Prospective Nursing School student with a record. Advice please?

[ccassy221]

Back in April 2012, I was charged with petty theft. The case was later dismissed after I finished a class. I know the boards are going to read the court documents and police reports and I admitted guilt. My exact words were, " I made a conscious choice to make a wrong decision." I'm hoping they at least see that I took ownership of my mistake. Also, back in December 2012, I drank and drove and ended up with a DUI. I fell asleep at the wheel with a BAC of .23. I thank God everyday that I didn't hurt someone or myself. With this said, do I have a chance in Nursing? I have a 3.8 GPA, work with special needs children, graduating with Honors, and part of an honor society. I've made decisions in my past that I am not proud of and will follow me the rest of my life- from schools,the board, and jobs. I just want to know if I should wait on applying to Nursing School until next August. I believe that the more time goes by, the better. I know there are nurses with DUIs and dismissed petty thefts so I feel that there is hope, although I feel completely discouraged. Any advice will help. I know I'm going to get a lot of discouraging responses but it's okay.

[katherine112]

Don't lose hope! I previously had a misdemeanor and although it's much more work than people without any convictions, it's possible! I am officially an RN with no disciplinary actions. The whole time I was so scared I wouldn't be able to take my exam, but you just have to do EXACTLY what the boards want you to do for the application process. Trust me, there were many tears in the whole process. The only thing that may work against you is how recent your situations were.... but who knows unless you try.

[ccassy221]

Thank you, I really appreciate your response! I decided i'm going to get my BA first in Kinesiology. Once I do that, i'll go for my BA in Nursing. Hopefully the time passed and what i've done since my past record will be enough to show them I've changed. I can not picture myself doing anything but being a nurse. I know that by having faith in God and being persistent I can do anything. There are just times where I get so discouraged about my past mistakes. Thank you again! God bless.