Any success stories in Tennessee?

Randomnurse3 · Mar 13, 2011

Yes! You can still get a clear, unrestricted, active license in the state of TN. It is not hopeless, I promise. Just be patient. Good Luck to you!

carrie_c · Mar 13, 2011

Thank you so much for the reply! I am graduating in May, and I am so worried. I finally talked to someone at the BON and she said it shouldn't be a problem, but I really didn't want to hear shouldn't. One of my convictions was for shoplifting and the other was for a bad check. These were the biggest mistakes of my life, and I am not that same person.

Murse901, MSN, RN · Mar 14, 2011

Be prepared to take a trip to Nashville to explain your history to the Board, depending on how severe they think the charges are.

Having said that, if you are up front and honest about everything, can show that you have changed your ways and do not exhibit a pattern of criminal behavior, you should be fine. The BON has hard and fast rules for denial of licensure (the list of crimes and time periods are found on the BON site).

7 years clean, no violent charges, no drug charges. You should be in the clear. Good luck!

carrie_c · Mar 14, 2011

Thanks! There is a list on the TN BON site, and my charges aren't listed so I guess that's good. But it does say that any charge could mean denial of license even if the charge isn't listed. If they want me to come to Nashville, I will. I will go where ever they want me to go, lol!

Randomnurse3 · Mar 15, 2011

I do not think you will have to go to the BON and explain yourself. That is why you are handwriting a letter of explanation. Like I said earlier just state facts and DO NOT go into a long drawn out explanation. Try to keep your letter of each explanation to 1 page. You will have to write two seperate ones, (one for each offense) If you need help you can private message me and I will be glad to help you. I honestly feel you will be fine. I have known people with far worse offenses than yours and have received a clear, unrestricted license. I cannot stress enough to keep it to the point and focus only on the particular offense you are writing about. Smile, you worked hard for it and deserve it!

asopko · Mar 15, 2011

I know that it wasn't in your original question, but as far as a job is concerned, some places will take the convictions into account, depending on what they are and how they relate to the position you are applying for. For instance, a home health agency might not hire you if you were violent towards someone or stole medications. They might even have a company policy about it. Just a heads up! Congrats on graduating!!

carrie_c · Mar 15, 2011

My school does not know about my convictions and I am dreading turning in all the paperwork form the court to them. I was hoping I could just mail everything to the BON, but we have to turn in everything to the school along with a money order and the school mails it in for us. I am so embarrassed for them to even know about the convictions.

Trauma Columnist · Mar 17, 2011

Please realize too that hiring a lawyer might be in your best interests. We can not provide legal advice and what worked for one poster might not work for you.