Got ATT, am I in the clear?

Published

Like many of you, I recently went through the pain-staking process of applying to my state's BON with all the feelings of anxiety that come along with it when having a criminal background.

After waiting for nearly a month, I received my ATT via email from Pearson. A few days later, I received a letter in the mail stating "Florida BON is pleased to inform you that you may sit for your NCLEX exam"

I am very grateful for being given this opportunity, but I am still anxious and worried that something may still pop up. My question to you all is, have you received a letter in the mail AFTER passing your NCLEX stating your license has stipulations/is restricted? Or that you have to appear in front of the board for them to make a final decision? Or am I in the clear? I always thought that if anything, they would let me know before letting me take the NCLEX but I would just like to know for my peace of mind if there's still a possibility of anything.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I also have had this question. Please keep us updated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Depends on your state process. . . some states - like mine - have moved things around so that the big-time background check is done as part of the admission process to nursing school. So when it comes time for NCLEX, you'd only have to be concerned about events that may have happened while you are in school. In other states, background checks may happen at other stages along the way. There are even some states that still rely on self-disclosure (srsly).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wish Florida's process was like that. We had to complete a background check to get into our nursing program, but all they did was send me a letter saying that they reviewed my criminal history and were going to allow me to continue through their program but they could not guarantee that I would be licensed after graduation. Talk about an anxiety inducing letter to receive just before starting nursing school. Nothing gets sent to the BON as far as I know, until after graduation.

Some friends who have been in the same boat as me were clear as soon as they got their ATT, but then again I haven't heard of anyone who got flat out denied or were given stips so I have no idea if that happens before or after taking NCLEX in Florida. Was hoping someone on here could give me insight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I also have had this question. Please keep us updated.

Called FBON today. The woman on the line informed me that if I was given approval to test, then I should be fine and will receive my license after passing my NCLEX. Huge relief!! :cat: I think I'll still be in disbelief though until it actually happens! :nailbiting:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lucky you!

Study and test, baby!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm in IL and it wasn't until AFTER I passed my NCLEX that I got a letter from the BON asking about a juvenile arrest that I did not disclosed. Not sure if it's handled differently if you disclose the information in the first place, or how it works in Florida. If the FBON said you are fine, you probably are! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm in IL and it wasn't until AFTER I passed my NCLEX that I got a letter from the BON asking about a juvenile arrest that I did not disclosed. Not sure if it's handled differently if you disclose the information in the first place, or how it works in Florida. If the FBON said you are fine, you probably are! Good luck!

Yes, I think I read your post about your situation, which is why I was freaking out a little! Reading about how varied it is from state to state was giving me heart palpitations! :eek: I did disclose absolutely everything on my initial application to the BON so I am hoping that means I am in the clear!! I saw that you got your license and that everything worked out, congrats! & Thank you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in nursing education.

WI seems to have changed their process. We had a grad who was allowed to test, passed, THEN had to wait while they mulled over the many-years-old crime on their record. Never heard of that before.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, LTC, Internal Medicine, FP.

In Missouri, you do a background check before school, but it isn't the exact same one as you do for BON. I had to be honest with my school before going and they said they would admit me but couldn't guarantee that I would be allowed to sit for NCLEX. Last mont of school ,we fill out applications for licensure and thats when you disclose all your stuff to the board. The board has to clear you BEFORE you take NCLEX.

I moved to Florida during this process and I had to do all of that before taking NCLEX. Submitting court docs, dispositions and then going in front of the board. Only then did I get ATT.

I took and passed.

I have a license. HOWEVER, the hurdles were NOT over. In order to work in certain settings you will have need what is called an EXEMPTION letter. This means that something was triggered on the background check from an employer. You then must send an exemption form to the BON and get exempted.

It is a long and arduous process. Just when I thought I was done, after getting cleared by the state board, then this pops up. The agency is ACHA and it is required to be passed by them in order to work in places such as LTC, rehabs and other facilities regulated by them.

I wish BON would have told me about needed to be exempted when I initially started doing all the stuff to be cleared by them in the first place. I have been told that since I am licensed I shouldn't have a problem getting the exemption, it just delays things, and the best part is that I had to pay ANOTHER $80 for more fingerprinting (the VERY same livescan that I DID to get my license initially.)

Don't give up. Its a process for sure!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion