With a criminal record should I even try to get into nursing school?

[missjackiep3]

I have read other people on here have asked similar questions, but the messages are just so long ago. I'm just curious if I should even try going into nursing. I am 34 years old and live in Mississippi. I am a recovered addict and recently married and starting a family. In my past I have been arrested for Grand Larceny and probation violation in Florida, that is 2 felonies. That was in 2010 and 2011. Then still in my addiction I was arrested in Mississippi with a small amount of drugs on me. That charge was dropped to a misdemeanor due to my getting help at a Christian rehabilitation center as well as living in a sober living home for a year and attending meetings as well. I was not court ordered but did that all on my own. I was sick of living that life. I have never gone back. It's been 2 years since then and I'm really wanting to make a good life for me and my family. I'm getting my misdemeanor drug charge expunged here in Mississippi but I'm told in Florida I will not be able to expunge those two charges because I pleaded guilty. Now what my questions are, does anyone see that I may just not have a chance in the nursing field? I don't want to work in a hospital, or around drugs. I want to be an LPN possibly working in a clinic of some sort maybe even helping addicts? Would the BON even see that I could be of service? Does anyone know of any nurses that made it through with felonies on their record? I'm so confused what to do. My heart has been set on this new found love of nursing. If not nursing, does anyone have any other ideas for a field I can go into? I'm ready to get into school and shoot for my goals. Any advice would be so helpful. ❤️

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

I know some folks who have gone into substance abuse counseling -- if that is something you want to do, maybe try calling around to rehabs in the area and see if they have any jobs for someone who is unlicensed but has two years of sobriety?

Good luck. I have a lot of the same regrets. :/

[AutumnApple]

Just something I want to throw out there too:

Just because a school lets you take their program does not be default mean you're free and clear to sit for boards or be licensed. The schools only job is to prepare you for the test. It's not their concern if you can actually take it or not.

Just saying that because I have heard horror stories of people being lured into nursing programs only to find this all out after they are done. I even think a few of the threads on here are by people who went to school and found out later on they could not be licensed. Since these days most schools have a waiting list, I doubt they'd use tactics like that to get their seats filled but you never know......

Don't go to a school counselor and assume they're giving you the whole story is all I'm saying. Find out for sure before even applying.

[KellyVT]

One of the biggest mental health care organizations in my region have a position called a Peer Counselor. It requires that you have a condition, or past condition and you are actively managing it. I think they provide training, but it would be a great opportunity to start in, and possibly branch off from. Check with the mental health or rehab facilities near you to see if they have something similar. You have a unique perspective and great things to offer in the care of others who struggle with addiction, nursing may not be the avenue that works, but there are plenty of other options out there.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Have you considered becoming a licensed chemical dependency counselor? This is one area where you can make a decent living and having the experience of an active addiction plus being in recovery works in your favor instead of barring or limiting you. Just a thought.

I was going to say, I took some nursing prereqs with CD counseling majors who were in recovery. I don't know how the licensure with criminal history compares with nursing, but it would be something to look into.

Either way, congratulations on your recovery! And I'm sure God will use you to help others in some capacity. :)

[James W.]

I have to agree with the poster stat above.

In my experience I have known would-be nurses who have passed most every

student pre-condition, only to be excluded entry to the register by the Board's requirements

to show correct 'fit & proper character' grounds due to previous criminal record.

Drug & dishonesty related offences are high on the list for rejecting such an applicant,

& quite rightly so, in IMO, given the high expectations nurses must always be able to meet.

So be advised..

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

We had numerous people become RNs in California in my cohort with past records and felonies. I say GO FOR IT!

[KCMnurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

It all depends - as we say when the answer is so subjective there is no definitive answer. Depends on the state, school and BON. Previous posters have indicated the worst case scenarios you could face OR you might be able to enroll and sail through. That's unlikely but not impossible. I guess it depends how badly you want it, but felonies are difficult to get around and so is a recent criminal history.

You have made great strides and have a lot to be proud of - don't forget that.