choosing a state

I am almost ready to submit my application for RN license. I'm living in Georgia where I have collected a record of being arrested three times: once for driving without registration or insurance or a license, and twice for possession of marijuana, five and seven years ago. All charges were dropped and expunged, except for the driving without registration, because I did community service as part of a pretrial diversion program.

I'm ready to get out of Georgia. I'm from Colorado and would like to go back there. I was also interested in going to Washington State. However, it would be much easier to get a job in Georgia, as I have done some networking during my time here...

I contacted lawyers from all three of these states and only one got back to me, from Washington State. He said it was very easy to get a license in Washington and that I really didn't need a lawyer - just submit my application with a letter of explanation, certified court documents, and letters of recommendation.

I'm very, very nervous. I could submit my application to WA, and hopefully I would get it, and then use that as a back up if I don't get a license somewhere else. Or, it could backfire, I could get a probationary license, and then have another box where I have to click "yes" when I fill out applications for licenses when it asks about having a restricted license in another state.

I know my best course of action is to call all the BONs and ask them what they think my chances are of getting a license without probation. I'm scared to death, but will make those calls this week.

I will continue to update about my story. If anyone has any experiences or words of encouragement, please share. I feel so anxious and depressed.