I have read through many of these threads and I'm starting to get very very discouraged. I was convicted of a drug related felony (California) in 2008. I don't even do drugs.. ya, really long story. But, pretty bad, bad enough that I couldn't get it reduced before dismissal in Feb of 2011. I let my RN school know everything and they said I should have no problem (if expunged) to enter the program. BUT, the BRN is another issue. I've looked on their website and they've asked prospective applicants not to call on this isuue because they are too busy. I don't know what to do. Should I continue on in the program, take my chances, just to be declined at the boards? I have many people who can right letters on my behalf, the D.O.N. said she would when time came, and other people I work with. But is that going to be good enough? Please help!
I have to have hope.. hope that people like me can become a nurse. The sad thing is, many people, good people, have made mistakes. The mistake that I have made will not deter me from becoming the best nurse I can be. BUT... will anyone hire me?? Are my efforts fruitless?? This is my concern along with many others on this site. I do know of people with success stories here in California. I personally know one woman who had a few drug felonies, got them reduced and dismissed and now is a working RN in SoCal. So, it can be done.
I have this paper from a law firm titled:Is It Illegal for Employers to Discriminate? It's got some pretty interesting stuff, especially when it comes to people with drug and alcohol convictions. If it's not substantially related to the job, there is an argument that these people have a disability and are covered under the American's With Disabilities Act and it may be illegal to discriminate against them. It's a grey area, but it does exist.
Funny how so many people never make mistakes, eh? I posted in here before I talked to a southern CA hospital administrator (for nursing), he told me that 50% of the nurses that apply at his place have a drug or alocohol offense- he told me he takes that all in stride, considers it 'the lay of the land', and even has simplified certain procedures (such as nurses that can't have keys to narcotics) to accomodate them, rather than attempt to staff the place with pefect nurses. Sorry I can't tell you the name of the hospital.
Just got my letter of denial of licensure from CA BRN over my drug arrests and a disturbing the peace that were over 10 years old. Yes, I did everything I needed to do as well.... I have 240 volunteer hours, on the honor roll, sober for over 11 years. They say they take everything on a case by case basis, which to me, is unfair. The next step for me is to appeal, but the reality of it looks grim. I would not have pursued all these years of education if I would have known that this would happen to me. I am devastated.
Just got my letter of denial of licensure from CA BRN over my drug arrests and a disturbing the peace that were over 10 years old. Yes, I did everything I needed to do as well.... I have 240 volunteer hours, on the honor roll, sober for over 11 years. They say they take everything on a case by case basis, which to me, is unfair. The next step for me is to appeal, but the reality of it looks grim. I would not have pursued all these years of education if I would have known that this would happen to me. I am devastated.
Just wanted to share my success story. I have 2 felonies (drug charges) and a DUI, all over 10 years ago. And I was APPROVED by the CA BRN!!! Some things I did to prove my rehabilitation...100 hrs volunteering, NSNA treasurer, Gamma Bet Phi (Honor Society), and LOTS of character reference letters (nursing professors, co-workers, and past supervisors).
Does anybody know if the company called Certified Background Check will find dismissed felonies? I just got mine dismissed for 2 ounces of pot and will be applying to a southern California nursing school that relies on the aforementioned company for their background checks. I know all about the boards. I'm wondering if I should disclose this with the nursing school or not since it is dismissed. It just seems like if my felony will show, then how would I even attend the school and clinicals in the first place?
I think this thread is great. With all the negative threads on this forum regarding these matters, it's nice to see a thread where people show a little bit of hope.
I had to do a Prop 36 class. After about 4 months, I ask the judge to modify my probation, I couldn't do everything the program was asking of me...after all I had a full time job and bills to pay. The program wanted me to enter an inpatient rehab and quit my job. I thought "wait, isn't the whole point of going to a rehab so you can become a functioning member of society?" Why the heck would they want to take away the positive things I had going in my life? So the judge gave me 30 days jail, and took me out of the prop 36 program.
Anyways, all I can say is that now I'm about as straight edge as it gets. I guess some things you've just got to experience first hand and decide by yourself. There are a lot of people on here that are quick to judge. Unless you've been there and done that, you have no right to point the finger at what someone else is going through.
Anyways, I have 2 letters of rec. I have excellent recommendations from all my past employers, and I'm sure I'll get some more good letters from future professors, etc. I start school in 3 weeks and then it's 2 years until I get to find out if the CA BON will give me a license.
Dear 2bnitenurse4ever, knufflebunny, SoCalVC, and CSUSM10,
Hi. I am in a very similar situation and hope that you can share what the appeals process was like (how long did it take for various things, what did you have to do, what did they say).
I received a denial letter couple days ago, yet it said I can sit for NCLEX if I decide to appeal (with results to be held until final decision made). I am going to appeal and start the process asap.
There are not a lot of responses on here from people who have actually been through the appeal process, got approved, and tell about it. I would really like to hear from some people with multiple drug related charges, possibly felony, who can tell about the appeals process. Please respond if you have been through the appeals process.
dylandmom7, what happened with your application process for your license? I had charges dropped but need to provide documentation still and I am afraid and hoping I still get my license. I passed NCLEX in 75 questions and put a lot of effort to get my bachelors in nursing.
SoCalVC
7 Posts
Karl,
I have to have hope.. hope that people like me can become a nurse. The sad thing is, many people, good people, have made mistakes. The mistake that I have made will not deter me from becoming the best nurse I can be. BUT... will anyone hire me?? Are my efforts fruitless?? This is my concern along with many others on this site. I do know of people with success stories here in California. I personally know one woman who had a few drug felonies, got them reduced and dismissed and now is a working RN in SoCal. So, it can be done.
That... is what I hold to.