FL RN student with misdemeanors seeks answers please

kaydensmom01 · Mar 17, 2014

From my experience, you will have to report at least the marijuana offenses and it will affect you getting licensure. Not saying that they are going to deny you, but there is a possibility that they will deny you or give you restrictions on your license. Do not expect to get your license at the same time as your other classmates, the amount of time that you take to get a response from the BON will depend on what state you are in and when you get your paperwork in (most BON's will allow you to send your application and paperwork in a few months before graduating). Start getting paperwork now and send everything in that you will possibly need in order to prevent wasting time with the BON having to tell you to gather more paperwork. You will need your court documents, letters from therapists/psychiatrists if you see one, letters of references from professors, and if you have had any psych issues or rehab issues you will need those documents (in my state of Ohio). It took me 9 months to get an answer, but my BON only meets two days every other month so you may not have to wait as long as me. Prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

I hired a lawyer and KNOW that I wouldn't have had such good results if I hadn't- my recommendation is to look into some consultations with license defense attorneys. From my experience, the BON takes any drug charge very seriously. Don't worry, it is not impossible to get licensed with a past, it is just a matter of providing enough evidence to the BON that there will be no way to doubt that you have really changed. I have a couple posts on here that tell my experience in detail, just go on my profile and look for it, it might give you an idea of what to expect. Good luck!

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2014

Although I have no personal experience with this, based on other threads I've read on here, it seems that the problems you encounter might be with perspective employers rather than the BON. New grads are already coming into the market in a rough time. If you have these legal issues in your past, it unfortunately might affect your job prospects.

My advice would be to

A) do volunteer work, as much of it as you can. Get recommendations from people where you volunteer.

B) get recommendations on your professional work as well as regarding your character from clinical instructors.

C) like with any new grad in this day and age, network, network, network. In clinical, speak to the nurses. Help them out as often as possible. Try to arrange to speak to their unit directors if you can, letting them know you have interest in their unit. Basically, you will need to put everything possible into making sure people see you for the professional you are now rather than someone who made some mistakes ten plus years ago.

Oh, and I don't know how religious you are, but sending up a bunch of prayers on top of all I mentioned probably can't hurt. Like I said, put everything on your side.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Mar 17, 2014

REad our FAQ: Nursing Licensure With Criminal History

catebsn25 · Mar 17, 2014

Look on the Florida BON website for their application for initial licensure. In Massachusetts I had to prove "good moral character" to the board due to my two misdemeanors (possession of marijuana and reckless driving). I had to provide certified copies of the arrests/charges directly from the state to the board, letters of recommendation from clinical instructors and my therapist, and a letter explaining the situations and why I feel I had changed. It took me 5 months after graduation to receive my ATT, but they ended up finding in my favor. If you have time, you might want to look into seeing about getting your records annulled. Now that I've passed my NCLEX I am looking into that to help my chances of finding a job. It is not impossible, but it is a challenge. Good luck!

Cream and sugar LPN · Mar 17, 2014

I am a nursing student in an ASN program in the state of Florida. About 10 years ago I was arrested twice for misdemeanor possession of marijuana within about a year of each other. A couple of years ago I was arrested for driving with my license suspended due to child support, I was taking my ex-wife an daughter to buy groceries. Anyway, I know these are my mistakes and I must answer for them, I am just curious how this will effect my taking the NCLEX and finding employment. I have good grades, am somewhere in the top of my class and know what I'm doing in clinicals. I asked the BOD and they directed me to a section on the website which says that due to the offenses and time that's past things won't be an issue with licensure-I'm skeptical to say the least and though I am dedicated to becoming an RN I am also realistic. Please, if anyone can advise me on what Kind of problems I may get I'd appreciate it greatly. Thank you.[/quote']
All kidding aside I would start by taking down your picture! The threads on here are searchable to any future employer and you not only disclosed a reason for them to not hire you ( regardless of it being 10 years ago) but you made it very easy to identify you with the name and picture...

twinsmom788 · Apr 1, 2014

totally agree with not posting your picture.