I recently finished school with my ADN (hooray)! Unfortunately, clinicals were a struggle for me and I had to come clean in my final semester to the dean that I had anxiety/depression/ adhd or risk failing school (long story). I was allowed to continue school under partnership with my college’s students with disabilities office, and found that my performance improved dramatically after giving things a second try. My instructor who said she was laser focused on failing me even admitted that she could find no reason to do so at the close of the semester- and complimented me on my work. I went from nearly failing clinical to getting an A on all of my assignments.
I recently applied to the BON for my License. I didn’t disclose my mental health history because I didn’t feel I was a threat to patients as evidenced by the observations of my instructor. I also like to keep my health and all of its issues private due to have been stigmatized and passed over for chances, along with being pigeonholed as incapable. I don’t really think it’s anyone’s business- and my psychiatrist agrees. I actually ran this past my mental health providers and they are the ones who originally suggested that I not say anything to the board.
The trouble is, I also have a 12 year old DUI conviction (misdemeanor) which I received before nursing was even a thought in my brain. Even though it’s long behind me, I feel like this compiled with my revealing school records showing I had a mental condition or three is basically like shooting myself in the foot as far as a license goes. Furthermore, as I’ve been unemployed for several years as I worked on school, I don’t have the savings to find a lawyer plus fund a probation program should I be placed into one. Should I just give up at this point and try to find a non - medical job?
Note: I live in a state where expungement is not an option.
