Current RDA with conviction and license probation

[kbillones]

I am currently a California Registered Dental Assistant, and I am interested in a career as a Registered Nurse. I have a unique situation that requires some advice/input from anyone that may have been in a similar situation.

My current RDA license will soon be put on probation because I failed to disclose misdemeanor theft and embezzlement from 10 years ago. I honestly didn't know I even had a record until the dental board denied my application in 2010. After I gathered all the necessary documents, expunged my record, and plead with the board that it was all a mistake, they granted me my license in 2011 with no restrictions. Now they want to take disciplinary actions against my license and put me on probation for my past conviction. I consulted with a lawyer, and even he admitted that the board was doing it all out of order, but whatever... I have no problem serving out the probation terms, but with all this going on, I have a few concerns.

My concern is now that I am about to apply for nursing schools, how will this all affect me? Will I be denied my license for my past conviction? for the type of conviction? Will I be denied due to the actions taken against my RDA license? I truly want to become a nurse, and I've been a model citizen since i learned from my mistakes as an adolescent. I understand that it's "case by case", but after a lot of research, I have yet to find anyone similar to my case. Thanks in advance for any help.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Having a professional license on probation will definately affect your ability to obtain RN license, even ability to have a clinical placement in some facilities. With the current glut of RN's unable to obtain nursing position 1-2 years after graduation in California, it maybe in your best interest to wait to attend nursing program until resolution of current license situation.