Can I still become a nurse?

[LongRoad]

I have a desire to be a nurse, and have started taking pre-reqs. Suddenly, I realized that my haunted past might get in the way. No, I haven't murdered or abused anyone, never even been arrested, but I did have a short stay in a psych hospital as a result of substance abuse. That was 5 years ago, and I have been clean and sober since then. I've been off all prescribed psych drugs for 3 years also.

So, in a couple years when I'm ready to apply for a nursing license, will they find out? Should I explain ahead of time? Will they still let me have a license if I do explain?

Thanks for any advice!

[Shiva_Las_Vegas]

Hello.

I don't know the answer to your question. If I were you, I would contact the state board of nursing directly to get information as it may vary from state to state.

Good Luck.

[LilRedRN1973]

You should be fine as long as you are completely recovered and did seek treatment for your problem. It's the ones who aren't getting treated for their disorders that have to worry. I was very concerned about my physician putting me on fluoxetine for stress, anxiety, and mild depression. I thought it would hurt my chances of being employed as a nurse. He said it wouldn't be a problem because of the very reason I was taking medication to fix the problem. He said if I had these symptoms and wasn't treating them, THAT would be a problem. But definitely contact your state BON to find out what their policy is as I'm sure states differ slightly. And congratulations on getting treated and being in recovery. Sometimes, the hardest part is actually recognizing you have a problem. :)

[Berkeley]

So, five years ago, you were in a mental hospital for substance abuse...hmm.

You're best bet is to contact your state nursing board and lay it all on the line and get their input--annonymously if you can. And do it before you enter nursing school and get your hopes up.

If you were in another state when it happened, and there was absolutely no police involvement, then I'd say just live your life like it never happened--and never speak or write about it again. But if there's a trail, then you got to come clean (no pun intended).

A lot of people when they get busted feel they need to tell the police everything. I say let the police earn their pay. Take that for what it's worth and good luck

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Re: Psych treatment

This may or may not be information you sought. Several states are now asking for a police report from ALL license applicants....new and renewal. I found this on the NH site. You might want to check your own state board site.

http://www.nh.gov/nursing/liccrimbackground.html