Dealing with Tx BON--AGAIN!

[LostInLimbo]

I really don't know where to begin so I'll start from the top. I was arrested in 1995, however all charges against me were "no-billed" and it was an honest case of being with the wrong people at the wrong time. I was 20 at the time and I'm now 36. I've never even had so much as a traffic ticket since that day. I've been an LVN for the last 12 years and have loved every minute of it. My case was "investigated" by the TX BON in 2009, I provided all my documents including a letter from the DA's office confirming that I was never formally charged and again that the case was a "no-bill". I was cleared in Dec of 2009 and the letter from the BON states that I did not violate the NPA. I am now completing my RN and have sent off my paper application for the NCLEX (AS INSTRUCTED), along with the letter from the BON showing that my past "arrest" record has been previously investigated and cleared. This was several weeks ago now, and when I call to check the status of my application I'm told it's gone into "review"!!!??? To me this just doesn't make any sense at all and seems unfair. How can something that has been reviewed and cleared a YEAR ago be again an issue now? Is this because I'm applying for a new license? It just seems to me that this is a waste of people's time, effort, and tax money! I felt liking dancing on the ceiling when my letter came from the BON in 2009 showing that this was behind me...and now I just feel so defeated and hopeless! I have been offered a GN residency, but am beginning to believe that I'll have to call and explain this situation and risk being let go. It's just devastating and unjust in my eyes.

Has anyone dealt with this "review" prior? I know when I went through this in 2009 my initial letter mailed to them was dated in Jun & I received my "your fine" letter in DECEMBER! Surely, I will not have to wait that long again? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much for listening to my rant....

[LVN-to-RN]

Hello,

I am in the same boat. I am also a LVN in a RN program and will be graduating in May. I was also told by the BON to send copies of clearance, etc. I didn't expect my case to be reviewed again. I don't understand if a declaratory order was needed???? I was told "NO" on 2 occasions by the BON. I hope this process does not take too long for either of us. Please keep me updated. Thanks

[KAYBDT6, BSN, RN]

I guess the reason might be that a change in scope of practice. It make sense when BON review your past just to make sure you've not committed any offense since last they investigate you. Hope that make sense.

[LVN-to-RN]

Yeah, I learned my lesson! I was 17 at the time. Thanks

[LVN-to-RN]

I was curious...what is the update to your situation with the bon? Have they cleared you? Are you still waiting?

[Tiger747]

A charge from 1995? Seriously?

An attorney responded to one of these licensure with a criminal record threads saying that misdemeanors weren't meant to be "cattle brands" and that anyone dealing with this stuff should find a profession that doesn't want to "stink up your life" by digging up ancient history.

Fairly sound advice, I would say.