Nurses with criminal background

nnurse27 · Dec 3, 2011

Hey I am having the same issues my file went in for view on Nov 8th, and I am also in Texas. I have to wait 45 days to hear from them as well so if you hear anything let me know, I will do the same:idea:

So does anyone know how long it took to get the decision back from the BON? I submitted a declaratory order and was told it went into review on Nov 7th. I live in Texas and I have called the BON multiple times to check on the status and have been told 2 different time frames on when I should expect a decision.

One woman told me 45 calendar days from Nov 7th, and I explicitly asked...so I count everyday even weekends and holidays from that date...just to clarify what she was saying and she told me yes everyday starting at that date.

Then another woman told me 45 business days from Nov 7th. So I also asked this woman...only Monday thru Friday then?... She said yes and also told me not to count any holidays such as Veterans day, Thanksgiving and the Monday after Christmas.

I have called probably around 10 different times and still they will not allow me to speak to a supervisor so I can have my questions answered about which is the correct timeframe. I am becoming very discouraged because I have been accepted to a Nursing Program here in Texas but the school won't even allow me to start until I get a letter from the BON approving me to take the NCLEX.

I just don't understand how a school can keep you from attending when it should be my decision whether or not I want to spend the money on attendance without knowing whether or not I will be approved. It just seems that they don't have the right to not allow me to attend when they have already sent me an acceptance letter.

jp1180 · Dec 13, 2011

Hey nnurse27...I will for sure let you know if I hear anything from the BoN.

So when did your declaratory order go into review? Oh, and an update...you should make sure that you call alot because I called on the 8th of November and was told that it went into review on the 1st of November. Then I waited a little over a week before calling again and this time I was told that there was nothing listed on my file and that they had no idea what was going on with my paperwork. So they said they would have to call me back...I waited and called back repeated times before anyone responded and then was finally told on the 18th of November that because they didn't know when my paperwork really went into review that they would "back-date it" for the 7th of November and put it into the stack near the papers that actually went into review on the 7th.

And so I recommend that you call and make sure about what is going on with your paperwork. I call them everyother day trying to make sure in case there are any changes.

Also they only have one person that goes through all of the declaratory orders they recieve for the entire state of Texas...I really do not understand how that is possible...seems very inefficient.

Good luck to you and your declaratory order!!! Hope atleast we hear something soon.

nnurse27 · Dec 30, 2011

Hi jp1180 i finally recieved my ATT and i scheduled my nclex exam. it took a little under 45 days, hope this helps...

Goodluck!

miako141 · Jan 1, 2012

Have you gotten your record expunged?

nnurse27 · Jan 2, 2012

Yes it was expunged back in July, so there is nothing on my criminal reports

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jan 2, 2012

Even if you get record expunged, when submitting paperwork to Board of nursing, need to check off YES that there is a criminal background and include information re record expungement, Will take one longer for permission to take NCLEX and have license application reviewed. Boards of nursing have access to most criminal info as part of "public protection". Boards will deny license to those who "falsify" application information.

nnurse27 · Jan 2, 2012

That is very TRUE you MUST disclose all criminal records to your state boards wether it was expunged or not. "I DID".... HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY!!!!

pinayluv78 · Jan 21, 2012

I, too, have a misdemeanor on my record: VC-31 False information to peace officer. I will be applying to nursing schools soon & have been very worried about how my past will affect me in the future. My sister is an attorney & is working to get my case expunged before I start to apply, but has warned me that even though it will be expunged, for anything regarding state licensing, I will always have to check yes that I have been convicted of a crime. For those of you who had records expunged & disclosed it to the BON, did you also disclose it when applying for employment?

KindaWorried · Jan 22, 2012

Hello All,

nnurse27 · Feb 8, 2012

No. If your records are expunged you are not required to disclose it on a job application, Once you get the court documents signed by the judge, go through it, it states what your rights are.

Good luck!

Vexed · Feb 14, 2012

Hello TxGirl, I do wish that you have received your license already, If not contact the board once again. You may have to request to be heard at a board hearing where you will have to go in person in fornt of the board and in fron of the people at the hearing.

Once they agree to issue a license this will be probationary and your infraction will be in the board website forever. Meaning if 20 years from now you have a BSN, MSN and PHD and apply for a role, your theft charge will be online for your employers to read.

Let me know how this has gone for you thus far. Are you in Ca?

I am a 28 year old new nurse graduate. when i was 17 years old, i had a charge of theft. Now after going back to school, and 11 years later, I graduated, and the board does not want to issue my license because of this old charge. I was so young and it was the biggest mistake of my life, and don't feel its fair that they are judging me for one mistake made. I have always been a straight A student, very responsible and with impecable credit, driving record and school records, its just that one mistake haunting me. My question is, has anyone ever, or do you know of anyone with the same charge as me and were issued their license??? They haven't denied it yet, but its been about 6 months and i don't receive and answer from them so i am getting worried that their answer will be no. and i worked extremely hard in school to get this far, for nothing.

loveandy · Feb 16, 2012

I am a 28 year old new nurse graduate. when i was 17 years old, i had a charge of theft. Now after going back to school, and 11 years later, I graduated, and the board does not want to issue my license because of this old charge. I was so young and it was the biggest mistake of my life, and don't feel its fair that they are judging me for one mistake made. I have always been a straight A student, very responsible and with impecable credit, driving record and school records, its just that one mistake haunting me. My question is, has anyone ever, or do you know of anyone with the same charge as me and were issued their license??? They haven't denied it yet, but its been about 6 months and i don't receive and answer from them so i am getting worried that their answer will be no. and i worked extremely hard in school to get this far, for nothing.

I know how you feel. hang in there! I was denied a license in VA , even after I had written the board prior to attending nursing school. I had to wait 16 months to get an answer-DENIED!. I have since moved and am trying to get my license in TX. does anyone else know if a state will accept you even if one have denied you?