Countinue Nursing School?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hello all!

I could realy use some advice about continuing nursing school. About seven yrs. ago when I was lost, wild and did not know what I wanted out of life. I managed to get 2 dui's in the same year. I want to be a nurse pasionately,so I've changed my life and have been attending school and working for the last few yrs. Now that things are serious, I want to quit my present job and start working as a CNA, but things go downward when I try to fill out applications. I have even been turned down for a CNA job that I realy wanted and I'm not sure if that's the reason. I don't want to get my heart broken because I can't change what happened in the past, and I don't want to continue going into the health care field if this is all people see. Am I being to hard on myself? Should I be strong and realize there may be other reasons why i'm not being hired? I'm ashamed of filling out applications because this question is asked. I would love to hear advice back from nurses and students. thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

are they running background checks? I think they tell you if they are, and you can request a copy. how long is a DUI on it? I'm sure that wouldn't be the only reason you are not getting the jobs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't know and yes I did fill out permission to do background check. I'm thinking about going back to the human resource person and check on the app.again but, I don't wont to look like i'm being pushy. I am a first yr. nursing student going the second time around. I passed nutrition, pharmacology and ended up making a D in fundamentals which I will be taking again in the fall. Have to make a C or better in all nursing courses. I did my fall clinical at one of their facilities.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.
I don't know and yes I did fill out permission to do background check. I'm thinking about going back to the human resource person and check on the app.again but, I don't wont to look like i'm being pushy. I am a first yr. nursing student going the second time around. I passed nutrition, pharmacology and ended up making a D in fundamentals which I will be taking again in the fall. Have to make a C or better in all nursing courses. I did my fall clinical at one of their facilities.

you can ask for a copy of the background check. I just accepted a RN job and they asked me if I wanted a copy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg.
I don't know and yes I did fill out permission to do background check. I'm thinking about going back to the human resource person and check on the app.again but, I don't wont to look like i'm being pushy. I am a first yr. nursing student going the second time around. I passed nutrition, pharmacology and ended up making a D in fundamentals which I will be taking again in the fall. Have to make a C or better in all nursing courses. I did my fall clinical at one of their facilities.

Don't be afraid to check with the HR rep or the hiring manager to find out why you did not get the job, especially if you feel that you met all of the qualifications. Also, checking on your recent application shows your interest in the job, not you being pushy. Do what it takes to improve your grades and don't give up! Find out why you didn't get the job and work on what you need to to ensure that you get the next one. I don't believe that a DUI received seven years ago is the only thing holding you back, but there's no use in guessing. Find out from the source, that way you know exactly what you need to do to avoid problems in the future. Also, sometimes the door doesn't open for a reason that we can't see at first, but be diligent and the right door will open for you. I've applied to many jobs over the years that I did not get, but it turned out that they were not the right jobs for me anyway. So it was actually a blessing!! Good luck. :wink2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If the DUIs are the reason that you have not gotten the jobs you can go to/call the District Attorney's office to see if they will ex sponge your record. In TN (where I live) I have a co-worker who had some issues that went on her criminal record and after a year or so with no more issues, she was able to have her record cleared.

It may be different by state and you may have to pay, but it's worth a shot. Good luck in school and with your job search!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Finally an RN!.

In my experience, I have seen people with DUI history employed in healthcare, but it also depends on the company. The company that I have been with for 5+ years has a "zero tolerance" for any criminal activity, including a 'wet wreckless' which is driving under the influence but not enough to be legally drunk. I had a nurse apply for a position with us and she had a wet wreckless in 1982 (over 23 years prior to applying for the position) and the company said 'no deal!', no exceptions. I would encourage you to speak to HR at the facilities you think you would like to work for and find out what their policy is. If you feel that this is what you want to do with your life, I would encourage you to pursue it, but know that you may have some hurdles in front of you. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can tell you what our instructors told us. Especially since she sits on the board of nursing for the state.

She told us that if anything is showing up on our back ground check go to a lawyer. More than likly they can get the charges exsponged from your record. good luck with school.

:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I realy appreciate everyone's input on this subject. I'm so grateful that nurses forum is here. I know in my heart that God wouldn't have brought me this far not to take care of me through this journey.I'm going to try to keep my head up through this and know the person that I am is not who I was, but who I'm trying to become. Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment