Hello, I have searched many threads in this topic but have not yet found one identifical to what I am needing to ask. I am 1 year away from finishing an Associate's in Health Sciences and have been planning on transferring to a 4 year BSN program. I know that licensure in my state, Missouri, requires a fingerprint background check. I know that the BON examines each applicant case by case, and those with arrest histories may be subject to denial for licensure. I am planning on calling the BON in Missouri to find out more information on the possibility of being denied a license. However, before I apply for nursing school I would like to become aware of how significant the chances are that I will be denied a license based on my background. I can't imagine anything worse than attending school for 2 years only to find out it was a complete waste.
About a year ago, the cops were called to my house by my mother who presented to them heroin she had found on me 2 months prior. After searching my room, they found needles and arrested me. I was arrested, fingerprinted, and spent one night in jail. I was released after being issued a "pending further investigation." No subsequent action has been taken since then. Shortly after, I had an overdose. The cops were called and I received a ticket for drug paraphernalia. I was not arrested; I went to the hospital. I'm not sure if I was charged with a misdemeanor or just issued a citation. I did, however, have to attend a few court hearings where I presented documentation of substance abuse treatment. They gave me 2 years of unsupervised probation, however I'm not sure if I am technically on probation or diversion. I have passed a routine background check for my employer, a hospital, where I work in an office setting. I plan to continue working in the health care field until I complete nursing school. I am hoping experience in the health care field will be indicative to the BON as successful rehabilitation.
Can anyone give me any information on the likelihood of me receiving a license after graduation, given I present documentation of rehabilitative efforts? At the time of the NCLEX it will have been approximately 5 years since these incidents. I know that these situations vary case by case. But if anyone has any input past "the BON determines circumstances case by case" it would be very helpful. Thanks!
