Getting Anxious

[acs1978]

Hi everyone, I am new here. I am approaching graduation and will sit for the NCLEX soon. I am not worried about passing the exam, but I am worried that a DWI I had 7 years ago will severely prolong the licensing process. I am told that I will have to submit a written statement and all of my court records, which is no problem, I have nothing to hide. I just worry that this will have to go before a full panel for review and that the process will take forever. Has anyone here experienced anything like this in the past? Any insight to offer?

[acs1978]

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.

[flipnurse]

May I ask what the convictions were for? I got in trouble for a few things:( One involved misdermeaner under influence of narcotics. There was felony recieving stolen property which I think was reduced to a misdermeaner, DUI, and one other thing that got dismissed. All happening over 10 years ago and all expunged. I was a stupid kid making stupid mistakes. I have a family now and love nursing!!!!!!!! This is so sad, embarresing, and scary!!!! We think we know it all when we are kids and I never thought about my future. Uuuugh.

[carrie_c]

My convictions were misdemeanors. One was for shoplifting and the other was for passing a bad check. These were both over 7 years ago. If all your convictions were expunged, I don't see how that would be a problem. The main thing is don't lie to the BON. Tell them everything, because they will find out. Also, I don't know what state you are in, but do a background check on yourself so you know what's there. One of my convictions was listed as a felony, and I had to get it fixed before I applied to the BON. So make sure you know what yours says. I was also young and stupid and didn't think about my future. But I think BON's recognize this. My convictions haven't kept me from getting a job so far. Good luck and don't give up.

[flipnurse]

Carrie C

I told them everything as I could remember it. I did a background check on myself and covered those bases. I am in Ca. It all just looks soooo bad, and the BRN is there for the public not so much us. I dont know, Im in the review process now so Im waiting for their response as to pass or deny:(

MsRNblu803

May I ask what your convictions were for? Just for some piece of mind to see if they were similar. Im totally desperate right now!!!

[carrie_c]

I am in Tennessee. I hear CA is tough, but keep trying.

[NYLPN/RN]

Hello. Everyone I am new to the site and like many other people hit the internet looking for answers to this same question due to the fact that I was in nursing school worried that after all my hard work and dedication I would not be able to obtain my nursing license in NYS, happy to say it was granted 1 week ago so I have been through the process. Most people tell you different things about felonies vs misdemeanors but it is all individually judged, I myself made mistakes as a 16yr old that caused my nursing license application to her looked at very closely. I received honors and awards from my school as well as awards from Senator's, but o do have very serious felonies and I will tell you what they are so all can see not to her discouraged about mistakes of the past, as long as you have changed for the better and can PROVE IT none should have a problem receiving their license, it just might take a not longer to process. I myself had 2 convictions for selling drugs, and one for armed robbery when I was 16, things I regret and have since that time never been in trouble with the law since, so to all those with criminal histories looking to hey into the wonderful Profession of nursing, keep fighting, don't give up, and good luck!