Will I Be Able to Get Into a Nursing Program and Get an RN License Although I Have Misdemeanor Pot Charges?
Question by Libby D: Will I be able to get into a nursing program and get an RN license although I have misdemeanor pot charges?
I have completed inpatient and outpatient drug rehab and am clean today for one year. I have completed probation and am trying to get my record expunged.
Best answer:
Answer by Theodore H
Get on the Web. Look up your State Board of Nursing regarding whether a misdemeanor conviction will forever forbid you from gaining state licensure. Then, also check out your state’s legal code and find out about expungements or sealing of records.
Answer by CBP
First, were you a minor when the conviction occurred ?
If so, your record should be sealed in most US juristictions,
and the question should not come up – most minor’s records do not count against adult behavior or enrollment.
Next, what sort of an RN program do you want to pursue ?
Check with the college (anonymously) to see if the question will even be asked – policies vary from school to school.
If you are heart-set on a college that WILL ask the question,
then wait to apply until your record is expunged,
or start at a different school where the question will not be asked and then transfer later.
Others may disagree, but as a former nursing instructor,
here is my recommendation:
Start at a Junior College and select a program that allows you to test periodically for certificates that allow you to work in medicine and earn as you work your way to RN.
After 6 months to a year, you can qualify as a nurse’s aid.
After 12-18 months, you can qualify as an LPN (more pay)
After 24- months you have an RN Associates’ Degree.
From there you can go on to Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
in nursing or any other specialty you desire.
This approach keeps you employable at every stage,
and gives you options to change your path as needed.
It’s also the approach most likely to qualify for tuition assistance.
4-year College Programs, or 4-6 year Hospital programs
often lock you into a system that keeps you working for nothing or next to nothing and gives you no certificate until the very end.