Convictions and License

NurCrystal22 · Aug 25, 2005

Well, the ultimate decision is up to you! However, I feel that if you fulfill all of the BONs requirements that you will be fine. On the other hand, you may have trouble finding employment after your schooling is completed and you've passed the NCLEX. I am from Indiana, and I do know nurses with similar charges to you and they were able to obtain their license. When you apply for your license, just be honest with the BON, tell them everything, assume full responsibility, but let them know the circumstances surrounding each conviction. GOOD LUCK.

~Crystal

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2005

Please do a "search" and review the many (hundreds!) of threads on this topic. The answer is pretty much as follows.

Unfortunately, the only group that will decide whether or not you get a license is the BON...and virtually ALL of their decisions are on a case by case basis.

And they have sent you a response. What you do with that information is up to you.

Anything that we say would be purely speculation with little to no basis in fact. We do not render the decisions.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Aug 25, 2005

Please do a "search" and review the many (hundreds!) of threads on this topic. The answer is pretty much as follows.
Unfortunately, the only group that will decide whether or not you get a license is the BON...and virtually ALL of their decisions are on a case by case basis.
And they have sent you a response. What you do with that information is up to you.
Anything that we say would be purely speculation with little to no basis in fact. We do not render the decisions.

Excellent reply.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 25, 2005

Please do a "search" and review the many (hundreds!) of threads on this topic. The answer is pretty much as follows.
Unfortunately, the only group that will decide whether or not you get a license is the BON...and virtually ALL of their decisions are on a case by case basis.
And they have sent you a response. What you do with that information is up to you.
Anything that we say would be purely speculation with little to no basis in fact. We do not render the decisions.

I agree. Unfortunately, no one here can help you any further other than to tell you to do what you think is best for you. Good luck :)

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 25, 2005

Good luck w/the BON!

suebird3 · Aug 25, 2005

I try to see the positive in everything. Whereas the BON did say they take it "case by case", they did NOT say "forget it".

Good luck, and hope things go well.

William_SRNA · Aug 25, 2005

Being bipolar is no excuse to commit crimes and to suggest it is wrong. I would not take this approach with the BON.

I have posted here three times, you guys have been so helpful. Basically I am interested in becoming a nurse, but have some record issues. Some advice given was, even if you get a license you may not get a job. Because of two misdemeanor drug convictions. Just go for it! or check with your state BON. I finally got a response back from the CA BON. :
Application review is on a case-by-case basis. There is no one single type of conviction that would automatically disqualify an individual from obtaining a license. Things we take into consideration are the length of time since the incident occurred, the type of incident, if it was a single incident or multiple incidences. If it was drug or alcohol related we will look at any rehabilitative efforts.
Rehabilitative efforts could include: drug/alcohol recovery program, AA/NA, classes related to abuse (of any kind), compliance with court ordered programs and parole/probation, any type of volunteer work/community work, completion of school.
Unfortunately, we do not pre-approve applicants for licensure in California. Be advised that you will need to provide the following documents at the time you apply for licensure:
* A letter of explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding your four arrests and convictions (basically your side of the story)
* Certified copies of the court documents and arrest reports, if available. A letter from the court stating no record available should be obtained to submit with your application
* Several letters of recommendation/reference from instructors, employers, members of the community.
Unfortunately there are no guarantees that a license will be issued.
I don't know if its good or bad. Partly it gives me hope that if I play my cards right, get all the neccesary recommendations, and do well in school I will get a license.
But the part that worries me is: unfortunatley there are no guarantees that a license will be issued.
How does one enroll in school with this over their head? Imagine all that school only to find you have been denied. That work wouldn't apply to anything else job related or even another degree. I have like 70 units currently and would like to get an associates in nursing.
To recap I have 4 misdemeanors under periods when I was undiagnosed as a bipolar. This is all embarrassing to admit but I'll do it again. I tried speed 2002 and was caught with an outburst in public, it was found in my system but not on me. I followed a rehab program for 15 weeks and did diversion. I was caught with marijuana in my car in 2003. I payed fines and thats that. have a wet wreckless lower form of DUI, in 2004. Have a vandalism charge when a car almost hit me while crossing the street and I pushed off with a skateboard. It dented the car.
a year ago I got on proper meds and these incedints feel so far from the true me. Part of the reason I wanted to become a nurse was from some experiences I had in hospitals. They made the difference. Oh well, do I just forget this and take in the fact that there are to many actions, and i would be looked at a risk? or do I fight on. I spoke with the oregon board even though I am in CA because they were more personable. They want me to send info in. I don't know if that would be helpful.
Thanks all for any responses or advice