Nursing Student with A short Record

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Hello and Happy Easter,

I am in need of some advice and guidence on if I should pursue a nursing program I have recently signed up for. I am a single mother on my own and lost my job I've had for almost 2 years due to babysitter issues. I have had 2 arrests in my life, both misdemenors. First time I was 16, case ended dismissed, and like a dummy took the blame for my child's father for second degree petit theft. Second time I was 21 (current age) for second degree petit theft, this time I was being hard headed and was tight on money, I had to spend the money I had on paying my rent and buying my youngest child some diapers but still needed things for myself. So I ended up getting caught taking oil for my car that was acting up and tampons. I know, I was beyond stupid for this and I regret it so much. I am not usually so silly, I am rather independent and a hard worker that got caught in the moment. I want to completely change my life around and do better for the sake of my two sons. I signed up to become a Medical Assistant and I want to do better with my life and become successful. It kills me everyday what I've done and I am so down on if I will make it in life with this being held over my head. I even got denied a job at chipotle. If I go through with this 15 month program, could my past mistakes keep me for employment after graduation? Please and thank you for your time and comments! I am in the state of Florida if that changes anything!

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Specializes in Pedi.

First, a point of clarification, a medical assistant program is NOT nursing school or a nursing program by any stretch of the imagination. So nurses might not be the best people to ask, CMAs are not governed by the BoN, the governing body of nurses that we are knowledgeable about.

Could it keep you from employment? Honestly, yes it could. If you are a hiring manager and staring at 2 applications, one applicant has a criminal history and another doesn't, who would you choose? This kind of typecasting is unfortunately what relegates a lot of people to a life of crime. Will it? That remains to be seen. Do NOT lie on any applications, I'll tell you that much, the lie will look worse than the crime.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

You really should consult an attorney about expungement. That will help you start "fresh".

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