can I get licensed?

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2010

I really think it depends on what state you are in, how long ago the crimes were committed, etc. Some states may not allow drug offenders a license.. while others will on a case by case basis.

Good luck!

KaitRN · Jun 17, 2010

You're not alone. When I was 19, I tried to buy beer with a fake ID. Didn't even get arrested for it, just got a court summons and was asked to pay a fine. Didn't think it would ever show up again on my back ground checks. I went through all 4 years of nursing school with clear background checks, even got my first job last year as an RN and my back ground check was clear. Now, I just accepted a new job at a hospital and all of a sudden this appeared from my past as a "misdemeanor unlawful use of identification" on their background check! They are saying I'm ineligible for employment, yet I was already hired and this should have been exsponged off my record years ago! I'm trying to dispute it but I feel like I'm made to look like a bad guy for something stupid that happened when I was a teenager. I KNOW I'm an amazing nurse, as I've been told by colleagues and patients at my previous job...

I only wish I would have known this would show up again after so many other clear background checks! I don't understand. Now I've already packed up half o my things to relocate for this job and I don't even know if I have it anymore. Its all up to how my dispute goes.....

So all in all, good luck. Things always come back to bite you in the butt!

Racharina · Jun 17, 2010

jamanon, you know, it is hard to say you won't or you will. I think they review each case individually. My advice is to call someone from the Board of Registered Nursing and ask. Last time I communicated with them they were very honest and uplifting.

Have you already finished Nursing and you are getting ready to take the test or you are planning Nursing as career and haven't started yet? Because I think it will be harder to get into a school. Like I said, each case is different.

Good luck.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 17, 2010

Each case is viewed individually.

Do you have a BCD?

iamanon · Jun 17, 2010

Yes I got a BCD.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 17, 2010

That might make it difficult in gov't jobs - I wouldn't apply at the VA for instance.

I know that every place I've worked as a nurse required an explanation if you had anything but an honorable discharge.

Again, a BCD isn't an auto-disqualifier but they will want to look further. Much depends on the state where you want to get licensed.

I looked up some info on various states and some have auto-disqualifiers; meaning you can't get a healthcare license of any sort (CNA, LPN, RN, etc) and others just state that every case is handled individually.

I think your best bet is to contact your state board of nursing, lay it on the line there and go with that info.

baldee · Jun 18, 2010

I was discharged from the military for doing drugs and I have a dui on my record. Im not sugar coating anything because I want honest opinions on whether or not I could get my licence. And I'm not interested on your opinion of me or whether I'd be a good nurse because of my past. It is the past.
so, yes or no? Or maybe? I'm doing my prereqs right now and I'd like to know now so I can change my major if there's no hope.
Thank you

Don't freakin' ask here. All you will get is recent members with years experience tell you scare tactics. bs. Get copies of your records... and talk to BON. I don't even know why this section is in here since there is no useful information in the whole section, almost. I got my Rap sheet today: zip, nada, and nothing. Times may have changed, but all this crap of knowing everything for unlimited amount of historical years is just plain bs.

Now different people use different local information and some may be outdated. If so, legal actions may be available to get a net win from the liable party responsible, as well as any organization basing decisions on that faulty data, given it is their responsibility to verify all data presented (most would not have a clue how to do anything, so most are liable when using any informal information sources that look for smoking guns to get more business).

Even when a law agency screws up and they know it and let you know, they always still keep a hollow conviction on the record for their metrics. I think Georgia boasts 11% of the State's population are parolees! Jesus Christ! Talk about inbreeding your own customers for life. All this 'invisible confidential personal knowledge' is just another Constitutional right taken away from citizens since Adolph Bush Junior took office in 2001: >> Right to Free Speech > Right to Privacy > Right to Due Process of Law

Its kind of like the US Army, scare tactics and bs mainly - except taking away Private Citizens Constitutional rights is ******* serious imo.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 18, 2010

Baldee - I think that's what I was saying, but without the swear words.

We make it perfectly clear in our terms of service, that we do not and can not provide legal or medical advice.

And....realistically, if you are wondering about your ability to get licensed, why in the world would you come to the internet?

We always advise posters to contact their BON in their state for the true information.

PhoenixTech, LPN · Jun 18, 2010

I think we mostly come here for hope. :)

Trauma Columnist · Jun 19, 2010

I agree PhoenixTech - we are here for hope and support.

Racharina · Jun 19, 2010

I agree, we know we can't get legal advice here and the best thing is to contact the Nursing Registered Board. Also, we know that having a license, does not guarantee a job, but I think we mainly look for people that have had similar experiences and see how they are dealt with the situation and their outcome. When I see something positive on someone gives me some what peace and hope that I some what get that lucky. :redbeathe