Florida: 7 year old misdemeanor for possession of cannabis?

[Aly529]

Hi everyone.

I a returning student, now almost 27 and wiser... and just finishing up my prereq's. I have to admit that although I am completly commited to doing well in school and becoming an RN I am terrified of living with the consequences of my past mistakes.

I am afraid that when applying to the nursing program, even with a very high gpa, all requirtments, etc above average I still won't be considered due to my past. Or accepted only to be told later after the background check no. Even worse I fear being told I cannot do clinical at a particular place due to my history, not being able to get my license or having stipulations on it for "drug use".

Being the type of individual that considers everything and like to have expectations of things and be prepared I called the FL BON and explained myself. To my surprise I was told that it would not be an issue and it would be "cleared by the processor before it even gets to the BON" . She reassured me of this. I have to say it made me feel better and made me think maybe my dream of being an RN can come true after all but wondering if anyone has had experiences with this?

Could I possibly have trouble getting into the school to start with even though I was advised that this would not be an issue and would not prevent me from sitting for the NCLEX or getting licensed. I am willing to deal with the troubles that come along and me having to explain myself (it won't be the first time) but I just want to know what to expect. This has followed me around for years and if I ever knew how much it would set me back I'd never even be in that situation BUT you live and learn right? I hope I just get a chance.

[Devildog]

there is a new statue from 2008 which is terrible. it has been ammended and will be affective 7/1/2011. these are called florida statue 456.0635 violations.

the new ammendments reflect an easing of the law. the law is broken down between initial applications and renewals. please look up the parameters of the law to protect yourself.

[Aly529]

Thanks for the info. I did read it recently. It is terrible but I am not affected since mine is a misdemeanor. According to the FL BON I should be fine.. so let's hope so.

[Jamaica3]

Would you mind sharing where I can review the ammendment to this law? I have a ten year old felony that falls under that 2008 statute and would love to return home to Florida. I have worked in Indiana and Louisiana as an RN without difficulty but it seems I cant even apply to Florida. Your comment gave my family hope. My mother and children are there.

[Aly529]

Hi Jamaica,

You can review it just by googling the Statue ablove but what you can also do is contact the FL BON. They were very helpful in explaining everything to me.

Best of luck!