[LibraNurse]

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

[deannarhine]

Originally Posted by LibraNurse

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

Have you thought about talking to a hospital about working as a tech? Most hospitals are desperate for nurses and if they think you would work for them when you pass your boards woulld be interested in giving you a try. First, make sure your bi-polar is truly under control. I've been a psych nurse for several years and know how tough it can be. If you show up for an interview with push of speech etc they are not going to be interested. Also, try mailing a letter directrly to the nurse manager of the unit you are interested in. This can help bypass the HR dept.
Dialysis centers use techs also