Past indiscretions

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I'm a 35 year old BSN. Before I got into Nursing I considered a military career but was discouraged to discover that past indiscretions would prevent me from becoming an officer or maybe even from enlisting. You see, my first time around in college (before BSN) I partook in a little too much partying. This included much drinking and some marijuana smoking. After college, I quit partying completely and have not had a drink, or anything else in over 10 years.

Here is the problem. -I am under the impression that past drug (marijuana) usage can prevent a candidate from being granted a security clearance, which is required for officers. Also, there is no use in lying about it; besides the fact that you should be honest in the application process a thorough background check will discover it anyway.

Has anyone had any experience with this. Would this prevent me from becoming a military nurse?

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I am former USN enlisted (1978-1980) and there is no reason to lie. Integrity is not just a military tenet - its universal in every walk of life. If you can't believe a person's word, what else is there?

Corpsman?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No - broadcast journalist. I did public affairs for about 10 years while we were stationed overseas. (I went into the Navy as a young and very dumb 19 y/o - I just quit college (nursing school in fact) one day and joined the Navy the next). That left me with a 0.7 GPA for my first year of college. Can't imagine why schools weren't knocking on my door???!!! lol

On a side note - I've actually been toying with the idea of going back as an officer in the USAR but my husband (retired Air Force) isn't too gung ho about this idea.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
...On a side note - I've actually been toying with the idea of going back as an officer in the USAR but my husband (retired Air Force) isn't too gung ho about this idea.

LOL, when does the Air Force act gung ho about anything:confused:

J/K ;)

Seriously, glad to hear your interested in the USAR Nurse Corps ... let me know if you have any questions. BTW, I'll be leaving the [RC] for the [AC] on 03 APR 06 when I report to Madigan Army Medical Center, FT Lewis, WA.

I'm curious, have you also considered AF Nursing ? If I'm not mistaken the AF Reserve Nurse Corps mobilizes for shorter length of time [boots on the ground] than USAR Nurse Corps.

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I was a Navy Nurse, and although I did not have a past issue as you did, I have certainly worked with Navy Nurses who did, and did receive waivers. I don't know the specifics of their past usage, but I agree to just be honest. Good luck to you.

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I know as an enlisted HM any use of Marijuana was disqualifying for HM however NC officers were accepted for commission with an experimental usage history. Recruiters are VERY experienced in handling this issue.

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Specializes in I got hurt and went to the ER once.

[quote name=

hm2viking]i know as an enlisted hm any use of marijuana was disqualifying for hm however nc officers were accepted for commission with an experimental usage history. recruiters are very experienced in handling this issue.

i remember a long time ago when i tried to enlist the recruiter asked me if i had ever smoked pot. i said, "yes". he said are you sure. if you have then you can't join. (or something to that effect). i said, uhmmn.. i meant i had this really vivid dream that i did. he said, oh ok, just keep what i said in mind, and check that i hadn't done any drugs. i was later disqualified for an operation i admitted to having when i was three. it has not affected me ever. i have a third degree black belt in shotokan and have never had any major health issues. the army lost out big time. i would have been an awesome airborne ranger.

anyways.. with that said.. i agree with the general consensus that honesty is the best policy. i'm not going to defend lying.. i'm just saying... follow your heart.

tim

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i'm not sure if all branches have the same criteria for waivers, but my wife admitted to drug use before she enlisted in the navy, and was given a waiver for smoking marijuana 25 times!! even though she was enlisted, as a radar tech, she had secret clearance, which means that despite her prior service drug use, she made it through all of the background checks.

i would very seriously suggest that if you investigate this further, be wary of "information" given to you by recruiters. many of them will tell you anything you need to hear to get you in boots, especially with current recruitment numbers what they are. get your answers in writing.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

If the military barred service for casual MJ use, they'd not have nearly enough qualified candidates to field a 'volunteer' service.

The background clearance is such that, it's awful hard to lie about. They don't just look at criminal records, they talk to people - lots of people. Including people that would not respect your lies. Not to mention the fact that lie detector tests are routinely used to grant/renew clearances.

Be honest and hold your head up high. The worse that can happen: they say 'no' to your service. But you DO have other options. Better to serve with integrity or be barred from service than to always worry about the lie that would end your career.

In point of fact, the military is far more concerned with such lies when they hand out clearances, because those are the seeds for blackmail. . .

~faith,

Timothy.

(BTW, I see your orginal post if from Nov, and you only posted once. If you're still looking, give us an update.)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Dialysis, Hospice.

Will a bankruptcy preclude one from direct accession to Army Nurse Corps? I had to declare about 5 yrs. ago while I was a newly divorced, starving nursing student. Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Jill

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If everyone really disclosed every detail of their lives, I don't think we would have a military.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hello. Just today read the original post from a few months back.

All I can add is: When I went in for my physical for the ANC, there was a huge sign posted that stated something to the effect if a person ever smoked pot in their lifetime to 'fess up. I was a teenager in the 70s and I did my share of smoking and inhaling. I stated that, the physician asked me the last time and I honestly told her when I was 20 (25 years ago)

Like many posters stated, be honest. PS: I am a proud Officer in the

Army Nurse Corps!

Ready, Caring, Proud

athena

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