Denied by clinical sites, now what?

[Aubs9467]

I have been an LPN for ten years. I made some horrible life decisions when I was young and dumb, and an LPN. Long story short, my nursing license was placed on probation. Everything has been completed on my end, but of course the record is still present. My license has been unrestricted since 2014. I have no criminal charges. I finally decided to go back to school to obtain a RN degree, I worked my butt off retaking classes to meet their acceptance requirements. I was so excited to be accepted into the program earlier this year. I have been upfront and honest with the nursing directors of the program about my history, but I have now been denied by the clinical sites that my school uses. My question is, has anyone else had a similar experience and eventually found a clinical site willing to accept them with diversion on their nursing license history? I am hesitant to put myself out there in this way, because I have become a completely different person than I once was and I cannot bear to think that this is as far as I will be able to go, education wise, in nursing. I'm hoping someone has some suggestions or experience with this that could point me in the right direction.

I'm humiliated by my past. I know I can't be the only one out there in this situation. I have made calls to other branches of this school, but most that I've heard back from do not seem to think I would be accepted at their clinical sites either. Is there anything else I can do to further my nursing degree?

[llg, PhD, RN]

As a person who processes the paperwork for students at a hospital ... my suggestion is to contact the hospital directly. Set up a meeting with them to discuss whether there is anything you can do to help them feel safe in allowing you to be a student at their facility. For the facility, safety is the issue.

My hospital has had a few borderline applicants that we have allowed to come with special caveats -- such as having the instructor be aware of the student's issue and promise to assess that student (past drug addiction or alcohol abuse) every clinical shift for evidence of drug usage. We have also required periodic drug testing for some students.

I don't know what your past problems have been, but perhaps you can come up with a plan to help the hospital feel safe. (A "chaperone" accompanying you to clinical?) It might cost some money -- and it might be embarrassing -- but it might be worth a try.

[Aubs9467]

Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond with your experience. I really appreciate this information. I admittedly stole the "waste" of a narcotic. I reported myself to the nursing assistance program. I completed drug and alcohol treatment voluntarily and complied with the monitoring agreement for three years. Then petitioned the board of nursing to remove the probationary status on my license. This was all complete in early 2014. No issues since and I'm working as a nurse in the drug and alcohol treatment center I actually went through, for four years now. I've completely changed my life. I'm hoping with everyone's input I can further my education. Thank you so much.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

Have you looked into Excelsior College? They don't have "traditional" clinicals. I'm not sure what their policies are regarding students with a history such as yours. It wouldn't hurt to call and inquire.

This isn't an easy program by any means, but it is doable. I got a quality education, but I also was willing to put a lot of effort into the program and am self-motivated.

Best of luck to you! I hope you are able to find a workable solution. It sounds like you've put a lot of heart and soul into getting where you are today. I also suspect this isn't the first "speed bump" you've encountered in your journey and probably won't be the last.

[Aubs9467]

I'm so excited to tell you guys that the clinical site decided to reconsider me and has now accepted me for clinicals. I am beyond grateful. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me, it means so much to know that there are people out there who are caring, compassionate and understanding. I'm so grateful to have another chance to achieve this goal! If someone is going through something similar, just don't give up!!

[caliotter3]

Great! So nice to have good news for once! Now good luck to you!

[Aubs9467]

Thank you!

[Aubs9467]

Hey! I appreciate so much your feedback and encouragement. I wanted to make sure you saw the update that the clinical site reconsidered me. Thank you for giving me the push I needed to not give up!