optimisticfuturenurse

I am reaching out to this community in hopes of finding support, advice, and perhaps some words of encouragement. My journey to becoming a nurse has been filled with challenges, and I want to share my story in the most honest and open way possible. A few years ago, I found myself in a very toxic relationship. I rushed into marriage with someone I hardly knew, and without the support of family, I felt trapped and isolated. During that time, I made some terrible decisions that led to two arrests for domestic violence, a DUI, and eventually, three months in jail—all within the span of a year. Growing up as a runaway, I lacked the guidance and support that could have steered me away from such a destructive path. However, after hitting rock bottom, I finally opened my eyes and realized that I needed to make a change. I moved back to Florida, reconnected with my family, and cut ties with every negative influence in my life. I began to surround myself with motivational people who inspired me to be better. I earned my GED, enrolled in college, and dedicated two years to completing my prerequisites for nursing school. I also looked for ways to give back to the community and signed up for a citizens police academy program (Which ran a background check on me to attend). I've been volunteering, and my passion for helping others has only grown stronger. I am no longer the person I was before—I'm deeply remorseful for my past actions, and I've learned my lesson in the hardest way possible. Recently, I was hired at a very reputable hospital, where I started as a patient representative in the cancer center. Now, I'm a unit secretary on a MedSurg floor, working closely with patients. I care for them so deeply, and every day I am reminded of why I want to become a nurse. I want to give back for all the wasted years and help others the way I was helped. Unfortunately, I just received the devastating news that I am not able to do my clinical hours because my background was not accepted. I am in the process of applying for an exemption, but this setback has been incredibly hard for me. I feel like I've worked so hard to turn my life around, only to be held back by mistakes I made during one of the darkest periods of my life. I am not that person anymore. I am determined, passionate, and ready to dedicate myself to a profession that means the world to me. If anyone has been through something similar or has any advice on how to navigate this situation, I would greatly appreciate your feedback. I know I've made mistakes, and I'm doing everything I can to make amends and move forward. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

OMG thank you for getting back to me and thank you for being as encouraging as you were. That little bit of hopefulness touches the heart. Growing up I wasn't the best-behaved child, all through my teenage life I was angry at my parents and hanging around the wrong crowd. 2018 - 2021 I decided to move to Virginia from Florida (worst mistake of my life) but if it didn't happen I wouldn't be who I am today. I was in a toxic relationship and had nowhere to go. I ended up with a DV charge, during this time. I was drinking to the point of blacking out and ended up with a DUI. I did 3 months in jail. I decided enough was enough, I came back home to Florida. I enrolled myself to get my GED after being a high school dropout of 10 years, enrolled in college and surrounded myself with better people. My partner is a police detective; all of our friends are doctors, nurses, and officers. I currently work at a hospital as a patient representative. I had to explain my situation but was ultimately given a chance (THAT I'M GRATEFUL FOR!) and that time I was enrolled in the Police Citizens Academy at my local police station. I appreciate my job more than the average person and go above and beyond whenever I can I never want them to feel like they shouldn't have picked me. I don't want to let fear determine my choices in life but it's hard and I'm scared.

Hi, This is completely off-topic, but what hoops did you have to go through to get your license? I have a pretty extensive record with a total of 6 items on there. I'm still doing my pre-req but next month they'll be running my background check. I'm scared to complete school and be told no. Any bit of information would be helpful! My most recent charge was in 2020 :(