Enforcement Department

[Guest838984]

I recently just finished nursing school and when it came to apply for my ATT. I had filled out a declaratory order before I started nursing school for a trespassing charge I had when I was 19 (I'm 25 now) and they approved me to sit for the NCLEX exam after I grad. So now fast forward and I'm applying for my ATT. I applied online completely forgetting about my declaratory order I had done 2 years before and my trespassing charge. I checked no for all the eligibility issues and submitted it. A few days pass and me and my old classmate are talking about declaratory orders and all and it hits me that I completely forgot about my declaratory order and trespassing charge. So in a panic I fill out a paper application (because my approval letter said specifically to apply with a paper application and not online) and I send in all supporting documents they need. I get a letter back saying that my case has been redirected to the enforcement department for non-disclosure because I checked no to all the eligibility questions when I previously checked yes. I am just freaking out rightnow thinking that my 2 years of nursing school have gone to waste and that they could deny me my right to test. I also don't have a job rightnow and I have no idea if I should get a job in the mean time while I wait this out, any information would be helpful, this is just the most horrible information I have gotten and I feel like an idiot for applying online without remembering about my declaratory order. I was just so excited to grad and test and get a job finally.

[Nibbles1]

Calm down. I went to school with several who did this. Each one was able to test. Even the guy who sold drugs prior to nursing school. He "forgot" he had a drug charge 14 years ago. He tested and passed and probably one of the best nurses I ever met.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

Have you tried contacting them to explain the situation?

[monkeyhq]

First, remain calm and composed. Getting yourself worked up isn't going to help.

It is important that you remain rational and professional in all communications with your board.

The enforcement department will likely be contacting you, probably by mail. They may also review what was sent to them, sign off on it, and recommend authorization to test. I suggest you call your BON and ask about the specific procedures of the enforcement department for your state so that you are fully informed about what comes next. If you have a counselor at your school, please seek their advice as well.

Many people have had prior misdemeanors and were permitted to test. Ultimately, it is up to your board to decide on your case. This situation is a little different than someone forgetting about a charge/conviction from 14 years ago who never documented the memory of it with a declaratory order, and then subsequently denied knowledge of any convictions.

Be prepared that they may ask you how you could have forgotten to include the prior charge, and swear and attest that you were telling the truth when answering the questions, when only two years ago you were fully aware of the charge and issued a declaratory order.

Be humble, sincere, and professional in all your communications with your board. Behavior and attitude go a long way. And don't make yourself sick thinking about the outcome. Most people with misdemeanors test, and it seems you are just on a 'review' delay.

But call your BON--they make the rules, and you need to know them.

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Everything Monkey said is correct...this is a glitch, not a deal breaker!