AZ - Possession for Sales Charge but I want to be a nurse...

Nurses Criminal

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I am thinking of going to nursing school but I got a felony possession for sale of a dangerous drug in 2006 and I was just released from probation for this charge. Like everyone else, I have made my amends for this and my life is different. I'm thinking of going to nursing school. The AZ nursing board says that you have to have an absolute discharge from felonies for 5 years before they can even consider a license. My question is if an absolute discharge is the same thing as just getting off probation?

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Specializes in Float.

Hi _phaedra_

In most cases an absolute dishcarge is not only the time passed from the year of conviction, but also the time passed since any type of probation, community service, parole, jail time served and any fees to be paid.

For ie

Say I was convicted of a felony in 2003, sentenced to 8 years of probation, 2 years of community service and $5000 in fines. I complete the community service in 2005 and I'm released from probation in 2006 for good behavior contigent on me paying my fine on a payment plan. If I complete that payment plan in 2009, even if the conviction is 6 years old, the free time doesn't start until 2009 wich is the completion of my sentence.

It's usually whichever aspect of your sentence that is completed last. I hope I explained myself well and didn't confuse you more but in any event, here is a link to a site that can give you more of an understanding of what I'm saying.

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/disciplinaryaction/discp-guide.html

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Thank you very much for responding to me. Yes, I just successfully completed everything at the end of February. Now, maybe you can answer this, I have a couple misdemeanors also that I am just about to complete everything for. If they just said felonies, then is it safe to assume that the same rules don't apply to misdemeanors? I know I'll have to answer to them when I apply for my license. So, from what I'm understanding 5 years from now, I could apply for licensure? I still have to go to school and there are waiting lists of 2 years here in Arizona at public schools and then I have to complete the school so the timing should be just about right. Thank you again for responding to me!

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Specializes in Float.

This link makes it clear what they are most concerned about. Take note of the emphasis being placed on proof of rehabilitation. That's a big one. ;)

http://www.azbn.gov/Documents/npa/fbar.pdf

This next link should answer your question. Start @ slide 24

http://www.azbn.gov/Documents/education/Nursing%20Programs/Beginning%20Nursing%202009%20update.pdf

It seems as if you have a viable plan and both of these links are pretty much straight-forward. Imagine living in a state that doesn't have guidelines of any sort except, 'each case is handled on a case by case basis'.....

At least with the 5 year thing it's a good indication of a tolerant board.

My best to you. :)

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