choosing a state

[nursling87]

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.

[paidmydues]

Hi. Sorry u r upset. Every state is different. The BON'S have no or little oversight and can do whatever they want. I think that lawyer in WA was right. WA has the reputation for being fair. I had a DUI in OR and am 3 months away from finishing probation here. They have been fair to me. CA are Nazis. My license is expired there, my DUI dismissed and as I was successfully completing probation in OR, they came after me and gave me 3 years of probation in CA. Needless to say I never plan to step foot in CA. The probation can just sit there forever or I can surrender my license there which I think I will do. Once my probation is complete in OR and I hold an unencumbered license, I plan to apply for reciprocity to HI. WA is my 2nd choice.

Again, stay away from draconian and punishing states like the old South including GA, CA and TX. Good Luck...

[blondielocks]

Hi there, I live in WA and I know the DOH (we don't have a board of nursing, ours is thru the Dept of Health) takes the position that they cannot truly give you an answer until you actually go to apply for your license. That said I would probably still call and talk to someone. :) good luck and keep us posted. :)