Will these items prevent me from being an RN?

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In 2006 when I graduated high school at age (18) I enlisted in the military as a means of escaping my bad home environment. Long story short, I was separated for failing to adapt to the military. It was an administrative separation. General, under Honorable conditions. The military officer stated it would be like I was never there and most employers would not know that I was even there or not even care.

2nd incident: I was about (20) at the time, I stole money from an employer. I was fired and it was classified as misconduct.

Right now I am 24 trying get my RN license, but scared to death that I might never get hired because of the ignorant mistakes I made in my past.

Can I still be an RN?

P.S. I WAS NEVER ARRESTED AND CHARGES WERE NEVER FILED AGAINST ME. I HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORD.

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Specializes in Critical Care Emergency Room.

Ask the Board of Nursing in your state to which you want to get licensed. You can ask without giving your identification if you are concerned.

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In 2006 when I graduated high school at age (18) I enlisted in the military as a means of escaping my bad home environment. Long story short, I was separated for failing to adapt to the military. It was an administrative separation. General, under Honorable conditions. The military officer stated it would be like I was never there and most employers would not know that I was even there or not even care.

2nd incident: I was about (20) at the time, I stole money from an employer. I was fired and it was classified as misconduct.

Right now I am 24 trying get my RN license, but scared to death that I might never get hired because of the ignorant mistakes I made in my past.

Can I still be an RN?

P.S. I WAS NEVER ARRESTED AND CHARGES WERE NEVER FILED AGAINST ME. I HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORD.

When I was a kid, my mother always told me, "someday, everyone reaches an age where people stop excusing bad behavior just because you're young."

You're at that point.

You're at a crossroads and I think you realize it, and I commend you for that. What I'm reading here, is a young person who wasn't given the proper tools early on in life to succeed. So, you have your work cut out in overcoming your entire life history.

However, you strike me as a determined person so that plays very well into your favor. I have a huge heart for young people who were not given proper tools, but are trying to learn as they go.

None of this is on your permanent record, and so you have a window of opportunity to take this crossroad moment, and redefine not only what others believe about you, but what you believe about you.

It's a lot of work, and takes a lot of self-introspection. Learn to forgive yourself and move on. Learn the why behind "why" you've made the choices you have in the past.

If your only concern is, "can I get away with it and hide my transgressions in order to get what I want..." then you and your life will become a sorry shadow of the person you're meant to be.

If you plan on becoming an RN (make sure you understand why you want this...there are easier careers that afford a decent living), might I suggest you take a CNA class, become employed as one, and start your work record over?

You can take your RN pre-req's while you're a CNA, and will be concurrently developing a positive work-record you can be proud of for when you are a New Grad RN putting your resume out for prosepctive employers.

Best wishes.

P.S., given what you've been through, I'd also suggest meeting with a life-counselor of some sort, to help you understand yourself and where you've been, what triggers tripped you up in the past, and how to overcome and not repeat them.

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Thank you for that. You're right on about me. I grew up with an abusive alcoholic father and a mother that was never there for me like a mother should have been, but I know I cannot let my past define my future. I made a lot of my decisions such as joining the military to escape the emotional pain at home. The stealing issue, I'm sure was just an immature mistake, but looking back now, I know it wasn't right. I think that since I was never taught moral and values as I child I grew up without a sense of direction and lacked boundaries, but like you said I am slowly realizing that I have in me to develop into the real person I desire to be. I am seeking professional counseling as soon as I can afford it. I literally cried reading your response because I could sense that you understood my pain even though I was vague in my initial statements. I believe my past has made me a more compassionate and loving person. I want to be a nurse because I enjoy helping others in their time of need. I enjoy working with children as well. Thank you for reaching out to me and giving me hope for the future once again.

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Thank you for that. You're right on about me. I grew up with an abusive alcoholic father and a mother that was never there for me like a mother should have been, but I know I cannot let my past define my future. I made a lot of my decisions such as joining the military to escape the emotional pain at home. The stealing issue, I'm sure was just an immature mistake, but looking back now, I know it wasn't right. I think that since I was never taught moral and values as I child I grew up without a sense of direction and lacked boundaries, but like you said I am slowly realizing that I have in me to develop into the real person I desire to be. I am seeking professional counseling as soon as I can afford it. I literally cried reading your response because I could sense that you understood my pain even though I was vague in my initial statements. I believe my past has made me a more compassionate and loving person. I want to be a nurse because I enjoy helping others in their time of need. I enjoy working with children as well. Thank you for reaching out to me and giving me hope for the future once again.

Glad what I wrote struck a chord.

Trust me, 99.9999% of your human bretheren have baggage to overcome along life's journey. You have yours, I have mine, and everybody else has theirs. No one escapes this life unscathed.

Best last bit of advice I can give...

1.) never ever...ever... compare your failings or achievements to those of others. You have your own unique personhood and personal history, so own it. Don't let it own you.

2.) listen to others and the feedback they give, but jettison the outliers.

3.) seek to surround yourself with friends in your life that tell you the truth in love, even if what they say hurts. Don't walk away from real friends that want the best for you because sometimes, it's those very friends that have the guts to tell you the truth but still love you and celebrate you, warts and all. Those are the folks that see "who you are." Hang on to them!

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You're an amazing person. Someone or something led me to this site today and I'm sure it was so I could hear this advice from you. God bless you in all you do!

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You're an amazing person. Someone or something led me to this site today and I'm sure it was so I could hear this advice from you. God bless you in all you do!

I'm no more amazing than you...just a little further on down life's journey (by about twenty years). :)

Hugs!

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One last thing, how did you know my childhood background especially since I never really elaborated on my initial statement here? Just curious. I just thought it was amazing how you all of this about me without much detail.

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One last thing, how did you know my childhood background especially since I never really elaborated on my initial statement here? Just curious. I just thought it was amazing how you all of this about me without much detail.

I didn't "know" your childhood background anymore than what you gave.

I only recognize a person "trying to get it right."

Realize though that overcoming a "stunted beginning" in life, is a lifelong process so forgive yourself along the way because you will fail your own (and others') expectations of yourself here and there. That's a given!

Take your unique experiences no matter how painful and detrimental as a beautiful gift and not a cursing; someday you will have more to share with the world than those with the seemingly "perfect lives."

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Specializes in critical care, Med-Surg.

What a BEAUTIFUL exchange. God bless both of you.

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