Published Dec 13, 2008
newhope2009
34 Posts
After reading thread after thread after thread - I've only read 1 post about how someone actually went onto become a nurse.
I was wondering, really is it that hard? Do people post, and not go on with the process? Do they chicken out, drop out, what?
There are no hey I did this, and got in and I am loving school.
Just find it weird. I am not looking for advice, as legally you cannot offer me any - I am looking for encouragement. It would be nice to read that hey Sally over here got through it and is in school. Or Jan just got word from the BON that everything is a go etc.
Well, anyway, new here and been reading all the threads etc and just would like to see some encouragement of others that have been through the process and succeeded!
LadyEJ BSN, RN
222 Posts
Well...I am a success story! Although I will not post all the details about my situation I will say that I was arrested for 3 felonies and a misdemeanor back in 2006 just weeks before I got my acceptance letter into nursing school. These 4 charges were dropped and I was convicted of 2 added traffic misdemeanors. I was soooo afraid that that this stuff would show up on my background check but by the grace of God it didn't.
mamaames
17 Posts
well, I can tell you that I had a DUI 5 years ago, and I sat for and passed the NCLEX in January this year. So I am officially an RN. However, I am a new grad and am unemployed. My current worry is that hospitals will not be interested in considering me simple because it's easy to throw out the folks with "convictions" from the enormous stacks of application and resumes for jobs. I have another post out there exploring how to deal with the application for jobs.
But I am a nurse! and unfortunately i have a bad decision on my record. so there is hope!
BEDPAN76
547 Posts
I got a felony after being an RN for 14 years. The only thing I will say is, be prepared for A LOT of PAPERWORK and appearances before your BON. It isn't a cakewalk. Persevere. I kept my license and put it all behind me. Believe in yourself and never give up. !6 years later I am still working. ALWAYS be honest. Get letters of recommendation, and convince them that you are a good nurse who HAS A LOT TO OFFER. If I did it, so can you!!
kitti419
132 Posts
Not a success story yet, but was getting quite anxious as a Nursing student reading these posts. I was arrested in 2003 for a misdemeanor possession of mj charge (actually my then -fiance' was arrested and I was with him, so wrong place at wrong time, but I got charged nonetheless by the meanie police). The charges were dismissed. After reading many posts and working myself up into a frenzy, I called the Lousiana State Board of Nursing (I live in LA :) and was informed that I could breathe because one misdemeanor charge over 5 years ago wasn't going to hold me back from licensure. There was a certainty that this would come up again with clinical approvals while in Nursing school, but to be ready with supporting documentation and a written explanation, and that I would be fine. I admit shame and embarrassment, and as much as I wish the use were not treated as a criminal offense in my state, it is, and I know better, and these are the consequences. Moving forward, I feel lucky for now and hope for the best in the upcoming year. Now, I just have to pass the classes...
bethann21
11 Posts
To help answer your questions, look up the websites for the BON in your state and whatever states you may practice in the future. The BON meets on a regular basis and the meeting minutes are posted on the site. You will be able to see who got approved to sit for the NCLEX and who did not. You will also be able to see what will get your license yanked in the future!
Ike Arumba
168 Posts
I Just wanted to say, this has helped me tremendously!! I don't have to worry so much now!!
NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN
10 Articles; 18,926 Posts
Prior convictions info: https://allnurses.com/nursing-licensure-criminal/nursing-licensure-criminal-163600.html
Bethann21 offered great advice to look at your board of nursing newsletters and board minutes to see how state you want to be licensed in handles applicants. 5-10 yr lapse between offense and school graduation, many are grated license in PA/NJ from reading their newsletters....few are on probation with BON for 1st year.
Best wishes moving forward onto a new chapter in your life.