HELP! Past Georgia's testing timeframe

[NurseMaryB]

So...bear with me this is a long one.

In June 2016, I graduated Excelsior's LPN to RN bridge with my ADN. However, in addition to that I had already gotten in some trouble. I was in legal trouble for something non-nursing related however, of course as you know it doesn't matter because it still affects a nurses license. My legal charge was theft by deception and it was money for donations that didn't go where expected. Anyhow, given I was a nurse the DA's office decided they were going to "stick it to me" and I made a plea agreement for prison time in starting November 30, 2016. Unfortunately given the time it takes the board to accept an application and with everything going on my application wasn't approved at the time it was pending whatever the outcome of the legal situation. 

I went to prison for 22 months from November 30, 2016 to September, 2018. Starting December that year I started working on getting my LPN license back so that I could sit for the RN license. It had to be in that order because I did the LPN-RN bridge at Excelsior. 

The whole process went until September 2019 and thousands of dollars later but, I got my LPN license back on probation. However, given that more than 3 YEARS had passed I wasn't allowed to sit for my RN exam because that's the maximum amount of time Georgia allows a nurse to sit for the exam after graduating school. 

I'm not currently working as a nurse because I have experience as a home health and hospice nurse and I can't work in that without the boards permission. 

I spent a lot of money to get my ADN and I would really like to work as an RN but, I'm not sure exactly what I can do without moving states and trying somewhere else. Which right now isn't an option due to my moms failing health. 

I really really frustrated and disappointed and I don't think I can afford to start all over and I'm hesitant to work as an LPN because of my limited options as well as the pay is the same that I currently make without the risk of COVID, etc. 

Thank you for your help in advance! 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Visit State Board Requirements - Excelsior College 

Quote

We are currently accepting applications to our Associate Degree in Nursing program from the following states: Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia. We have verified with each named state’s board of nursing that graduates of Excelsior College Associate Degree in Nursing program will be able to apply for licensure in that state.

Do you live near Florida or South Carolina-- may be able to get licensed there and work in those states. If your able to move, other states listed above may grant license with stipulations due to recent incarceration..

Best wishes moving forward.