I am writing this message to encourage people who are in a similar predicament as I once was.
I finished nursing school in April 23' at the age of 41. I was always nervous due to my past criminal background which consisted of assault/battery, threats to due harm, disorderly conduct disturbance of the peace. I was 18 when I began to get these charges as I was in a tumultuous unhealthy relationship with a man and the mother of his child that brought on so much pain and had me confused and toxic. This also led to me having unhealthy friendships. I would continue to get these charges until the age of 23 and subsequently get arrested at the age of 26 due to an old case that was not properly disposed of.
In the end, all of those cases were dismissed after completion of probation, restitution fees etc.. I was super scared when I applied to take NCLEX. I applied in October of 23' and finally got approved by GMC in Fecruary 24' (4 months later). I took my exam a week later and PASSED!
I wrote this message to encourage others because this forum really helped me in my waiting process. It was difficult and scary not knowing whether or not I would be approved and have this wonderful opportunity to be the nurse I deeply desired and worked hard for.
A few tips: When applying, know that any criminal charge you have or had in the past must be addressed regardless of disposition. The BON wants to know everything from when it happened, what was the outcome, what did you learn and how you go about preventing those things from happening in the future. It is very important that you are detailed in your letter addressing every charge, while also providing your record whether from the court house ( in my case I had to get it from probation as my cases were sealed so courts had no record). It is IMPORTANT that you check yes, if you have ever had a charge because in the eyes of BON a criminal charge regardless of disposition is considered a conviction. DO NOT OMIT!
The wonderful thing about BON is that they understand that we are humans and we make mistakes in life. They want to see authenticity and that actual change has been made. They are pretty forgiving especially if there has been no pattern of charges going forward. I also don't have any restrictions. I know it may be different for others depending on the types of charges. I was the worst of the worst in my eyes but by Gods grace, I have been given a second chance and now My title at my work place has changed to RN.
Please be honest and be encouraged. I can answer any questions you may have. God Bless!
I have yet to apply for the ADN program at my college, but have continually read about TX BON taking 3-6months to process DO. Should I submit the DO early, before applying for the program? I've been reading on the BON website but not sure how to begin this all.
Hey @HopefulRNurse, I'm not sure how it works in your state but in MA, we have to wait until we complete nursing school before applying for licensure. The BON needs all documentation of an accredited program. It took 5 months for them to process everything and send over my approval to test.
Thank you for sharing this it puts me at ease. I'm currently submitting my application I pled guilty to a shoplifting charge at the age of 18 I'm now 27. I did have a question did you submit letters from other people?
To answer other people about clinical sites and entry to schools. I did not get denied entry I have passed all my background checks and have never been denied of a clinical site. I even have a job at a hospital and I had to undergo a background check for that as well. Now it's just time to get through the BOA. Wish me luck! and I wish all of you luck as well.
I learned that (at least in the state of MA) the BON is very forgiving. If you are able to work in these places and no issues with your background that's a great sign.
All you can do is apply and submit all required info. I only submitted additional info that they requested of me.. that being my own personal letter of the changes I have made. I think you guys would be surprised at how forgiving they are. As long as you have shown that there has been no patterns for sometime you will be fine.
I have a misdemeanor DV from 21 years ago on my record that was dismissed after taking classes. It was a bad relationship.. My school had me sign a waiver basically saying that they are not responsible if I can't get my liscense after graduation. I've contacted the Ohio BON, and they said they look at a lot of factors , but do a thorough investigation, however because it was dismissed it shouldn't be an issue. BUT when I reread the email, I realized I didn't mention that I was ordered to take classes. I emailed the BON again and told them I forgot to disclose that in my original email. It's been a couple of months and still haven't heard back.
Do any of you have experience with my situation? It's embarrassing even asking about this, so please no degrading comments. TIA! And, would I even be able to gain employment with this on my record? Unfortunately, it's not expungable...
I have a misdemeanor DV from 21 years ago on my record that was dismissed after taking classes. It was a bad relationship.. My school had me sign a waiver basically saying that they are not responsible if I can't get my liscense after graduation. I've contacted the Ohio BON, and they said they look at a lot of factors , but do a thorough investigation, however because it was dismissed it shouldn't be an issue. BUT when I reread the email, I realized I didn't mention that I was ordered to take classes. I emailed the BON again and told them I forgot to disclose that in my original email. It's been a couple of months and still haven't heard back.
Do any of you have experience with my situation? It's embarrassing even asking about this, so please no degrading comments. TIA! And, would I even be able to gain employment with this on my record? Unfortunately, it's not expungable...
I do not have experience with this. I know I'm in the middle of applying so ill let you guys know my experience and what happens. I did talk to my attorney who got my cased sealed years ago and he told me to disclose everything to them it is better to be honest.
Hello, your case was 21yrs ago, that's important. You did not mention any others cases following that one which shows no pattern. As far as not telling them you took the class, they may ask you what you did to get help for it. It sounds like you did everything you were supposed to and you were honest. That's how the BON, in MA, handled my case, and I had more than one including violence. I don't know exactly how the state of OH, is but please believe that the BON is very forgiving especially when they see that a person has changed their lives for the better. And there is no violence towards children and the elderly. We're all humans and we go through things...so they do understand. They do take a while to respond because they're usually backed up with cases to review, but they will get back to you. Keep emailing them too. I would not worry at all. Be encouraged! 🙂
Need answer, LPN
6 Posts
Thank you and do you have single or compact.?