I'm very glad to have found this forum.
I graduated from nursing school in 1974 & took/passed State Boards that same year. I became an NP in Women's Healthcare in 1978; progressed to MSN/CNM in 1999...and after 30 years without a blemish on my license, succumbed to my Bipolar Disorder: because of SEVERE life stresses and in a severe exacerbation of my BPD/O, I tried illicit drugs for all of ~3 weeks & was finally arrested/convicted of a misdemeanor--possession of drug paraphernalia. (I was NOT actively working in nursing at the time, having taken sick leave after recognizing I was not "myself.")
Past serving 75/90-days in county jail, like a "good-girl" I self-reported to the State BON & was advised to VOLUNTARILY relinquish my license--which I did in 2004. I really thought (being severely depressed back then)I'd never be ABLE to practice again. What a MISTAKE I made!!!:frustrated:
I wrote to the BON last summer to see if I could get my license back. (I've been on disability & under professional care for 3+ years--doing well--and have been encouraged by my Dr. to work towards that goal.)The BON told me that I'd have to re-take & pass the NCLEX-RN and THEN I would be reconsidered by the BON for re-licensure.
Problem is: A whole lot has happened in nursing since I sat the Boards 33 years ago! As I mentioned, I was a "specialist" in OB/Gyn/Nurse-Midwifery. Nursing has been my Passion--MY LIFE.
I've received very little support from the nursing community--meeting closed doors & closed minds nearly everywhere I've turned for help...especially once I reveal my "circumstances." I know that I cannot pass the NCLEX-RN without remedial work in "every area" of nursing. I do not need another "degree" and don't have the money to attend a formal educational program (besides that, I already owe >$50K in student loans!)
I'm studying medical-surgical nursing and pharmacology ON MY OWN with a couple of textbooks I bought and the use of online resources. I need some: help/ encouragement/ advice/ support from someone out there on "how to do this." I figure it's going to take me 1-2 years doing things this way.
Has anyone else gone through what I'm going through? What do you think my chances are--WHEN I pass the NCLEX--that the BON will re-issue a license to me? At age 56, are these just "pipe-dreams?" I cannot make it on SS-disability and cannot even get a "minimum-wage" part-time job for supplemental income. (I think that as soon as they see "misdemeanor" on the application(s), they TOSS me into the "rejected" file!)
I KNOW that I am a good person and had been a great nurse before my professional demise...and I know that if I can get another chance, God can use me again.
Any "wise-persons" out there who can give some pearls of wisdom to me? Nevertheless, thanks for letting me get this off my chest...
:whatever: Lee
I graduated from nursing school in 1974 & took/passed State Boards that same year. I became an NP in Women's Healthcare in 1978; progressed to MSN/CNM in 1999...and after 30 years without a blemish on my license, succumbed to my Bipolar Disorder: because of SEVERE life stresses and in a severe exacerbation of my BPD/O, I tried illicit drugs for all of ~3 weeks & was finally arrested/convicted of a misdemeanor--possession of drug paraphernalia. (I was NOT actively working in nursing at the time, having taken sick leave after recognizing I was not "myself.")
Past serving 75/90-days in county jail, like a "good-girl" I self-reported to the State BON & was advised to VOLUNTARILY relinquish my license--which I did in 2004. I really thought (being severely depressed back then)I'd never be ABLE to practice again. What a MISTAKE I made!!!:frustrated:
I wrote to the BON last summer to see if I could get my license back. (I've been on disability & under professional care for 3+ years--doing well--and have been encouraged by my Dr. to work towards that goal.)The BON told me that I'd have to re-take & pass the NCLEX-RN and THEN I would be reconsidered by the BON for re-licensure.
Problem is: A whole lot has happened in nursing since I sat the Boards 33 years ago! As I mentioned, I was a "specialist" in OB/Gyn/Nurse-Midwifery. Nursing has been my Passion--MY LIFE.
I've received very little support from the nursing community--meeting closed doors & closed minds nearly everywhere I've turned for help...especially once I reveal my "circumstances." I know that I cannot pass the NCLEX-RN without remedial work in "every area" of nursing. I do not need another "degree" and don't have the money to attend a formal educational program (besides that, I already owe >$50K in student loans!)
I'm studying medical-surgical nursing and pharmacology ON MY OWN with a couple of textbooks I bought and the use of online resources. I need some: help/ encouragement/ advice/ support from someone out there on "how to do this." I figure it's going to take me 1-2 years doing things this way.
Has anyone else gone through what I'm going through? What do you think my chances are--WHEN I pass the NCLEX--that the BON will re-issue a license to me? At age 56, are these just "pipe-dreams?" I cannot make it on SS-disability and cannot even get a "minimum-wage" part-time job for supplemental income. (I think that as soon as they see "misdemeanor" on the application(s), they TOSS me into the "rejected" file!)
I KNOW that I am a good person and had been a great nurse before my professional demise...and I know that if I can get another chance, God can use me again.
Any "wise-persons" out there who can give some pearls of wisdom to me? Nevertheless, thanks for letting me get this off my chest...
:whatever: Lee