Help! graduated with honors from BSN program!

Nurses Criminal

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Hi all,

I'm a new grad. I graduated with honors from a BSN program.

When I was 18, I ran into a lot of trouble with the law and drugs which ended with 2 felonies and 3 misdemeanors. This resulted in 6 months in jail, followed by a year in a drug recovery program. This took place 15 years ago in 1998. I successfully completed this program, probation, and paid all fines. I haven't been in any trouble, whatsoever, since. I paid for the consequences of my poor decision making as a youth.. or I thought I did. I'm currently working on getting these charges expunged.

Now that I'm ready to apply for the NCLEX exam, I'm realizing that the road to becoming an RN may be more difficult than I anticipated.

I came here because I need advice from someone who is knowledgeable about RN licensing under circumstances such as mine. Does a 15 year time lapse carry any weight in the BRN's decision? How about life as an RN after overcoming these obstacles? How difficult is it to find work as an RN with a probationary license?

I am contemplating hiring a lawyer to assist me in this process, I live in the bay area, does anyone have any recommendations ? My goal is that I will build a strong enough case with my personal statement, letters of recommendations and a 15 year clean record that I will not get denied the opportunity to take my NCLEX and be forced to appeal the BRN's decision which I hear can take up to year. I plan on doing whatever it takes to become a nurse, and i appreciate all the help, advice and support I can get!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Moving to Nursing Licensure with a Criminal History to get you more responses. Please be aware that this is a moderated forum, so there may be a small delay before responses appear.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Ok, now to reply to your post :)

BONs make these decisions on a case-by-case basis...and because of that, two nurses with similar criminal histories can have two very different outcomes. Some nurses have had minimal problems getting licensed with their records, while others have had charges from 20 years ago come back to smack them in the rear. Generally time is a positive, but no one can guarantee, "ok, you're 15 years out, don't worry about it, you'll be fine." No one really knows but the BON, and they won't tell you Yay or Nay until you actually apply for licensure.

First of all, getting the lawyer is a very smart move. The BON is not the nurse's friend--their primary interest is protecting the public first and foremost. Your interests come second if at all. Having a lawyer involved in the process means there is someone in all of this who puts your interests first at all times. Should the BON ask you to appear before them to discuss your record, be sure to bring that lawyer with you.

Expungment is a good idea. Almost all BONs require you to declare expunged charges, so that won't make a difference with the BON. However, expungement can help you with the job hunt.

I don't know what your felonies are for nor do I want to know. But check with your BON--some felonies are automatic disqualifications for licensure. I'd guess that since you were able to find a nursing school to accept you and clinical sites to let you visit there, your felonies are probably not one of the automatic disqualifiers. However, check with your BON for the final word.

Check with your BON to see what you will need to submit for licensure...and do exactly that. Whatever they need from you, send it.

Unfortunately, the path for applicants with a criminal history is not a fast one, nor an easy one...nor is it guaranteed. But nurses with criminal records--both felony and misdemeanor--have been able to get licensed.

Best of luck.

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Meriwhen gave excellent advice.

Aside from providing moral support there is little we can do here in the group.

Your first instinct is correct, engage an competent attorney with experience in these matters. Again as MeriWhen stated these things can take time and there is no way to predict what the BON will do.

Here in NYS nursing programs tell all applicants that anyone with a criminal conviction may have problems sitting for the NCLEX and or licensure. It is always advised such persons either contact the BON directly and or seek legal assistance before entering the program. One reason for this is because many clinical sites will refuse to take a student nurse with certain convictions. In such instances usually the program tries to find an alternate but that isn't always possible.

You should also understand that just because one state gives you a license, it does not equal all local facilities will hire a nurse with a previous criminal conviction. Nor does it equal other BONs will grant you reciprocity to practice in their state.

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I am going through the same type of situation. I graduated in may and hired a lawyer last year because I knew how hard it will be to get licensed. I highly recommend hiring a lawyer, especially before you send in your application. Absolutely do not sign a consent agreement before a lawyer looks at it on your behalf. My lawyer informed that many nurses get into trouble when they apply and are offered a consent agreement, and they take it because that means they will have a license, but it turns out to be do harsh that they can not get a job. Hire an experienced lawyer! I have only juvenile records and it has been VERY difficult so far.

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Thank you everyone for your encouragement and advice . I wish I would have began this process sooner and been more prepared for the set back . I am researching attorneys now and hoping to soon put this behind me .

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