Recovering Alcoholic (8.5 yrs) / Applying to Nursing School

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  1. Have you disclosed to a BSN application committee that you're a recovering alcoholic?

    • 0
      Yes, and I was accepted into the BSN program
    • 0
      Yes, and I was not accepted into the BSN program, seemingly as a result

Hi All!

I am a 41 y/o pursuing a BSN after a 15 yr career as a successful business professional. I left the corporate world by choice as a result of being financially able to do so after many years of thinking and planning. Thankfully, I also have 8.5 years of recovery from alcoholism. As I near the end of completing prerequisites for nursing school, and near the beginning of the BSN application process, I can't help but wonder if my recovery would be an asset to the latter, or a liability. I have had no legal issues whatsoever, aside from a reckless driving ticket well over a decade ago and have a stellar work history. My grades [now] are near perfect and I am working as a CNA to gain experience in the healthcare setting (which, BTW, I love). When I review the application process for one particular university (UW), they want evidence of community involvement (volunteer, etc.), and would prefer leadership experience within that context. So, my question is SHOULD I cite my "volunteer" and "leadership" experience in the recovery community? Over the years, I've done quite a bit of service that I personally view as an asset (managing several bank accounts as a Treasurer for an entire District, starting new women's meeting, driving women from treatment centers to and from meetings, etc.). My participation in the recovery community has required the bulk of my extra time, so I do not have an extensive community involvement resume outside that. All that said, I strongly question whether those reviewing my BSN application would see my participation in the recovery community, or my status as an alcoholic in recovery, as an asset. (I am in the process of applying to certain hospital volunteer programs, so that will give provide some experience prior to my January 15, 2018 application.)

Another point here is that when I went to college in my 20's, my grades were all over the place as a direct result of my untreated alcoholism, and the application committee may ask for an explanation. I can get around the alcoholism piece, but I'm always inclined to be transparent about pre-sobriety, though question the appropriateness in this case.

Does anyone have any experience with a similar situation? I would so appreciate any feedback and thanks in advance!

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