sarah76wallace

PhoenixTech, I was not able to reply to your private message, I would love to talk with you some more. What's your email address so we can chat some more? Sarah

All of this discussion has me terribly crushed. Today, I found out I received an "A" in Anatomy 102 and now my chances of getting into the program are great. I should be stoked right now, but the realization that my criminal background may stop me from becoming a nurse has me bummed out. I have worked so hard to get where I am today. I was looking so forward to getting my nursing degree, and now I am unsure about my dream. I guess I feel like giving up, but at the same time I don't really want to! I hate that I had a drug problem and I wish I would have never gotten arrested, but I can't change it. Fortunately for me, my arrest was my rock bottom and the eventually became the motivation to finally get help. Unfortunately there will always be people that look down on me for my criminal history. I try to embrace my past, but stuff like this makes it almost impossible. I need some hope!

I am planning to apply to the nursing program Sept 1st, and I have a huge concern. I am afraid my criminal background is going to get in the way of me becoming a nurse. 2 1/2 yrs ago I was arrested for posession of cocaine and since then I have been clean and totally turned my life around. The felony was dropped to a misdemeanor because it was my 1st offense and I did all the things I was required to do by the judge. My background will not get in the way of me getting accepted to the program, but when its time to do my clinicals some of the hospitals may not allow me to work there. I called to program chair at my school today, and she didn't have anything encouraging to say to me at all. I am so discouraged right now it makes me sick. I have worked so hard to get this far in school. I don't want to give up now. People make mistakes and people do change. 2 1/2 years ago I was living on the streets, my family hadn't seen me in months and they thought they would bury me. I have accomplished more over these past 2 years than I have in my whole life. I love being clean and sober, it feels so great to have a clear mind! What should I do?

Thanks for sharing! Hearing your story definitely gives me hope. P.S I am also very lucky to be alive!

For many years I have struggled with addiction. Almost two years ago, I was arrested and charged with felony possession of cocaine. I got out of jail the next day and immediatedly admitted myself into treatment where I lived for six months. Because it was my first offense, and I sought help right away the charge was reduced to a misdeamor. I have had the same job, since I have gotten clean and totally turned my life around. I am now in my third semester of pre-reqs for the Nursing Program. I hope to apply to the Nursing Program in Fall 09. I just recently tried to get a volunteer job at a local hospital and was denied because of my background. I was completely devastated and felt if I couldn't get a job volunteering...would I be able to be a Nurse? I contacted BON and they said I have to finish the program and then right lots of letter with my application explaining my charge and I may get my license and may not. It is a case by case scenario. So, I've decided I am NOT giving up. I refuse to let my mistakes get in the way of my dreams. I am very grateful for all my struggles without them I wouldn't be where I am today. I just need a second chance. On November 3rd, I will celebrate 22 months clean and sober and I have come along way. I am so happy I found this forum. I know I am not alone. Thanks, Sarah

For most of my life I had a drug problem. Almost two years ago I was arrested and charged w/ a felony possession of cocaine. I immediately admitted myself into rehab and on Sept 3rd I will celebrate 20 months clean and sober. My felony got dropped to a misdeamor because it was my 1st offense and I put myself in rehab without being told to by a judge. I have totally turned a bad thing around and have learned so much about myself. I am in my 3rd semester @Ivy and have gotten A's in all my classes so far. I am so grateful to have a new beginning, but I am worred about this affecting me in the future. I am very motivated and determined to be in the medical field. I hope to Apply to the Nursing Program in Sept 09. I was just wondering if anyone knew how my misdeamor drug charge might affect me in my future with Nursing? I just need some advice!