Very Bad Background

[Everhopeful]

Hey guys,

I am a prenursing student in California and I'm about to apply to a reputable local nursing program and I'm very excited. I've had really good grades and things have been going so smooth. I am also in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. As of today, I have 4 and 16 days clean and sober.

Consequently, I have had serveral drug convictions (3), 2 DUI's, a battery charge, and a couple of petty theft convictions during my 22 years of abusing drugs. However, I have lots of evidence towards my rehabilitation.

I have a certificate of complition from a rehab,

competed probation, had letters from members of my recovery community ( I have letters from retired judges and therapists), I work in the recovery field currently, where I dispense schedule class 2 drugs without issue, and letters from employers, drug counselors and academic counselors, as well. I can provide edivence of meetings I attend and letters from sponsors. I am currently on track to have my record expunged in a years and a half after paying off my fines. I will be, God willing, 7 years recovered by the time I go before the nursing board. I have put in so much work to be here.

My nursing school says for me to just keep going, but I am fearful that the nursing board my see my record history and dismiss me altogether. I understand their job is to protect the public. But am NOT the person I used to be. I also hear California nurses is among the toughest scrutinized in terms of their history. Does anyone have any experience they can share with me? I am I wasting my time and money investing into something that is futile ? Please help. Thanks!

[Lvn1973, ASN, LVN, RN]

You can get your RN license in california. The BRN has a through understanding and respect for recovery which is why they continue to support the diversion program. I had 2 dui's and a reckless driving with injuries. I lost my LVN license during all this and then got my RN license after becoming sober and in recovery. It was a probationary license but it can be done if you are truly in recovery and have a paper trail such as AA/NA meeting slips signed (I would start it now while in school) etc. Not easy but if it is your dream it will be worth it. I have several other posts about this if you look at my past posts. Don't be discouraged by people who havent been through it.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I have definitely not been through it and admit that freely, but my heart is always moved by it. I think the most pertinent question to be contemplating is whether you can afford (and have the desire) to invest a bunch of time and money in this, do all the work, make the grades, hit all the requirements....and can still be denied in the end because of your past. You will hear anecdotal stories of success and anecdotal stories of heartbreak. In the end it all comes down to whose desk it goes across and pure dumb luck.

if you have the stomach for doing the rigors of nursing school and paying thousands toward something that, in the end, can absolutely and prejudicially screw you over....then sure. Go for it. Not sure that I personally would, but then I am not you. I absolutely wish you the best of luck and congratulate you on turning your life around.