Will I ever become a nurse ??

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Hi All

I would really appreciate some feedback and honest opinions. Its my dream to become a nurse/midwife , but there is a HUGE obstacle standing in my way. I committed a white collar crime 8 years ago and am still to be convicted , case is in the courts. Where I come from the nursing degree takes 4 years. Just wondering if you or someone you know has ever been in a similar situation and went on to fulfill their dream , Im so so so sad that I will prob never be able to follow my dream , because of a mistake I made suring a desperate time in my life. So guys , any feedback would really be great:)

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Specializes in SNF, 2 year s hospital.

We all have made mistakes in our past, nobody is perfect. I have a friend with a similar problem but she was open and honest and sat before the nursing board and is an RN working on her BSN! Just know that will wont be easy but keep moving forward!

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

Talk to the your nursing governing body, but I'm sure this won't stop you. Be honest, and explain your situation to them.

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Specializes in Best care giving possible.

I admire following your dream. I don't think the issue will prevent the education aspect of the process, however applying for employment may be a different story. I do believe in second chances and forgiveness, but many people don't. If you continue to follow your dream and believe, then you will find the right person at the right time to believe in your dream too. Keep going forward.

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Thanks for the reply , Im willing and eager so if I have to explain myself over and over agian , then I will , and I know people will understand. I just dont want to spend 4 years at college to have every single door slammed in my face afterwards , its a gigantic risk , specially as Im mum to 3 young boys ! Dont want to be at school full time for 4 years and miss them , unless I have something to show them in the end !!

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i committed a white collar crime 8 years ago and am still to be convicted , case is in the courts.

from what i hear, you case is still in court, and you will not know the outcome. until the case is finalized, you really don't know what your future will hold. keep your goals but have a secodary, just in case.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Depending on the laws of your state your problem is actually not really with the BON it's with getting into nursing school in the first place. You'll likely be able to sit for the boards and obtain a nursing license with certain restrictions on how and where you can practice (of course dependent on your state laws and BON regulations.) The problem is most schools these days have a zero tolerance policy and any mark that comes up on a background check automatically disqualifies you from the program. There are exceptions, but . . .

In the end you'd qualify to be able to sit for the boards except for having completed an approved nursing education program. It sucks, but that is the way it is.

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Specializes in LTC currently.

I agree with Scott E, some schools have a no tolerance policy for people with a background. However, most private schools really don't care as long as they are getting your money. These are the schools that offers premium nursing programs as I call them because they are so expensive, and you have to pay tour tuition out your pocket. Sad to say most people don't believe in second chances. When employers see that you have a background some will hire you, most will ditch your applications, especially hospitals. I have seen this happen to a relative of mines, she finished nursing school, couldnt get a job in acute care, but gained employment in LTC making a decent amount, and has moved up to management. Due to her situation, and how hard it is to obtain employment with a background, she works three jobs. One full time at a nursing home, part time at another one, and works for a home health agency. She makes over $90k a year. She keeps the two Ltc jobs because if her full time job let her go, she can always pick up full-time hours at her part time job and they are always in need of nurses. Although she can't do flight nursing, she has made the nursing industry works best for her.Always keep a backup plan. I wish you the best in your endeavor.

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...and if your white collar crime had anything to do with Medicare or any other type of insurance or government fraud, give it up now.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Nurse Educator..

Follow their advice... High hopes! there's no way.... BUT UP! :)... reach the unreachable!!!

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Thanks everyone for the comments , they are all very constructive. Luckily the crime has nothing to do with Government or Insurance , just someone down on their luck big time who had a child to support and could see no other way. Like I said the question now is whether to bother doing the degree at all if Im gonna have every door slammed in my face. Alot to think about !!!

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There is a forum for people here with problems similar to yours. You might find more guidance and information here at https://allnurses.com/nursing-licensure-criminal/

Good luck. A lapse in judgment at the right time can follow you forever. I hope that you are able to make a future for yourself.

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