RN with a record, need HELP

[nm1979]

I am so scared. I made a horrible mistake and need some advice. To make a long story short I became addicted to narcotics after injuring my back during a code. I got in so deep that I ended up getting in trouble with the law. Since this is my first offense my lawyer says i will just get a year's probation which I will have to serve before i can have my record expunged. I am not currently working and do not plan on applying until my probation is over. I am now clean, registered with the tennessee peer assistance program and attending narcotics anonymous meetings 3 times a week. My question is will the board of nursing find out automatically or will it have to be reported. Since i didn't get in trouble on the job it won't be reported my an employer. The BON (didn't give them my name) said when i renew I will have to check that I have been convicted of a felony and then it will be investigated but if i don't renew until my record is expunged I can mark no. Any advice?? Thanks alot.

[weezledawg]

Hi all,

I am a nursing student currently:) yay. Anyway in 01 or 02 (can barely remember now) I was convicted of a misdemeanor. I was caught shoplifting at a Meijers, a CD or something. I was stupid and 20ish. Last fall before I entered nursing school I had my conviction expunged.

Lately I have been worrying that I may not get my liscense bc of that one stupid mistake. I called the OHio BON and asked them if I had had my conviction expunged was I still required to check "yes" on the NCLEX (state boards) and If this conviction would stop me from being a nurse.

This was her response: You absolutely MUST check "yes" for the state boards even if it has been expunged. She says that the board does a different criminal background check than most, its an FBI check, that way they can see convictions even if they have been expunged, therefore if you lie that does not make the board happy.

We all make mistakes and she relayed to me in so many words that as long as I have not had any other convictions that I should be fine. Keep in mind that violece against ppl and children are considered misdemeanors, (assult etc) also some drug convictions are considered misdemeanors!! My personal thought is that when asked that question, "have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanoR?" they are really looking for cases such as abuse, child abuse, sexual misconduct, drugs, etc.

Another thing to think about: I know of many nurses that have had drug charges and things far worse than shoplifting and they have never had a problem! Just remember, if you get in trouble after you are liscenced that I have heard is a bigger problem not as much what you did before you were liscneced.

Thanks all for listening, any responses are welcomed! GOOD LUCK ALL!

Here is my story: About four years ago, I got in a lot of trouble doing drugs. I was arrested for being under the influence 6 times, was in a domestic violence relationship where fighting him back resulted in two assault charges against me, and I also got a DUI. I worked very hard and am accepted to the local ADN program. The first week of school they annouce that they will be doing background checks so that we can work in the clinical facilities. They never told me this would happen until the first week of school. I figured I would be ok, that by the time I had to take the boards, I would be able to disclose to the BRN that my charges had been expunged. But I can't do that now, because it hasn't happened yet. I have completed a treatment program, Anger Management and DUI school. I have been clean for two years and am very active in the recovery community. I can get many many letters of reference. I am very very scared that this will eliminate me from completing my schooling. Is there anything I can do? I want more than anything to be a nurse and have worked very hard to get here. Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated. I feel like a leper amongst more worthy people, even though I know I deserve to be in this class just as much as they do. PLEASE HELP ME.

[jerseyboy]

I believe you should listen to your lawyer. It is his/her job to know the law.