Career Advice-HELP

[NwNrse2020]

I recently graduated from an accelerated BSN program in December.  I had started my application to sit for boards well before graduation.  The state that I am in required you to report any convicted crime regardless of when it occurred. So I reported my DUI (misdemeanor first offense)that happened 18+ years ago (when I was 18).  Long story short- I spent a significant amount of money and time gathering the many number of documents they required to show that I have good moral character.  Many of which no longer existed because the courts didn't even save them electronically....we are talking 2003 here when stuff was still paper records. I have never had an offense since, I have clean federal and state level background checks, and this has never posed a problem in any other job in the past and that included me running a residential program for children.  I have gone back and forth with the nursing board for months.  Finally they accepted all my paperwork about one month ago and I am still waiting for the approval to sit for licensure.

This whole experience has been horrible and frustrating and I feel incredibly defeated.  I have started to apply to jobs and nurse residencies hoping that by the time they respond or want an interview that I may have at least a test date to give them. 

Should I be applying now or will that hurt my chances when they see I haven't yet sat for boards? Will employers see it negatively that I didn't take my boards for 3+ months post graduating?

Any help, suggestions, or advice would be great. Or if anyone else has been in this situation please let me know your experience.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

Get a lawyer familiar with BON cases and try to get this expunged from your record.  Your school should have advised you upfront that this would be an issue.  Good luck to you with your career.

[NicelySeasoned]

First, see if you can contact someone in operations at your state board to check on the status of your application. Explain your situation and see if they can provide some information and progress.

Second, if need be, contact or consult an RN JD to help you with this. They specialize in dealing with the state boards of nursing and represent nurses.

Texas also requires full disclosure for application to sit for the NCLEX. It is not a pleasant time to wait for an answer.

[Sour Lemon]

On 3/30/2021 at 9:47 AM, NwNrse2020 said:

Should I be applying now or will that hurt my chances when they see I haven't yet sat for boards? Will employers see it negatively that I didn't take my boards for 3+ months post graduating?

Any help, suggestions, or advice would be great. Or if anyone else has been in this situation please let me know your experience.

Three months to test is not outrageous. I wouldn't worry about that. As for job applications, see what they require. As a new graduate in Texas (ten years ago), I was hired, but not allowed to start until I had passed NCLEX. Other hospitals hired graduate nurses and actually allowed them to start working right away. If I remember correctly, it was possible to work for six months before testing.

 

[chtzu, BSN, RN]

I graduated in May and didn't take my NCLEX until September. I was not questioned about it and had no issues getting a job.

[CABGpatch_RN, BSN]

On 3/30/2021 at 2:52 PM, subee said:

Your school should have advised you upfront that this would be an issue.  Good luck to you with your career.

Agree with this 100%.

[londonflo]

On 4/2/2021 at 8:17 PM, CABGpatch_RN said:

Your school should have advised you upfront that this would be an issue.

It is required to be in the college handbook but a lot of students don't think it will be a problem and find out after graduation.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I would say that you should apply and if you haven't been able to sit for your exam by then, hopefully you can roll into the next found of residencies. I don't know of any hospitals in my area that still all grad nurses before passing NCLEX, but that may be regional. I don't think that a 3-6 month break before you test is at all unusual.  Sorry you've had such a rough time of it, hopefully it will all be in the past soon. Good luck!