Help! Graduated with honors from BSN program!

[RN2b599]

Hi all,

I'm a new grad. I graduated with honors from a BSN program.

When I was 18, I ran into a lot of trouble with the law and drugs which ended with 2 felonies and 3 misdemeanors. This resulted in 6 months in jail, followed by a year in a drug recovery program. This took place 15 years ago in 1998. I successfully completed this program, probation, and paid all fines. I haven't been in any trouble, whatsoever, since. I paid for the consequences of my poor decision making as a youth.. or I thought I did. I'm currently working on getting these charges expunged.

Now that I'm ready to apply for the NCLEX exam, I'm realizing that the road to becoming an RN may be more difficult than I anticipated.

I came here because I need advice from someone who is knowledgeable about RN licensing under circumstances such as mine. Does a 15 year time lapse carry any weight in the BRN's decision? How about life as an RN after overcoming these obstacles? How difficult is it to find work as an RN with a probationary license?

I am contemplating hiring a lawyer to assist me in this process, I live in the bay area, does anyone have any recommendations ? My goal is that I will build a strong enough case with my personal statement, letters of recommendations and a 15 year clean record that I will not get denied the opportunity to take my NCLEX and be forced to appeal the BRN's decision which I hear can take up to year. I plan on doing whatever it takes to become a nurse, and i appreciate all the help, advice and support I can get!