Can I become a nurse?

[livingroomcomputer]

Hello. This is my first post, though I have read quite a few on this site. I have a question, and would be grateful for an answer:

I am wondering if I can become a nurse in California (or anywhere else, for that matter).

Roughly 8 years ago, I was arrested for possession of marijuana and related paraphernalia. The charge was a misdemeanor. I completed an alternative rehabilitation program, and no longer use.

I suffer from mild depression and attention deficit disorder, and take medication for these conditions. The medication works well, and I don't suffer from any symptoms.

Would either of these issues preclude me from getting a license?

Thanks.

[nservice]

I don't know the answer to that, but I had a friend who was arrested for the same reason when she was younger. She was admitted to nursing school in louisiana, and then had a few problems getting cleared to sit for the boards. Eventually she was able to sit for the boards and passed. When applying for a liscense in California, years later, she had more problems, but eventually got it. At each step along the way, she had to re-submit court papers and such. I would call the state board of nursing and talk to them.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

At the end of the day it is up to the BON and they will have their own hoops to jump through, so you may have to go through this every time you endorse as you will have to declare it. Hard to say what will happen but wish you well in whatever you decide

[CowboyBoots]

Had a friend with the same problem and was fine in Florida.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I think after jumping through some hoops you'll be licensed.

Just MHO.

[ScooterNurse]

I believe you can, but your best best would probably be to email your question to your state's board of registered nursing, or give them a call. They are very helpful, and if anyone would know, it'd be them!

[AtomicWoman]

Here in NJ, the BoN regulations are pretty strict:

"An applicant for a license to practice professional nursing shall submit to the board evidence in such form as the board may prescribe that said applicant: .... is of good moral character, is not a habitual user of drugs and has never been convicted or has not pleaded nolo contendere, non vult contendere or non vult to an indictment, information or complaint alleging a violation of any Federal or State law relating to narcotic drugs...."

Notice that it says *never* been convicted, pleaded nolo contendere, etc. I searched the website, and didn't find any information about getting an exception to that rule, or appealing, etc. There may be ways to do it, but I'd imagine you'd have to call the BoN to get a specific answer.

[henne21]

Had a friend with the same problem and was fine in Florida.

Can u please give me more details on the Florida case because this same incident happened to a friend of mine. she was in the car with someone that had possession and she didn't know and she was charged as well. she is in the process of getting her application approved. I would greatly appreciate it, thank u.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

Is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history?

Is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a DUI or other related charges?

What happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?

Can I go to nursing school and/or be licensed if my record has been sealed or expunged?

These are questions that can NOT be answered by the membership of allnurses. The ONLY reliable source of information is your State Board of Nursing.

If you are currently licensed as a nurse and have been charged with or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor including DUI/DWI you need to contact the BON in every State you hold a license and ask their reporting requirements.

If you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your BON directly. You need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. Each BON make a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.

A complete listing of each Board of Nursing can be found here: NCSBN with links to the contact information and websites. If you encounter a broken link do a simple search for [state name] Board of Nursing.

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