Californians with Convictions

Bianca0206, ADN · May 25, 2020

It does make a big difference!! I know with drug charges for LVNs who want to pursue their RN, the main reason they go on probation is because of passing narcs. For violent crimes, I’m not really sure how it works. I have seen people with 3 DUIs get no consequences, and I have seen people with 1 conviction get years of probation. A huge factor is the enforcement officer reviewing your case. If you’re in California look up AB2138. That passed, and goes into effect in June. My lawyer said that multiple offenders don’t apply to this bill, but I still think it is worth checking out. I also think it is worth the money to consult a lawyer before going into the program, but definitely not worth the money to spend 7-8,000$ on a lawyer after you have applied.

Guest1007726 · May 25, 2020

A lawyer I was talking to told me about AB2138. He said by time I apply for my RN that I have a better chance.

waitinnnngformyATT · Jul 17, 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!

Did you get youre authorization to test later then your classmates? Im currently waiting for my application to be reviewed due to my misdemenour and it seems as if all of my classmates have been approved besides me! ?

It was a minor conviction for having a fake ID 7 years ago but I wanted to get an idea of how much longer it realistically takes to process as oppose to classmates without convictions?