Applying for NCLEX

[RNhopeful13]

Hi everyone! I will be graduating from my RN program in December. It is the most embarrassing situation of my life, but a few years ago I was arrested for shoplifting. I don't want to give too many details away since you never know who will read this, but essentially it was an honest yet stupid mistake on my part. It was for an item that cost less than $20 that I misplaced in the shuffle of trying on clothes and accidently walked out with. That being said, I still completely take the blame and make no excuse because intentional or not, the incident occurred and could have been prevented. I was able to get a great lawyer and I don't know the technical terms but they dismissed the charge pending completion of a small amount of community service & of course no more trouble. I then had it expunged from my record.

This is my deepest, darkest secret. I am still working on moving past the shame and guilt that I feel for letting something like this happen. I feel like I can't forgive myself, and I am so afraid it might prevent me from practicing what I love and feel so passionate about. I have been "the good kid" all my life and just want to take care of others.

I mostly just wanted to unload on here since like I said, no one save my parents and 2 close friends knows about this. I'm in charge of planning our graduation but deep down I'm almost dreading it because what if I get denied? I am planning on working with my lawyer again when I apply, and I'm getting recommendation letters and character references from my instructors, preceptor, and past employers. If anyone has any advice, I would very much appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to read my novel if you made it this far :)

[RNhopeful13]

Edit: In case it wasn't clear in my original post, I plan on being completely honest and disclosing everything when I apply! Is working with an attorney the best way to go? I just want to make sure I do everything correctly and by the book..

[t3mama]

If it was expunged from your record, how would this ever come to light? Unless someone hired a private investigator to look into you? I'm not sure, it was my understanding things could only affect you if you were convicted of something. If everything was dismissed it shouldn't be a problem, or at least I thought. Did this happen before you applied for your RN program and had to pass a background check? I don't see how this would come up. It sounds like you are still beating yourself up for something that wasn't intentional and you have been remorseful and completed the community service expected of you. I think you need to cut yourself some slack. Maybe a quick consultation with an attorney will help ease your mind :)