School after having disciplinary action.

[Rubber_Ducky]

Essentially, to complete my RN to BSN program at Capella University, I have to explain my disciplinary action and per the norm, am anxious about it holding me back.  Anyone able to lend information or anyone who went through this, please chime in.

Basically, Texas RN 2004-2012 all ER and Trauma.  Between 2010 and 2012 I started fighting a norco addiction after hurting my knee.  Started getting complaints from facilities until I finally got referred to the sheriff's department for writing a false RBVO for demerol.  This happened August 2011.

My daughter was born 10/18/2011 and I got sober.  It was too late for my RN license and I was very disenchanted with nursing and I voluntary surrendered my license May of 2012.  Went back to school in 2013 and got my BAAS in behavioral sciences w/ cum laude status and then went straight into my graduate program and finished my MS in Addiction Counseling in 2019.

Continued my sobriety (still sober today), as I was working as an LCDC but quickly saw that they are supportive for addicts with a funding source and not so supportive for those without and wasn't happy pushing paper for state funded treatment centers...I was starting to miss nursing again anyway.

Got everything in line and petitioned the Tx BON in late 2022/early 2023 and began my 2 year monitoring May 15, 2023.  Since I have been working at a behavioral health hospital and love mental health and decided once I complete my monitoring period I would return to school with the goal of becoming a PMHNP.

Completed my monitoring with no issues and now have a unencumbered multi-state nursing license.  Since 10/18/2011 have not used...have not had any run-ins with the law and have received 1 Bachelors degree and 1 Masters Degree.

Now I'm tripping because they are wanting me to explain my disciplinary action.  Im waiting for my application to be approved and answering to this is part of that process.  I am a living testament to life after addiction and using a big mistake to learn a lesson.  Also, genuine proof that its possible.

Am I worrying for no reason?  Has anyone experienced this?  

Thx

[SheelaDavis]

You are worrying about nothing. Explain to the school exactly what you did and why it was wrong. Don't make excuses about how or why you became addicted, just tell the truth. Then.....the big part....talk about your recovery and how you have became sober and that it's been many many years. Talk about the degrees you obtained. Talk about how you have helped other people in recovery. You have nothing to worry about. Many schools require an explanation as simply part of the legal process for protecting them. You will be fine. 

Always Remember your past in order to learn from it and grow from it as it serves as a reminder. A good reminder. An important reminder. But, NEVER be shamed by your past. Let that go and never grab it back.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

OP they need people like you in addictions nursing and the jobs are recovery friendly.  It's actually an asset since you have no access to addictive drugs. We will never run out of addicts.  Good luck.