Getting Anxious

Hi and welcome to the site

I have moved this to the Nursing with Criminal record forum, each BON will make their own decision based on what information you give them. Hard to predict which way it will go

I am in a similar situation as you. I have 2 convictions from over 7 years ago. I am also about to graduate. I'm not worried about the NCLEX either, I know I can pass it, if I am given a chance to take it. I am in Tennessee. What state are you in?

I am in NY. I can't seem to get any real answers out of the BON as to what to expect, and I have looked quite thoroughly on the NYS DOE website for specifics. I am really kind of annoyed by this, frankly. I would think that state BON's would lay down VERY specific guidelines as to what crimes WILL prevent you from becoming an RN (by default) and post them in a very conspicuous place. Everything seems to be so worded so vaguely. I suppose by design because it gives them a lot of wiggle room to make their decision.

I also have two felony conviction one is 9 years old n the other is 5 years old...I got my RN license in GA without any restrictions....It took about 6 months to get them from the time i sent in my paper work n until i took the NCLEX but after much pray n calling several times I got it .....I passed the nclex with 220 questions....SO it can be done....GOOD LUCK!!!

I am in NY. I can't seem to get a whole lot of information out of the BON, since everything is done on a case-by-case basis. There are only certain major crimes that permanently bar a person from being licensed, and mine isn't one of them. I have been told not to worry about it, just be honest and transparent, hide nothing. I've also been told that I'm toast. I'm not sure who to believe.

The TN BON isn't much different. They have a list on their website of crimes that will prevent you from getting a license but then at the end it has a paragraph that says any crime could prevent licensure even those not listed. So I really don't know what the point is of listing all the crimes then saying that any crime could count against someone. I talked to a lady at the BON and she wasn't much help either. All she said was my convictions 'shouldn't' keep me from getting my license. Not exactly what I wanted to hear. I guess all we can do is apply and wait.

Yeah, I guess I am getting less nervous about it when it comes to the board. Did you have any problems with clinical sites having an issue with you being there? I didn't, which tells me the hospitals themselves were not, which tells me that not everyone/every employer has a big problem with my past....I have been very open and honest about my conviction as well as the steps I have taken change my life and so on. I think the board will see that, and if they don't I can go to appeal (not expecting that at all). It may take longer, but I believe I'll get my license. I think you will too as long as you're 100% honest about things.

No I didn't have any problem with clinical sites. My school did a background check when I entered the program, and they only go back 5 years. Since my convictions were longer than 5 years, nothing showed. I was very thankful for that. My school does not know anything about my convictions, and I was hoping to keep it that way, but we have to turn in all our paperwork to the school and they mail it off to the BON. I am really dreading them finding out. It is very embarrassing. My convictions are different than yours. I have one for shoplifting and one for passing a bad check. I have changed my life and I am no longer that person. I am hoping they see that.

missrnblue803

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received 4 kudos from 3 posts

join date: apr 2008

posts: 12 mar 22, 2011, 05:17 am

i also have two felony conviction one is 9 years old n the other is 5 years old...i got my rn license in ga without any restrictions....it took about 6 months to get them from the time i sent in my paper work n until i took the nclex

missrnblue803

registered user

received 4 kudos from 3 posts

join date: apr 2008

posts: 12 mar 22, 2011, 05:17 am

i also have two felony conviction one is 9 years old n the other is 5 years old...i got my rn license in ga without any restrictions....it took about 6 months to get them from the time i sent in my paper work n until i took the nclex

mrsrnblu803

may i ask what your felony convictions were? i was convicted of under the influence and felony possession of stolen 10.5 years ago. i also had dui and 2 driving on a suspended license arrests. all my cases were expunged which i think means my felony was dropped to a misdermeaner. i am waiting to be approved to test and i am so nervous. i read that someone in nevada got denied for 2 duis. i sent in letters of recommendation, was a steller studnet, i am married and have kids. i have not been in trouble since and i am very active in church. i expressed all of this to the boards. i dont hear many success stories and need to hear one now. please help!!!

An update from me: I took NCLEX in June and passed. I received my license in July with no problems. I have 2 prior convictions. So it is possible, just don't give up.

I have only two misdemeanors, a first offense DUI, now five years old, and an aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, approaching five years old. I guess these will not bar me from sitting for the NCLEX, but I am somewhat concerned about what employers will think. Ah well, just keep my head up and feet moving and things will pan out.