for context: 

I am 41 and finally pursuing my dreams as a mid-life career change. My hopeful intent is to complete my ADN here in CA and take THE NCLEX. Land a job as an RN, and finish my BSN while working. I would like to work in an acute/critical care pediatric setting PICU etc. for a few years, then apply for CRNA school. I have a drug simple possession/under the influence charge from 2000. I entered a plea and completed a diversion program to have all charges dismissed. This has never came up on any job application, nor have I ever been required to disclose this either. Now, I understand this is a very different situation as far as being a state registered nurse and needs to be disclosed regardless. My question is:

Has anybody had a similar situation, and was able to become an RN and onto a CRNA? I am having hard time finding any information regards to these types of situations. I understand there may be a good reason for that, however 20+ years ago for a mistake I made as a very young man, should not define the rest of my life. Any information in regards to all of this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

If the charges were dismissed and it was like 20yrs ago, I'm not sure how of if it would affect your chances.  Have you talked with a school about it?  Does it show up when you check yourself?  

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
On 12/23/2021 at 9:36 AM, Sgold80 said:

**Reposting under this topic discussion, as I did not receive any information in my other topic discussion I had this posted in.

Hello,

So a little background information for context: 

I am 41 and finally pursuing my dreams as a mid-life career change. My hopeful intent is to complete my ADN here in CA and take THE NCLEX. Land a job as an RN, and finish my BSN while working. I would like to work in an acute/critical care pediatric setting PICU etc. for a few years, then apply for CRNA school. I have a drug simple possession/under the influence charge from 2000. I entered a plea and completed a diversion program to have all charges dismissed. This has never came up on any job application, nor have I ever been required to disclose this either. Now, I understand this is a very different situation as far as being a state registered nurse and needs to be disclosed regardless. My question is:

Has anybody had a similar situation, and was able to become an RN and onto a CRNA? I am having hard time finding any information regards to these types of situations. I understand there may be a good reason for that, however 20+ years ago for a mistake I made as a very young man, should not define the rest of my life. Any information in regards to all of this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!

Hi,'Ilive in California and went through the diversion about  in 2002. My carr=eer is oing well and I don't regret the hitch this caused in my career.  It I am not mistaken the application for liscensure for california as if you have been treated for addition or psychosis in the pastten years.  If your issue happened in 2000 then you can truthfully answer no to that question.  Do not invite the BON into you life in this matter. You medical history is private and confidential.

Hppy

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3 hours ago, hppygr8ful said:

Hi,'Ilive in California and went through the diversion about  in 2002. My carr=eer is oing well and I don't regret the hitch this caused in my career.  It I am not mistaken the application for liscensure for california as if you have been treated for addition or psychosis in the pastten years.  If your issue happened in 2000 then you can truthfully answer no to that question.  Do not invite the BON into you life in this matter. You medical history is private and confidential.

Hppy

Thank you for your response! So there is not a question for the board that pertains to an "arrest record" record related to drug diversion? Were your charges dismissed, once you entered and completed drug diversion?

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On 12/30/2021 at 10:42 PM, chevyv said:

If the charges were dismissed and it was like 20yrs ago, I'm not sure how of if it would affect your chances.  Have you talked with a school about it?  Does it show up when you check yourself?  

Thank you for your response. I have not inquired with the school yet, and I believe on my DOJ state check, it shows there was an arrest record but that the charges were dismissed and does not show any details. I obviously do not want to disclose, if it is not required to do so.

1
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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
19 minutes ago, Sgold80 said:

Thank you for your response! So there is not a question for the board that pertains to an "arrest record" record related to drug diversion? Were your charges dismissed, once you entered and completed drug diversion?

I never had any legal charges. I was just a garden variety drunk with severe depression. I tried to kill myself and was referred by ER to the BON as an “impaired nurse” so much for HIPAA. But I met plenty of nurses with charges that were dismissed due to the fact that the diversion program was far worse  than criminal probation in CA.

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On 1/2/2022 at 6:31 PM, hppygr8ful said:

I never had any legal charges. I was just a garden variety drunk with severe depression. I tried to kill myself and was referred by ER to the BON as an “impaired nurse” so much for HIPAA. But I met plenty of nurses with charges that were dismissed due to the fact that the diversion program was far worse  than criminal probation in CA.

I'm sorry to hear you went through that, and glad to know you're doing better now! Can I ask what do you mean by, the drug diversion program is far worse than criminal probation? Do you think something like this needs to be disclosed to the BON, and also for CRNA school? Thank you!

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
14 hours ago, Sgold80 said:

I'm sorry to hear you went through that, and glad to know you're doing better now! Can I ask what do you mean by, the drug diversion program is far worse than criminal probation? Do you think something like this needs to be disclosed to the BON, and also for CRNA school? Thank you!

So I was in a five year program this is how it played out. I voluntarilly entered in California's diversion program for impaired nurses. I was told immediatley that I would not be allowed to work for 1 year. I was remanded to a rehab program. I was subject to random UDSs sometimes up to 4 per month. I was told I needed to see a psychiatrist once a month and a counselor twice a month. When I was cleared to return to work I had to let my work know that I was an alcoholic in recovery with stipulations on my practice. It was a total abstinance program. After 4 years al the stips stopped except the Rand UDS which was done about twice mknth. I also was required to to attend a weekly nurse support group meeting,  All of these things cost money and I has to pay for most of it out of pocket. It was around $40,000.00. I wrote about 15K off on taxes as medical expenses. 

At the same time there was a person in my support group who had been using Meth she was arrested when she was caught manufacturing with intent to sell. She was arrested and had her license revoked. She went to jail for 6 days and was released on probation with time served. She had all the same stipulations as I did. She told when the judge in her case saw the diversion contract they stated shecouldn't have come up with anything as harsh as what the  BON was doing to her. The main problem with these contracts if they are very cookie cutter "One size fits all" and if you step out of line you have to start all over again.

Hppy

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