Frustrated

[Klbrown90]

Hi! Long time lurker and first time poster. I find a lot of inspiration here! Anyway on to my story.

Starting from the beginning I have always wanted to be a nurse. Since I could walk from what I'm told. This was only reinforced when at a young age I had to have surgery. God bless the surgeon but he terrified me the more he discussed the procedure. Terrified and mute at this point a nurse named Katie, I'll never forget the name came to chit chat. She got my mind off the impending procedure and didn't leave my side till I was out. She put me at ease in so many ways. This woman was no nurse but my hero.

Fast forward 10 years and I apply for college with a nursing major. However, last year I made a stupid mistake and was charged with misdemeanor theft. I won't bore you with details or make excuses for it. It was unbelievably out of character and idiotic.

Ive been trying my best to contact my states BON and with no luck. I just want their opinion on whether I could attend clincals or become licensed for that matter. I will he truly heartbroken if I have destroyed my chance at the career I know I would love.

Sorry for the mess. I just needed to vent and maybe get some advice on a next step. I've seen nothing but kindness and compassion on this forum. Thank you for your time!

[krRN86]

I actually went to school with two different ladies who had a similar situation. I believe one had a DUI. It's possible to still get your license. I remember they were required to appeal to the BON with a personal letter as well as letters of character from various people. It was a pain but both are happily licensed nurses.

[oklamedic2011]

I know for a fact it is quite possible to go to school, graduate and get licensed without restrictions and have a felony conviction, my soon to be ex-wife graduated in December of last year, she has a felony conviction for assault and battery in 2009.....and this is in the state of Oklahoma which is not known for its leniency....she was able to sit for her boards in March, passed and is now licensed without restrictions. Just go for it.

[Klbrown90]

Thank you for your comment! That gives me hope. I think I will delve into my pre requisites this fall. Come what may I'll face it then. Also thankfully I have quite a few professional references. Hopefully clincals will be smooth sailing. Again thank you 😊.

[Lvn1973, ASN, LVN, RN]

I am an LVN and attended school after a DUI conviction misdemeanor and a second misdemeanor of reckless driving for a separate incident. I never had any issues at clinical sites and worked after with no problem being hired. I did however have to fight the board to get my license after passing my nclex. I eventually settled with a fine of 500$ (no probation no restrictions). The whole process took about a year because they are EXTREMELY slow and under staffed. Don't let the board bully or scare you if they give you problems build your case with letters of reference and proof of rehabilitation and you will get your license! I am in California.

[Klbrown90]

You've given me the biggest smile! Thank you for your testimonial! I'm glad you were licensed. I'll need to build a stronger back bone it sounds like. I'd gladly pay $500 if it means an unrestricted license.

[blah_blah_blah]

How old were you when you were convicted/when the incident happened? If you were a minor, won't your record be sealed? I'm not 100% sure. Can someone verify?

[Klbrown90]

Unfortunately I was 24. Well old enough to know better. I was truly foolsih and acted out of character.

[blah_blah_blah]

Unfortunately I was 24. Well old enough to know better. I was truly foolsih and acted out of character.

Don't feel too badly about it. It seems like you learned a lesson from this incident. I don't know the details of what happened with you, but I may or may not have made a similar mistake when I was 16... also old enough to know better. Anyone who tells you they didn't do something stupid in their youth is lying. My advice to you would to perhaps consult a lawyer and see what your best course of action would be.

Just remember the mistakes you make in life don't define you. What matters is how you choose to handle them.

[Klbrown90]

Thank you for your kind words! I definitely will get an opinion from a lawyer. The BON for my state did finally get back with me. In my state when applying for licensure, while you still have to list all past crimes, they won't deny you for misdemeanors older than 5 years.

This gave me a lot of hope í ½í¸Œ. By the time I do apply the crime will be 4 years old. Granted they could still deny me but I'll do my best to convince them of my character and what an asset I can be to the nursing community.

I cannot begin to thank you all enough for your encouragement and guidance. You gave me the spirit to press on!

[clckwrkorange]

Not sure if you are looking for schools that will accept your regardless of your criminal history, here is what i got for you:

I study at Interamerican University in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They don't care about your record because it doesn't get transferred here. I have a DUI from 2014 and i have had no trouble at clinicals. I will be sitting for my boards after Feb 2016, where i will have some trouble but i assure you i will be a licensed nurse. If you are interested, i can tell you more about this school, or you can search on this website "puerto rico school" and there is a 100 something page thread on it. But i can always give you an abridged version of it ;]. If you have a bachelors, the program is 2 years, if you have nothing, the program is 3 years (but u can make it 2 years if you do their silly high school level prereqs). Oh yeah, no nursing prereqs required to get in, because their nursing classes merge anatomy/physio into the curriculum. Anyway, ask me questions if this is something you are looking for.

[Klbrown90]

Thank you! I am really interested in hearing about schools or facilities that did not have a problem with classes or clinicals. I'm currently in Kentucky.