Will misdemeanor possession charges stop me from becoming a nurse

[Jhammer215]

So here's the deal, I'm 24 years old and I had an issue with narcotics and as a result I have multiple possession charges (no felonies ). I have been clean and sober for almost 2 years and I really want to do something good with my life and I really want to be a nurse but I've visited a couple schools and they are telling me I won't be able to take clinicals because I have criminal charges.. So what I'm asking is it worth me to keep trying to make this happen or am I doomed to be a roofer for the rest of my life because I made some bad decisions

[SororAKS, ADN, RN]

I'd consult an attorney experienced with the BON in the state in which the school is located. They would be the best ones to tell you what your options are and could give direction on how best to proceed. You could also call the Board of Nursing in your state and ask for direction/advice on what the requirements are for both clinical and licensure as far as your charges go.

Do you have documentation of meeting attendance, treatment, letters from supportive people that might bolster your case? What have you learned from your past issues, and how might this benefit the nursing profession? The more you can demonstrate this and sell yourself the better.

Great work on attaining the two years of clean time! Keep us posted on what you find out.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Ehhh I wouldn't go into nursing, no. Even if you can find a school to work with you, you will most likely end up in the same sort of strict 5 year monitoring program that most of us are in. It severely restricts your job opportunities (which will already be narrow because you will be a new grad with a record) and your charges will follow you everywhere should you decide to move to another state, get licensed as NP, etc. I don't think it's worth it.

Do agree that the stigma against recovering addicts is insanely unfair. Expunging your charges if possible can help with future jobs but you still have to tell any future licensing boards about expunged charges.

Not that you'll necessarily be bound to low wage jobs for the rest of your life but nursing, in particular, is not good to recovering addicts.

[Athabascan, BSN, MSN]

You are absolutely correct. Not sure why the AMA and MD's seem to fare better than nurses when having substance abuse concerns.

[SororAKS, ADN, RN]

Money and political power. Willingness to lobby for each other.

[InletNurse40, ADN]

I actually have a possession on my record also. I was honest when applying for boards and they asked for a statement and how I had changed. They approved my application and that was pretty much it. But I only had one, so it would be best for you to speak with someone who could offer you more info on your specific situation. I just wanted to tell you this to say don't give up!