Criminal Background

[Madthought]

Hello, I'm in pre-nursing at an university in Texas. Medically separated from the army for an injury I received in Afghanistan after 18 years of service. I have 100 hours of college credits in the psychology, but decided to pursue a career in nursing. I have a question for the community. I have a criminal background of domestic violence charges and convictions. I had a total of 17 charges but was convicted of violating no contact order twice (Washington). I should never been charged or worse, convicted as I did not do violate a no contact order. These charges came from my daughter's mom who wrote letters to the courts admitting she lied later on. Well the courts still refuse to eliminate those charges. I hired an attorney to help but it seems I will have to complete a DO for BON explaining the situation (which is a case of silly drama). I should have resolve the matter in 2010 but I was desperate to get to Germany and away from my child's mother which I lived for the next 4 years. Now it's all haunting me and I don't want to lose my chance into something I desire to do. My question is how likely would I be able to obtain nursing license? I already contacted BON and which they stated case by case but Murder, Kidnap, and Rape is automatic disapproval. I want to get attached and be tired from long hours of work helping people attempting to make them smile. I want to stand to stand on my feet all day and provide care. What do I need to do from your experience or others you experienced?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Thank you for your service.

What do you need to do? Follow through with everything the BON requests. The process is likely to take much longer than you anticipate so try to be patient.

[llg, PhD, RN]

In addition to meeting all BON requirements ... I recommend getting your record cleaned up in any way that you can -- and get some sort of legal documentation that your ex lied to the court. Getting a license is not the same thing as getting a good job. The more desirable employers can afford to be picky about who they hire -- and if your official record shows multiple offenses and/or any violent, it will put some jobs out of reach.