Approaching graduation--need advice!

[MarieSmith56]

Ok, I'm not sure where to even start, so I'm going to try to keep it the most simple for you.

I went through the whole, "I know everything" and "I am invincible phase" a few years ago. I had the whole tough guy boyfriend that was "cool." However, it turned into a complete nightmare. He was controlling and manipulative. I ended up getting into trouble. The trouble wasn't directly with him though. He got into trouble and ended up getting 6 years in prison. While we were waiting for his admission date into prison, we moved back to our hometown. Somehow some of his "belongings" aka "an illegal plant" got put into my car on our way home. He was going to prison, so it wasn't safe for him to have anything on him. I was "in love" and just kind of rolled the situation off my shoulders. My awesome kind of luck, I hit a road block on the highway. I knew right there, I probably just screwed up my whole life. I had a gut feeling that the "belongings" were in my car. They were. I was charged with a misdemeanor for possession of cannabis. I spoke with him on the phone, he said he was going to prison, and to take the wrap and he will take care of it. Of course, that never happened. He got sent away, still is, and I haven't talked to him in a year and a half.

So, I graduate in December from a BSN program. I am currently in an externship that I was accepted into. The instructor says to put in my application now, so it is in for later.

I guess my issue is...do I put an application in knowing I still have to write a letter to the BON and hope and pray everyday for a chance? Should I start gathering information to send to the board now? I am thinking about submitting an application for CNA now and see what they say about that. I realize it is two different things, but just out of curiosity.

Does anyone have any past experience with this or know anyone?

Please no negative comments or discouragement. I realize the uphill battle and would just like to know how to even start this hard part now.

[mrphil79]

You should call.

You cannot POSSIBLY be the first person to ask your state's BON this exact question.

hen you talk to someone on the phone, tell them your exact situation, ask what your options are, and if they ask for your info over the phone and you are for whatever reason uncomfortable, nothing forces you to give your name to whoever answers the phone.

I just read a thread about a guy who spent a WHOLE lot of time and money dealing with his state BON to get cleared to take the NCLEX once he finishes his program - so it is possible.

But you need to get on the phone and get that ball rolling now - if you have to gather up money, court paperwork, psychiatric info, or whatever else they might make you deal with, you can start getting that stuff together now so by the time you have to get stuff turned in to them you wont be scrambling at the last minute.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

If you plan to write a letter to the BON, they will want to see that you accept responsibility for your actions, not deflection. Suggest you speak to a lawyer familiar with nursing licensing issues, you can find one through TAANA.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

A misdemeanor for cannabis possession especially if it was years ago probably won't be a deal breaker but you may have to jump through some hoops before the BON grants you a license. At the least I would contact your BON and ask exactly what forms, letters, documentation etc. they will require so you are prepared with everything they want when the time comes for them to review your application.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

You are definitely going to have to explain this to the BON. What was the punishment? Are you done with probation/fines/community service? Get all your documents together and have them ready when the BON asks for them. You were able to get into nursing school, so that's a plus. I know my nursing school made us all go through background checks, anyone who the board might flag wasn't even allowed in the program.

Good luck to you. I'm sure you will be able to sit for your license, you just might have to jump through some hoops first. Call your lawyer!