Pre-nursing student with shoplifting misdemeanor

[zawadi]

Hey I'm going through such a rough time in my life right now. I got caught shoplifting. This was my first time ever running into trouble of any sort with the government. I made probably one of the stupidest mistakes of my life and I am sure I will forever have to pay for this. My family had so much hope and has always been proud of me. It seriously crushed my heart and I cannot do anything now because my mind is always obstructed by what I have done. I was planning on applying to nursing school next year and was searching for a CNA job and now I cannot accomplish anything with this on me for life. Thank God it did not go as horrible with my dad and he is still willing to help me with attorney fees and all that but I know I am no longer and will never be his prize possession like I was. Is there any hope for me in this field ever? Or should I start working on another career? All the embarrassment and disappointed faces are already too much to handle and now having to face the fact that I might NEVER be a nurse like I always wanted to is just making me feel like I am about to lose my mind. Please anyone help me I need to know anything that can help

[julianasmom]

HI, Zawadi

First of all I am sorry for how you are feeling right now. The first step you must take, in order to get past this hurdle in your life is to forgive yourself. You cannot get past this unless you are have inner peace I know this may sound a bit "cliché" but every single person on earth has made mistakes in that past you are certainly no different. This is my advice to you, but first I would like to state that I am NOT A LAWYER, or giving you legal advice of any kind. These statements are solely based on common knowledge and opinion.

Did you plead guilty? or Non- guilty? The outcome in the case will determine your chances of a career in nursing. If you plead guilty you will have a challenging time not just finding a nursing school but also finding employment within the field. On the other hand a non-guilty plea can be expunged from your record and although you still have to disclose that information your pretty safe. You stated your father will get you a lawyer? I think that is a pretty good idea even though you where caught stealing you are still within your rights to plead Non-guilty, in this sense you are placing the burden of proof on the Government to prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If your lawyer manages to pull that off your chances at a future nursing career are possible.

You sated your father does not consider you his "prize possession" sorry for stating this but no one should be anyone's possession. I am pretty sure what you meant to say is that you feel like you are no longer the "apple of your father's eye". Your parents still love you very much and support you, the fact that he is going to pay for your legal fee's shows his love for you. Give them time they will come around.

Focus on looking for other careers meanwhile, what is it about Nursing that draws you to the field? Is it caring for others? Do you like Science? Are you interested in teaching? These are questions you should be answering. Do research and if you are in school seek counseling I am pretty sure you can get a lot of useful information regarding your situation.

Best of luck to you and I hope my words where helpful!

[Flatlander]

You might consider looking for the Legal Aid services in your town. If you meet the guidelines, the help is free and of high quality, in my experience. In that way you would not feel beholden to your father or family and could feel like you were handling this yourself as a responsible adult. Having your own advocate, a legal expert in your corner, who has your back, can be a very comforting and empowering experience. I understand and have felt the guilt and shame you are feeling. Get this taken care of and put it behind you. Learn the lessons to be learned so they are never repeated. Try from this point forward to practice honest and ethical behavior in all you do. You can and will move on, and the guilt and shame will eventually fade away. Good luck to you!

[zawadi]

Thank you. I also just recieved my cna license. Do you know if they will they revoke it?

[zawadi]

Thank you. I also just recieved my cna license. Do you know if they will they revoke it?

[lcalhoun]

Shoplifting will not enable you from going to nursing school. I know plenty of nurses who have a worst background than that and was still able to practice nursing. You made a mistake just forgive yourself and move on to better yourself.

[onehope67]

The other commenters are right. You need to forgive yourself and move on. Let the past be just that. If you plead guilty, try to get it expunged when the time allows. In the meantime, beef up your resume. Start volunteering and participating in clubs and organizations. When you are finished with school the BON will see all these good things you have done and most likely give you your license to practice. Good luck!!