Californians with Convictions

medsurgRNCali, ASN · Jul 17, 2018

Rn. And I did get a job offer at a snf and background came back clean.

Guest1007726 · Jul 18, 2018

Rn. And I did get a job offer at a snf and background came back clean.

I want to go to private college for my RN so when I get in to that college then Ill apply for boards. A lawyer told me I have alto of good qualifications that they could use to argue if my application got denied.

futurenurses · Mar 25, 2019

Hi, Im new to this site. I have always dreamed of becoming a nurse and Im ready to get into school finally and get my degree. I also have some convictions, misdemeanors from theft however Im hoping to get them expunged and move forward with my nursing license. I know that one way or another it will work out. Its not like I have a violent crime or a drug crime or something. So Im hoping and praying that it all works out. Good luck to all you others out there trying to do the same.

alaskaman · Apr 30, 2019

I think the key thing is be able to speak about and document how you have grown and changed since you committed the crimes. The BRN is California is one of the toughest.

I think that your self reflection and your ability to speak about that along with a proven employment history will argue for advancement. However, you state you have been convicted of hurting or attempting to hurt other people. You would have to show documentation of anger management therapy and lots of testimonials as to your growth and character since the events took place.

2019caadn · Dec 30, 2019

I wanted to share my personal experience to give hope to future nurses that it is possible! Brief timeline in 2011 while still in LVN school, I unfortunately had some unexpected and difficult family situations happen, lead to making poor choices and was charged with hit and run (property damage) misdemeanor, pled no contest, a month later arrested and charged with a DUI misdemeanor, pled no contest. All within a span of 2 months, previous to this, I never even had anything worse than a speeding ticket in my 36 years. I was under tremendous stress and personal upheaval that led to me becoming a single parent of 3 and obviously had unhealthy coping mechanisms in place at that time. All the while, after some serious soul searching, I still decided to stay and finish nursing school, even though I knew I would have an up hill battle to become licensed because of my recent convictions BUT I knew in my heart that becoming a nurse was what I was meant to do. The following year I successfully graduated LVN school, while taking care of all of my court requirements I began my long process of reaching my nursing goals. I applied for the BVNPT in 2012, after 6 months I was allowed to test, I wouldn't know if I passed or not though, pending the decision from the Board. Well another several months passed and I received my letter saying I was denied, but I could appeal, well that's exactly what I did in late 2013. I also hired an attorney specializing in professional licensing. It took another year and a half but finally in 2015 I was granted a 3 year probationary LVN license! I never gave up my dream and all during this time I continued my education and started taking my prerequsites for RN as well as many seminars and counselling sessions for constant personal improvement! Don't get me wrong it was a long, difficult and humbling road, filled with many sacrifices and financial hardships. I applied for months before, by god's grace found a full-time job as an LVN, my DON gave me a chance and hired me even with a probationary license. I also did have all 19 stipulations but I accept it because I took responsibility for my actions in 2011, in fact I am proud to say I gave up drinking alcohol all together in 2011, realizing that for me, that was not a coping mechanism I would ever use again, it had cost me so much but also gave me the resolve to become better. I believe my experiences are what makes me the compassionate and professional nurse I am today!

To continue my story, I successfully completed my probationary period with no violations and my LVN license was converted to a current license without restrictions in 2018. Also in 2018 I earned 2 associates degrees and was fortunate enough to be accepted into an accelerated LVN to RN ADN program, which I am proud to say I graduated from In September 2019! Also keep in mind I knew I would have issues with the CA BRN because of my 2 misdemeanors but nothing is going to deter me! I have been through so much, have learned tremendous lessons, and I am determined and have the perserverence to reach my goals. I believe in the nursing profession and all that it stands for, as well as know that I can make a difference and give hope!

I digress, to continue, I researched CA BRN requirements and watched their video on the website regarding convictions. Also it is important to note that I paid all fines and had both misdemeanors expunged as soon as I completed my court requirements back in 2015. I submitted everything the BRN needed, certified copies of all court documents and arrest report, successful completion certificates. Letter of recommendations, from colleagues and my supervisors, been working at the same job as an LVN since becoming licensed 4 years ago, work evaluations, rehabilitation efforts, awards, completion letter from BVNPT Probation Section, detailed letter of explanation and accepting of responsibility for all of my actions. Uploaded everything I felt they would need to BREEZE, it took 10 weeks and praise to God, I was cleared by the BRN and was given my authorization to test! A license free and clear with no restrictions. So for those out there who find themselves wanting to pursue their nursing dreams but have more than 1 misdemeanors in your past, have faith and don't give up. It is possible, not easy for sure, but we'll worth it in the end! Its is never too late and MSN here I come. Good luck to all of you, praise God and have faith!

alaskaman · Dec 30, 2019

A solid story. Congratulations. Hard work (and in your case very hard work) pays off..

Well done.

Bianca0206, ADN · Jan 9, 2020

I currently am facing a similar struggle. My license application was denied. I had 3 possession of a controlled substance, and graduated May 2019. I appealed in June 2019, sat for NCLEX August 2019, and received my Statement if Issues Dec 7 2019. Anyone have any experience on the appeal process?
thanks in advance!

Guest1007726 · Jan 9, 2020

On 12/30/2019 at 3:19 AM, 2019caadn said:
I wanted to share my personal experience to give hope to future nurses that it is possible! Brief timeline in 2011 while still in LVN school, I unfortunately had some unexpected and difficult family situations happen, lead to making poor choices and was charged with hit and run (property damage) misdemeanor, pled no contest, a month later arrested and charged with a DUI misdemeanor, pled no contest. All within a span of 2 months, previous to this, I never even had anything worse than a speeding ticket in my 36 years. I was under tremendous stress and personal upheaval that led to me becoming a single parent of 3 and obviously had unhealthy coping mechanisms in place at that time. All the while, after some serious soul searching, I still decided to stay and finish nursing school, even though I knew I would have an up hill battle to become licensed because of my recent convictions BUT I knew in my heart that becoming a nurse was what I was meant to do. The following year I successfully graduated LVN school, while taking care of all of my court requirements I began my long process of reaching my nursing goals. I applied for the BVNPT in 2012, after 6 months I was allowed to test, I wouldn't know if I passed or not though, pending the decision from the Board. Well another several months passed and I received my letter saying I was denied, but I could appeal, well that's exactly what I did in late 2013. I also hired an attorney specializing in professional licensing. It took another year and a half but finally in 2015 I was granted a 3 year probationary LVN license! I never gave up my dream and all during this time I continued my education and started taking my prerequsites for RN as well as many seminars and counselling sessions for constant personal improvement! Don't get me wrong it was a long, difficult and humbling road, filled with many sacrifices and financial hardships. I applied for months before, by god's grace found a full-time job as an LVN, my DON gave me a chance and hired me even with a probationary license. I also did have all 19 stipulations but I accept it because I took responsibility for my actions in 2011, in fact I am proud to say I gave up drinking alcohol all together in 2011, realizing that for me, that was not a coping mechanism I would ever use again, it had cost me so much but also gave me the resolve to become better. I believe my experiences are what makes me the compassionate and professional nurse I am today!
To continue my story, I successfully completed my probationary period with no violations and my LVN license was converted to a current license without restrictions in 2018. Also in 2018 I earned 2 associates degrees and was fortunate enough to be accepted into an accelerated LVN to RN ADN program, which I am proud to say I graduated from In September 2019! Also keep in mind I knew I would have issues with the CA BRN because of my 2 misdemeanors but nothing is going to deter me! I have been through so much, have learned tremendous lessons, and I am determined and have the perserverence to reach my goals. I believe in the nursing profession and all that it stands for, as well as know that I can make a difference and give hope!
I digress, to continue, I researched CA BRN requirements and watched their video on the website regarding convictions. Also it is important to note that I paid all fines and had both misdemeanors expunged as soon as I completed my court requirements back in 2015. I submitted everything the BRN needed, certified copies of all court documents and arrest report, successful completion certificates. Letter of recommendations, from colleagues and my supervisors, been working at the same job as an LVN since becoming licensed 4 years ago, work evaluations, rehabilitation efforts, awards, completion letter from BVNPT Probation Section, detailed letter of explanation and accepting of responsibility for all of my actions. Uploaded everything I felt they would need to BREEZE, it took 10 weeks and praise to God, I was cleared by the BRN and was given my authorization to test! A license free and clear with no restrictions. So for those out there who find themselves wanting to pursue their nursing dreams but have more than 1 misdemeanors in your past, have faith and don't give up. It is possible, not easy for sure, but we'll worth it in the end! Its is never too late and MSN here I come. Good luck to all of you, praise God and have faith!

Congratulations for not giving up.

Guest1007726 · May 25, 2020

On 12/9/2017 at 8:41 PM, Dg90339 said:
So, I have contacted BRN and received information which helped me make a decision on going back to school. One booklet is from VN BON and the other is from BRN in California. It seems like the VN board is more leniant on convictions compared to BRN but there is hope for those wanting to go to school for RN the biggest thing I was told was that the time of the conviction is important. Please read the attachments.
discguide (1).pdf
discguide.pdf

Discguide(4) is the CA LVN disciplinary guidelines attachment.

discguide (4).pdf

Bianca0206, ADN · May 25, 2020

Hi!! Sorry I was on vacation for Memorial Day! The biggest thing I can tell you is this. They will never tell you no. They tell you it is circumstantial and each situation is different. You never know unless you apply. My convictions were 10-12 years old and I got slammed, even with a lawyer (which I personally in hindsight would not go back and hire if I could redo it). If you don’t mind waiting over a year after you graduate, and you don’t mind possibly being on 5-10 years probation (I haven’t seen a violent crime get 3 years) then I say go for it! It depends on what you are willing to accept. After nursing school, when you do apply and are at that step, come back here and write me and I will help you through the process with the detailed letter, and application. Don’t give up! I said from the very beginning I wouldn’t let them tell me no, and I didn’t. Due to waiting a year; I didn’t want to go to court. The administrative hearings are rough and the judge can only make a recommendation, the BRN will always have the final say. Hope this helps!!

Guest1007726 · May 25, 2020

1 hour ago, Bianca0206 said:
Hi!! Sorry I was on vacation for Memorial Day! The biggest thing I can tell you is this. They will never tell you no. They tell you it is circumstantial and each situation is different. You never know unless you apply. My convictions were 10-12 years old and I got slammed, even with a lawyer (which I personally in hindsight would not go back and hire if I could redo it). If you don’t mind waiting over a year after you graduate, and you don’t mind possibly being on 5-10 years probation (I haven’t seen a violent crime get 3 years) then I say go for it! It depends on what you are willing to accept. After nursing school, when you do apply and are at that step, come back here and write me and I will help you through the process with the detailed letter, and application. Don’t give up! I said from the very beginning I wouldn’t let them tell me no, and I didn’t. Due to waiting a year; I didn’t want to go to court. The administrative hearings are rough and the judge can only make a recommendation, the BRN will always have the final say. Hope this helps!!

I was hoping by time I go for my RN it will be 15 years that have passed by and the face that I am a LVN should help my case. I think having my LVN plays a big factor because they can see that I have worked with patients. Can you send me a PM with what I should write in my letter and how to explain my circumstances please?

alaskaman · May 25, 2020

Is the OP still here?