Need advice, counsel, and ideas

[bigbear8669]

I am currently the father of six children who has been a drug/alcohol specialist for over 8 years. I have over 200 units in University and Community College Ed and I am starting for a A/A degree this semester which will put me on the path to be a nurse. I have a high GPA, good references for myself. My problem is this, even though I work 40+ a week we are still eligible for Cal-Works. I hate this. I want to support my family myself. I am trying to get into this program there where they will help pay my mileage, child care and for my books. They said I was approved, then said yesterday I would need three letters from different doctors stating that when I became a nurse they would hire me in spite of my felony conviction over ten years ago. What is really maddening is that this one conviction will be espunged within the next 3 months. I have until Friday to get these letters. I have two already, one because I had a doctor as a client. He was the one who encouraged me to go into nursing. It is what I want to do. I WILL DO IT! Please send me advice and encouragement. Thanks so much for your help in this matter.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Welcome to allnurses.

You've got a plan. Stay focused on the end result you want for you and your family. Good luck.

[azor]

Oh dear,i pray you get the third letter so that you'll be what you want to be.Do not be discoraged even if your past decisions in life wants to.You have a dream,go for it.God helps those that helps themselves.Since you've helped yourself by staying put after these years,God will do it in your own case.He'll make a way for you.

[rn/writer, RN]

Do what you can to get that third letter. Perhaps one of the two docs who wrote you a reference letter might be able to refer you to someone who would write the third. Or maybe you could approach one of your own or your family's physicians.

Then save these letters for the future when you might have to answer to your state's board of nursing.

When asking for this kind of reference, be ready to explain all you have done since your conviction to turn your life around. Even if a doc doesn't seriously intend to hire you, he or she might vouch for you in principle that you are "hireable."

You are to be commended for all you have accomplished and for wanting the kind of help that will eventually lead to independence.

I wish you the best.