Clinical Clearance Question

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Hey everyone!

I am a student who is about to enter her first round of clinicals and I have a question that I am hoping someone can help me out with.

When I was 16, which was seven years ago, I was going through a tumultuous time and hanging out with "the wrong crowd". I was arrested for a shoplifting, charged with misdemeanor larceny, and performed community service to which my charges were then dismissed. I filled out a form when I started nursing school that provided a brief explanation of this incident and hadn't heard anything about it since. I am due to start clinicals at the beginning of March and received a letter yesterday from the State Board of Nursing asking me to give a detailed explanation of the incident. Needless to say, it has made me very nervous.

I am wondering if anyone else has gone through this and how they handled it. I understand that the State Board is privileged to this information because it speaks to my character but I am still very nervous that this incident that occurred when I was young will hinder my progression through nursing school.

Thanks so much for your help, take care!

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Specializes in Cardiac, Derm, OB.

If you read the "declaratory order form" (which is what you should have filled out), It probably asks you to write a letter giving a detailed account of the incident, copy of the arrest report and 2 letters of character reference (present). Some even ask for a photo, and or fingerprint card.

I helped a peer do hers and if you didn't submit everything in the beginning they will keep asking for it piece by piece.

ALL THE PROPER REQUIRED INFORMATION WILL BE LISTED ON YOUR BOARD OF NURSING SITE AND ON THEIR DECLARATORY ORDER FORM. This is the only place to base your need off of.

What state are you in? Look it up on your BON.

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I looked up "Declaratory Order Form" on my State Board Site(for LA) and could not find it or anything of the like. I am meeting with my Clinical Advisor on Monday regarding this matter, any further search suggestions? You're been a great help, thanks!

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You were a minor when this happened? Jouvenile records are typically sealed and do not follow you into adulthood, were you charged as an adult?

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Unfortunately, I was tried as an adult because the incident happened in one of the few states that charges people age 16 and up as an adult.

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Thats a bummer :(

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Specializes in PICU/Pedi.

I have just recently sent in my declaratory order to my state's BON, and get to go submit my fingerprints on Monday (Fun!). The charge I was arrested for is not even listed in my BON's list of things for which they will not give you a license, so I'm hoping it won't be a big deal. I don't know yet how this process works, so I don't have any advice. I just want to wish you luck. It's a pain, but I understand why they do this - I SURE don't think just anybody should be a nurse! But since you were so young, I bet you will be okay. Good luck.

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