Diversion offered to new grads with prior convictions?

Nurses Recovery

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Hello. Just graduated nursing school, applied for my license, and was denied because of prior convictions from several years back (yes I disclosed everything, and included everything the BRN wanted - rehab evidence, explanations, court docs, reference letters, etc., etc.). After my research and talks with a several licensing attorneys it looks like I'm facing the standard 3 years probation with public notice on breeze. I've done a lot of research and it looks like this will be a long and painful process. I don't feel that something that was done 10 years ago before someone even thought about being a nurse should be made available for the world to see after that person has done (and continues to do) all the steps that a probation or diversion program would require him/her to do.

Does anyone know if the CA BRN diversion program is an option for a new grad that does not have a license yet (i.e. can they give a license, revoke and then reinstate with diversion just like they do with probation?). I would love feedback from some people who have been through this situation.

First is it something you could have exsponged from your record? 2nd call the BON they will tell you what if anything is available. Did your school not check your records or tell you that you may not be able to sit for nclex?

There are a couple reasons your BON may have done this (I speak for Alaska, I asked them this same question because it seemed so unfair). Addictions is an ever present disease, with a high rate relapse. Relapse is more likely to happen under stressful conditions with access (ie nursing). So they monitor everyone in the interim- while they are adjusting to new surroundings.

Second- do you have proof you are in recovery? A letter from a sponsor, meeting signatures, drug tests- anything to prove you have been in sobriety for the past years? Like we learn in nursing school- if it wasn't documented- it didn't happen.

I can tell by your writing and demeanor about this process that you are in recovery- you are taking this exceptionally well. Get letters from family, friends, and employers (probably most important) documenting your sobriety. This is a tough road for any addict/alcoholic- I am so glad you found yourself in nursing- it needs people who have walked the path and chose to recover and reach bigger goals and aspirations.

It will be long- but only as painful as you allow it to be. There is a lot of courage in what you doing. Don't lose sight of that!

Specializes in Critical Care.

Are you in the Socal area? I am sure you have many questions. I am currently helping a few new grad nurses with priors. I can connect you with my old support group I used to go to. You are not the only one. Unfortunately, Diversion is only allowed for current licensed nurses. My friend right now is taking his NCLEX, but will not be issued license until a lot of other things get cleared up. If there is one great thing about this country, it is giving people a second chance so long as they show the work they've done. Honest, brutal work! It's going to be a tough long road, but it is possible! It'll be a few years (just speaking honestly).

Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.
If there is one great thing about this country, it is giving people a second chance so long as they show the work they've done. Honest, brutal work! It's going to be a tough long road, but it is possible! It'll be a few years (just speaking honestly).

Sorry to say that in this job market, "this country" does not necessarily give a second chance. When there are many qualified applicants for any open position, people with blemishes on their records are the first to be weeded out. There is no alternative to discipline program in my state.

Just speaking honestly-- as a person who doesn't have a job to speak of. Just getting a couple of dollars doing flu clinics here and there.

Lucky the person who gets the second chance, but it doesn't happen for everyone.

Catmom :paw:

Twoyearnurse - thanks for your response. I appreciate the reminder that "if it wasn't documented it didn't happen." The 1 year re-hab I initially went to in 2005 was documented. My convictions were officially dismissed/expunged (though I know they do not disappear from DOJ searches...obviously) back in 2009. Sadly, I haven't kept 8 years of documented meetings, etc. on record. Now that I know the difficulty of this process and what the BRN wants I am documenting everything!! And might even have to pay to have randomized drug/alcohol screenings to show them I'm serious (after living a sober life for 9+ years) while I'm waiting for my statement of issues & hearing. Sad but may be to my advantage...

dagobah - Yes, I am in Socal area and have lots of questions. I just started attending nurse support groups even though not mandated yet (but I know they will help). I took my NCLEX a week ago and BRN wont release my results either until everything cleared...but the test shut off after 75 Q's so I believe I did well. I'd like to connect for more info but I don't have enough posts yet to be able to IM yet...other options?

Thanks also to anyone else who has some insight and experience with this!

Not so sadly, like I said- get employer reports, particularly if you had to do a UA to get the position. You could have the employers write something to the tune of: it is in our policy that candidates for employment be drug screened prior p employment, further it is out policy that if someone is suspected of drug use they receive a drug test. Followed by your performance as an employee, if they have a randomized drug screen policy ect.

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