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Discussion

Very Bad Background

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!

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    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.

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    Everhopeful said:

    Hey, thank you! I'm still new to this site so I can get your pm. I really appreciate your support. I know my record is bad but I feel like I've done so much to get my life and future together. I work with schedule 2-5 drugs at my job anyway and I've been dispensing them for 2 going on 3 years. I just really was looking for moral support. You did that! Thanks

    Hello, I know this post is very old. I wanted to know if you had any success on becoming a nurse.

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    I can tell you - and all the naysayers- my story. I live in Texas and am 44 years old. I have a federal drug conviction from 2005 BUT I have had to jump through many hoops at my own cost to get all the things the BON required me to get done. I was required to undergo a complete forensic evaluation with polygraph - and this was a very extensive polygraph that is given in public service to see if you are deemed safe. It took months to get done and I had to drive hours for both evaluations  BUT I DID NOT LISTEN TO ALL THE KNOW IT ALLS!! I had faith in myself and my plan from above and did it anyways. Just cause you are a nurse does not mean you know it all - it is a case by case BASIS. Have faith, be an honest person, work hard, and if the Lord is for you - who can be against you?? In the end - it all worked out for me! 

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    I am a nurse currently licensed in Cali and I obtained my license despite a prior record that included a shoplifting charge at age 19 and a few other misdemeanors at ages 15/16, all of which occurred in New Mexico and, to my knowledge, were ultimately dismissed. When I applied for licensure, I answered "No" to the question about criminal convictions, believing that the BON in California only inquires about pending charges or convictions, not dismissed charges. I have passed all background checks for school, RN license, and numerous jobs over many years without incident, leading me to believe that you will likely be fine as well. If I was able to do it, I believe you can too. Good luck my fellow nurse!! 

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