BON app Class 'C' Misdemeanor Drug, Is it best to be personal or more factual?

[JaxMax]

Hello All,

This is my first post on allnurses. I have searched allnurses many times and have found it very helpful. Thank you.

I am sending in my Declaratory Order to the Texas BON. We are now required to submit these orders and requested documents prior to entering the program and again prior to sitting for NCLEX.

I have a 20-year-old 'Class A' Misdemeanor for Aiding in in possession of Narcotic Drug, I was 18 at the time. I pled guilty because I could not afford a lawyer. I would have fought it otherwise. I did make a poor decision in allowing my 'friends' to use my car. After this incident I received unsupervised probation, a fine, and was permitted to leave the state to live with family and make a new start. Since this time, I received several class 'C' Misdemeanors for expired license plate and failure to maintain insurance, one of which was dismissed, and 1 other that was not. Also, I have had a charge for a Theft-by-check which took 7 years to be dismissed due to my tendency to put-off responsibilities, and a lack of funds. I did not have a lot of money and really grew up alone. Finally, about 7 years ago, I got tired of having financial and legal issues looming over me. I moved back home and addressed all of these issues with no additional tickets or charges for the last 7 years. I have 2 amazing children and an impressive work history, moving up quickly with a state medical facility here. My grades are very good and I volunteer in the community and already have a scholarship if permitted into the program. I have worked nights, attended school days until the birth of my second child. Like many others I have been really committed to school, and a good life for my family and myself.

BON Requires: SUBMIT a personal letter of explanation describing each incident, the behavior that led up to the criminal order and your conduct since the order, and any rehabilitative efforts that have been performed since the order.

Here is the heart of my questions:

(1) How personal should my letters of Explanation be and is it better to be more matter of fact and give the BON less personal information?

-I have written a sincere and very personal letter (8 pages) explaining my lack of good judgment and have touched on my unfortunate homelife, basically raising myself, which likely fueled my 'need to be accepted' even by unsavory characters whom I allowed to drive my car to ultimately obtain an illegal drug which we were all charged with to varying degrees.

(2) I have lived a very good life for the last 7 years or so. I have received scholarships and really learned to be financially responsible. Do I list my achievements since?

(3) I hope to enter the program this fall, 7 months from now. As of recently we now need to be approved by BON prior to acceptance into a program. I feel the pressure of time. Has anyone had a similar experience of an old drug charge and had the declaratory decision happen in a timely manner (less than 6 months)?

(4) Has anyone had a similar drug charge from a long time ago and not been required to meet Nurse Monitoring requirements once becoming an RN.

Responses greatly appreciated.

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

First, congratulations on the changes you made in your life. I suggest backing off of the 8 pages- may be too much information. I would focus on taking accountability and just what the board asks- explanation of the behavior that led up to the order, what changes you made and what your life is like now. For example, for your first charge, you could simply write you were young, lacked parental guidance and made poor decisions, including allowing friends to drive car.

Hope this helps!

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

Final thought.... because nurses are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the clients we care for, I would also give specific steps you have taken to address procrastination, organization and importance of following policies/procedures and the nursing administrative code.

[EDawson29]

Congratulations on changing your path in your life.

I, too, had to submit a DO to the BON of Texas. You need to be as detailed as possible. Know dates, know times, etc. You are doing well. If it's 8 pages, then do so. The BON handles these on a individual basis. So you are in luck. I would try to condense 8 pages into 2-3 if you can. Again, be very detailed, explain why it was done, what came about the charges, and what you have done to make sure this doesn't happen again.

I do agree with Stepper, just explain to them what your life is now and how you have grown and changed as a person and what steps you have taken to ensure you won't make these mistakes again.

[JaxMax]

Final thought.... because nurses are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the clients we care for, I would also give specific steps you have taken to address procrastination, organization and importance of following policies/procedures and the nursing administrative code.

Thank you your feedback has been extremely helpful. If anyone else has experience in this area please also leave comments. Thank you.