Any Advice, Much Appreciated

Nurses Recovery

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Acute Rehab.

My situation is: will be graduating in Dec. with my

ADN and applying for licensing and NCLEX exam. I have a blemish on my background check that is from a felony charge that was dismissed after completing a three yr diversion program. The boards in the 2 states that I am thinking of working in have both told me that a dismissed charge will not stop me from being allowed to sit for the boards, which of course has made me very happy. I still would like to know what experiences any of you may have had similar to this and did it make it harder to get a job, since I will still probably have to disclose this info, along with the documents that show the dismissal. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in ED.

My experience....here in AZ the board gives you HELL on priors. Can you get the charge expunged from your record?

If you can get a license that is in good standing you should't have any problems getting a job. you'll have to be truthful on job apps when that question comes up. just be honest with your future employer.

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Hey JCJAN,

Don't worry about it. I have a blemish or two of the felony type that were not dismissed, and I still obtainied my license. You may have to write letter explaining your situation and circumstances. Just be completely honest and you will be just fine. Also, I thought my situation was unique until one day in class the director of the nursing department said, "anyone with a felony or misdemeanor conviction come see me to discuss how to properly fill out the licensing application" and half of my graduating class stood up. We all just bursted out laughing. We are more alike than different. Good luck.

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Specializes in ER, LTC, MDS, Hospice.

Most applications ask if you have been "convicted" of a felony. It doesn't ask if you were charged or went thru a diversion program. If the charge was dismissed, I wouldn't think it would even be an issue. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Nursing Administration for SNF.

My felonies were NOT dismissed and so I had to jump through many, many, hoops which took two years and THEN was able to sit for the boards. After that, I had to jump through AHCA (state MCD/MRA)'s hoops. If the BON said that you dont have anything to worry about, then you prob wont and that is a wonderful thing. If youre planning on working in a LTC facility tho, I would check further with the agency that licenses them. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Acute Rehab.

Thank you all who responded to my thread concerns. It's wonderful to have great people to support you, especially with issues like these. Hugs to all. :thankya:

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Specializes in Cardiac, NICU, ED.

I didn't have any felonies but I did have 5 misdemeanors all stemming from my drinking days. Three of them were MIPs. On my license application it was asked if I had ever been convicted of an alcohol/drug offense. After receiving my application I was then required to write a letter to the BON about the alcohol offenses. I was able to honestly tell them that I had been sober and working the AA program for 3 years. Although it took a while longer to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX, I didn't have any problems. I had to be upfront with my employer as well. I told the nurse recruiter that I had some misdemeanors from my drinking days. They were all at least four years old. Once again I told him that I was sober in AA and I did not have any problems obtaining the position. Good for you for getting your life back on track!!!

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Specializes in LABOR AND DELIVERY,MEDSURG.

Don't give them anymore information than you have to.Many times our guilt and shame override our mouths!

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