Criminal Background Check

[annejo177]

Hello!

I have recently decided to pursue a career in nursing. I have a BA in business (live in CA), and would like to do an accelerated bsn program. I was looking up which pre-reqs I would need, when I read that in order to be accepted at the university I would have to pass a background check.

I am 26 years old. In 2008, I was involved in two alcohol related crimes (age 21). I won't get in to the details, but my total charges were: assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (that being my hands), criminal threats, anonymous phone calls, vandalism, DUI, open container. They were all reduced to misdemeanors.

I know by the charges you are probably thinking I am a crazy, angry person who does not deserve to even think about letting myself into society, much less become a nurse. However, most of these charges are outrageous comparative to what actually took place, but I pled guilty because I was scared, alone and ignorant of what I was doing when I made this life sentence. I am not a bad person. I don't drink anymore. I was really young and really dumb. I didn't hurt anyone, nor could I (I am a 120 lb, scrawny female).

Now I am a mom to two, have a full-time job at a non-profit organization and really want to do good by becoming a nurse. I am working on getting it expunged, even though I know it will still be visible.

My question is: Is becoming a nurse a feasible career taking my criminal background into consideration? Not only do I need to get into nursing school (which requires a check), but I have to pass the licensing boards approval as well. I have tried googling, and many people speak of becoming a nurse after a DUI or a felony charge. I can't find anything with MULTIPLE infractions (all within two months of each other, two separate incidents). I really really really want this, or ANYthing to better myself and my family, but it appears that I sealed my life away from becoming anything better than scum those five years ago. Advice please??