NYS nursing student, about to graduate with criminal record.

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Specializes in RN.

Hi all,

I am about to graduate in 1 month from with an ASN.  I have struggled with alcoholism for about 10 + years.  I got a DWAI in 2012 and misdemeanor in 2016 (but comes up as 2017 due to conviction date).  I got sober after the second, remained sober for some time and thats when I worked into getting accepted into nursing school.  I relapsed in the program and got a DWI in December 2020.  It is currently a felony but is being reduced to a misdemeanor and I will be on probation for 3 years.  Like I said before I am about to graduate, everyone is applying and accepting positions at area hospitals and I am not because of this criminal record.  I entered in-patient rehab during Winter break and am continuing with outpatient currently while living in a sober home.  I will not have a drivers license for some time but that is not my concern.  Is it even worth sitting for my boards, would I even be allowed to sit for them?  Beyond that, should I even attempt to apply for jobs (I've always wanted to work in the ER)?  Or is it in my best interest to look into what I can do with my degree that wouldn't require licensing.  I understand my idiotic actions got me here and I truly messed up a good thing.  I am down about it but I need to stay focused on my sobriety to have any chance at a happy life and hopefully a career in nursing.  Any input from nurses in NYS would be helpful, thanks.

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I may be able to give direct advise for your situation, as I am not an RN in NY, but I am a nurse in recovery with a criminal record. First off, I am really sorry to hear about your situation. My heart really does go out to you, as I know how devastating addiction can be. What I can say though, is that your sobriety MUST come first. It is the foundation on which all else in life is built upon and around. Addiction does not just magically get better and go away just because we want it to. I used to think if I wanted to be sober badly wnough it would happen and stick, but I failed time and time again. It takes dedication and constant work. I hope you have found some sort of recovery process that works for you.  I doubted myself all the way through nursing school about whether people would give me a second chance and give me a license/hire me--they did. BUT, I had to prove to all these people/organizations I was no longer a risk and could stay out of trouble and stay sober. My advice to you is just to finish what you have started. You never know what the outcome will be and you have already come this far. I almost gave up on this dream out of fear of rejection, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made to see it through. You could always check with your school about taking a leave of absence for a semester or two to work solely on your recovery before starting up again. I wish you the best of luck. Sobriety is the best thing that ever happened to me and please know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it does get better!! 

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Specializes in RN.

marples - thank you so much for this response! A little update: I graduated in May 2021, passed NCLEX in June 2021 and then began the licensing process. I went through a moral character review and they granted me my full, unrestricted license in August 2021. I started working at a hospital in September! I did tell my now manager about my situation because I was supposed to start my job in August but had to push that back and she was very understanding and supportive. Nursing has been challenging to say the least but I am continuing what I need to do! I'm not going to pretend its all been rainbows and butterflies as I definitely have my days where I want to give up but I try to reflect on what it took to get me here. I'm still learning everyday about recovery and nursing. I am so grateful for second chances.

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Congratulations!! That makes me so beyond happy to hear. I'm really glad you stuck with it and didn't give up. The silver lining to being an addict/alcoholic in recovery is that we have a level of understanding and empathy for others who are suffering, because we too know what it is like. The universe/god, whatever you want to call it, has given you this second chance for a reason. You were meant to have this career of service to help others. My hope for you is that you never forget where you came from, how far you have come, and what a gift it is to have a second chance at life. Congratulations again on your accomplishment!

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

I’m reading your story and it is a beautiful one. 

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Hi, thank you for sharing your story and I am so happy you were able to get through all these obstacles! I am curious to know how you were able to complete your clinicals? I live in NYS and I am applying for nursing schools. I only have 1 DWI conviction and the school I applied for is telling me I may not be able to do clinicals due to my DWI and I may not even get a license due to my DWI. Any input for me would be great. I feel like I should give up on this dream. 

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