I want to become an RN. I have an associates of applied science for MLT and a Phlebotomy certification through ASCP. I have never been employed as an MLT, I couldn't get a job.
I have 3 DUI's on my record. 1) age 16, 2) age 23 and I am now 38 and have yet to go to court. The paperwork for the RN program says you must have a "negative background or acceptable". I am afraid the clinical site will not let me in and it is possible. Even if they do I still have to go through the BON.
I would be an excellent nurse, I was a CNA for ten years and an excellent phlebotomist the fear of all the work and money to not get to become a nurse is rational but If there is a chance I want to try. Is it possible for me to make it? What do you think? (My partner of now 14yrs. had a massive stroke Oct 18th 2009, I graduated July 2010 for MLT this is 2017. I have been working as a server for the last three years.
Dear Afraid,
You are right to have concerns. Your challenges are:
Getting accepted to an RN program
Getting cleared by the BON for your license after you graduate the RN program.
If you had a recent DUI for a total of 3 DUIs, you may not be accepted to an RN program.
Next step is the BON- they are far more rigorous than RN programs and look for insight, remorse and rehabilitation- which will be a challenge with your record. Read Writing a Letter of Explanation to the BON.
I am so sorry. I would be the last to say you could not succeed, and the first to agree that, yes, you could have the makings of an excellent nurse.
I'm just telling you what I know- that even if you are accepted to an RN program, you will still have to
convince your state BON that you are rehabilitated. You could invest a great deal of time and resources in school for naught.
More important is your pattern of drinking and risky choices.
The first step on your agenda needs to be your health and addressing your alcohol use.
