Is the past going to hurt my chances???

[jpgmavs]

I am 28 and going back to school to become a nurse. I was in rehab as an adolescent at 17 and then again at 19. I checked myself in at 19 to a rehab center. I have been a regular member of AA and sober even since January of 99. I was addicted to opiates and alcohol but never used an I/V drugs.

I got my life together and have been in the computer industry ever since with a stable work history. Now I want to help people as a nurse.

I feel I have proved myself with about 9yrs of recovery behind me.

Will my past be an issue? What things might I have to do in order to be a nurse that others might now have to do? Would I have extra restrictions or would employers be scared to hire me?

I would of course be honest...just hoping the mistakes I made do not haunt me. I feel with all I went through I gained a new sense of compassion and want to share that.

Thanks

Jeremy

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Jeremy, I have been a friend of Bill W since late 1979 and have never found it to be a problem. Of course, I don't tell anyone at work, either.

[danissa, LPN, LVN]

Jeremy, I work with a nurse who recently celebrated 20 years of sobriety,(shes 41 yrs old btw!!!) She did indeed celebrate the fact, but is such a strong person,( no alcohol required to party!)

What I mean to say is, when you have got this far, 9 yrs sober!, babe, begin to trust yourself a bit! My friend is a great nurse, sure, she doubts herself, but dont we all?

best of the best to you! It's a beginning, not an end.

[ukstudent]

You need to call and talk to the BON of the State you want to work in. They are the only ones that can tell you what if any restrictions you would have. Do this prior to starting any nursing school. Good luck.