recovering alcoholic nurses

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Hello. I have a situation I need some help with. I am currently an alternate for the nursing program at a community college. I believe that I will get into the nursing program in March but I am worried that my past might come back and haunt me. I am a recovering alcoholic with over 4 years of sobriety but one of the negative aspects of this disease is the multiple drunk driving convictions on my record. I am afraid when they do the background check that this will hinder all that I have worked for in the past few years. I know a few nurses that are alcoholics and/or have one drunk driving conviction but that was after licensure. I would really appreciate any feedback since I am very nervous about this.

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My exboyfriend had 2 or 3 DUI's before starting nursing school and has not had any issues yet about his record. He is still in school now so I don't know if this info is helpful at all but they do the background check for nursing school and clinicals and it has not been a problem. I don't know about getting your license but I would like to think that if you cant get a job with that on your record they would discuss this with you while applying to school. Don't know for sure but good luck!!

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The school in MI hasn't contacted me yet about my criminal record even though they did a background check about two months ago. Even though this is weighing heavily on my mind, I guess all I can do is take it one day at a time. Thank you for your response.

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Specializes in ICU, PICU, School Nursing, Case Mgt.

I am not sure how your state handles this.

I am in the Fl IPN--one of the guys in my weekly support group has a similar situation.

He had 2 DUIs- both happened before he went to nursing school--the BON allowed him to sit for the NCLEX and he passed. His license was granted contingent upon reporting to the Florida IPN--so, he has a 2 year contract.

THis is itself is not too bad. HE has no narcotic restrictions which is a plus, however, he has not been able to find a job in over 1 year...unfortunately, this is true for 8 of the 12 people in my group.

THe job market is horrific now for everyone, even under the best of circumstances, adding the IPN has made it near impossible to find a nursing position.

I would contact the PEER program for you state--hoping you have one--and ask them.

You may also check out the threads for "nurses in recovery", if you haven't already done so.

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