I fully accept the comments I am going to receive. I just wanted to post my story out there because I came to the forums looking for advice- and couldn't really find a story that really fit mine. So I figured, if I post my story, maybe it'll help someone else out. Right?
How I came to receive 24 Class C Misdemeanors (In Texas):
In 2001, when I was 21 years old, I met this guy that I thought I loved. He had just come back from Iraq and he seemed to be my prince charming. Under his advice (and under my young and stupid judgement) I agreed to open a joint checking account for us with myself listed as the primary because he gave me all these different reasons why he couldn't be the primary. Love is Blind, whatever. I was the only one who worked because he was receiving disability from the Army- he was injured while at war- and so he stayed home all day. Anyway, this was back before debit cards were the way to go- so checks were written for EVERYTHING. I wrote checks for gas, rent, utilities, groceries, cash, shopping, etc. Needless to say, I wrote 24 checks before my checks were being declined. After receiving a call from the DA's office I found out that the reason why all my checks bounced was because my prince charming had a 9-yr old daughter in Oklahoma and owed 9 years of back child support. I didn't even know he had a child!! I didn't have the money to pay all the fees and cost for the checks I had written (and any money that was deposited into the account was immediately removed). So.... I went to jail. Twice. actually. because the first time was to cover 22 of the checks and the second time was to cover the last 2 checks since they didn't all get to the DA's office at the same time. I did time for the crime. I pled no contest only because I didn't intentionally mean to bounce all those checks-- but I did write them so no matter what- I am guilty of the crime. I fully accept that.
Application into nursing school (In Oklahoma):It was 2008 and I had moved back to Oklahoma. Application to nursing school was a cinch. I didn't disclose on my application that I had misdemeanors because it asked if I had felonies.... Needless to say, the guilt got to me and I made an appointment with the Dean of Nursing. Her face when I told her exactly how many misdemeanor charges I had was priceless, but nonetheless, she told me the truth. She told me to make my time during Nursing School a collection of good character and that when I graduated I would more than likely need to obtain legal counsel because I would be appearing in front of the BON.
What I did during Nursing School:
I was a representative for the school of nursing when high school seniors and their parents came to visit the campus. I was really involved with my school's SNA. I even served as President for a year and Vice President for a semester (I failed- yes, I failed a nursing clinical- after 1 semester bc I went through a divorce and my dad was dying of End-Stage Liver Disease and often a patient on the floor where I had clinicals.... and I was in no way, shape, or form able to pass my clinical- mentally or emotionally- my dad passed away that Spring so being kicked out of school at that time was a good thing because it allowed me plenty of time to grieve all those sudden losses). I reapplied and was reaccepted into the program to finish my Senior year of a BSN program (yes. I failed fall semester of my Senior year. it was hard). I also was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International- the Nursing Honor's Society. I was also a member of Nurses' Christian Fellowship.
Application for the NCLEX (In Oklahoma):
It took a long time to get all the paperwork that they needed for my misdemeanors in Texas because Texas had disposed of my cases after the 5-yr mark. In fact, the arrests never showed up on my background check for my clinicals at the VA (but I still fully disclosed the information) and it didn't show up on my background check for the job that I have waiting for me (which I fully disclosed the information to as well), that is, if I have a job still waiting for me. I, literally, do not show up on any background check unless you use my SPN number-- which is the number assigned to me when I went to jail-- for whatever reason. I really think it's because someone in Texas made a boo-boo at their job and for whatever reason, my fingerprints don't trigger during the background checks. Anyways, I still fully disclosed all the information to the BON because I know the guilt and fear of being caught one day would kill me and to me the anxiety is never worth it.
So here I am, in 2013, at age 30.... graduated with a BSN.... and no authorization to sit for my NCLEX. I received letters from the BON and today I finally received THE letter. The one that says that the BON will consider my Application for Licensure by Examination to practice as a Registered Nurse. I have NOT even received my authorization to test, but I'm pretty sure this is the trial by fire where they determine whether I can even take the NCLEX or not. I have retained an attorney, who is also an RN, and also has experience going in front of the BON. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't scared out of my wits. I knew this day would come and I still chose to go through a BSN program- I regret nothing. Even if I get denied permission to sit for the NCLEX, I was well aware of the possibility that I wouldn't receive the prize at the end, and still- I have no regrets (except for dating that guy of course).
My interdisciplinary panel hearing is on July 16, 2013. I will do my best to update everyone about what happened, how the process went, etc. because I feel that being honest about my story could at least help one person not stress too much about theirs. I meet with my lawyer tomorrow, other than that, pray for me, because I'm pretty sure I'm going to need all the prayers that I can get. Thank you.
This is not true. My ex is considered an Iraq war vet because he was there from August 1990 - March 1991. It was when Iraq invaded Kuwait. Operation Desert Shield & Operation Desert Storm.
We are all human and thus going to make mistakes and one would hope BONs and hospitals would take into account not only the nature of a criminal conviction but other mitigating factors including who the person is now.
Case in point a nurse here in NYC we know just purchased a house with his husband in New Jersey and wanted to get his license to work in that state. Submitted all the paper work and what not but turns out he has a disorderly conduct conviction from years ago. Now DOC is only an offense in NYS thus does not prevent one from obtaining a RN license nor even has to be disclosed when applying. However New Jersey by statue can deny a license to those convicted of this offense and so now the guy has caught a case.
Thank you for posting this. Our stories are very similar, and I've been wondering what's going to happen with my case. I had all of the checks that went to the JP's office in the early 90's. The only difference between my case and yours is that I never got arrested. I have almost 20 that I had to take care of, but I did take care of the checks and paid restitution for all of them at the JP's office. I, too, disclosed it to the BON because I was told to disclose EVERYTHING. Needless to say, the misdemeanors never showed up on my background check, but now I'm waiting on pins and needles to find out what the BON has decided to do with me. They are saying that I won't find out anything until November. Meanwhile, my friends that I graduated with are taking their boards and getting their licenses.
The fact that you were brave enough to post this is awesome. I have been wondering about what was going to happen with my case, and I thought about posting it to this site, but I didn't know what to say. I hate that you're going through this, but I am so glad that you posted this. This is information that I haven't been able to find anywhere else. So, good luck to you with the board, and THANK YOU! Keep your chin up. I totally believe that it will all work its way out.
I wish you the best of luck and I pray that your luck changes or holds (perspective, I guess.) Just as the Dean at your nursing school gave you the benefit of the doubt and allowed you to prove the true worth of your character...I have no doubt you will demonstrate to the BON your integrity and high level of responsibility borne from experience.
You have a lot of courage. I admire the grace with which you have presented, what had to be a private hell, for others to scrutinize and judge...so that they might learn from your unfortunate mistakes/journey. I don't know that I could or would have put myself under the same microscope.
I will be eagerly waiting to hear how things go for you in a few weeks...:)
Thank you for posting this. Our stories are very similar, and I've been wondering what's going to happen with my case. I had all of the checks that went to the JP's office in the early 90's. The only difference between my case and yours is that I never got arrested. I have almost 20 that I had to take care of, but I did take care of the checks and paid restitution for all of them at the JP's office. I, too, disclosed it to the BON because I was told to disclose EVERYTHING. Needless to say, the misdemeanors never showed up on my background check, but now I'm waiting on pins and needles to find out what the BON has decided to do with me. They are saying that I won't find out anything until November. Meanwhile, my friends that I graduated with are taking their boards and getting their licenses.
The fact that you were brave enough to post this is awesome. I have been wondering about what was going to happen with my case, and I thought about posting it to this site, but I didn't know what to say. I hate that you're going through this, but I am so glad that you posted this. This is information that I haven't been able to find anywhere else. So, good luck to you with the board, and THANK YOU! Keep your chin up. I totally believe that it will all work its way out.
In Texas they let you do "time served" for the fees and fines, but I still had to pay restitution to the places I wrote checks at. So luckily I paid restitution, because the lawyer says that the BON will see that. I'm still confused as to why they didn't show up on your background check either?!? Is yours from Texas too? When I called the courthouse for the paperwork regarding the disposition and charges they told me they had disposed of my record after 5 years- so it doesn't show up on background checks either.
Hey, if this post helped at least one person to not feel so anxious about their meeting with the BON then it was worth it. I am not the perfect person- very far from it- but it would've been nice if I had seen someone that was going through/went through the same thing. Feeling like you're facing the BON with the first crime they've ever seen is very scary and lonely. I'm glad it helped you- and I will keep you updated! Good luck to you too!
Update: so my lawyer told me to grab any recommendation letters, and achievement letters, anything that shows that writing bad checks was out of my normal character - so I asked him, "Do you want me to print the public info on the guy who duped me and is now serving 2 years in State Prison for a 3rd degree forgery charge?". My lawyer laughed and said "yes. Bring that. I really don't think we have anything to worry about". So I guess his meeting with the nurse investigator regarding my case went well? He said not to worry about it, but if I start worrying about it- then to call him. Tuesday---- here we come!!!
Update: so my lawyer told me to grab any recommendation letters and achievement letters, anything that shows that writing bad checks was out of my normal character - so I asked him, "Do you want me to print the public info on the guy who duped me and is now serving 2 years in State Prison for a 3rd degree forgery charge?". My lawyer laughed and said "yes. Bring that. I really don't think we have anything to worry about". So I guess his meeting with the nurse investigator regarding my case went well? He said not to worry about it, but if I start worrying about it- then to call him. Tuesday---- here we come!!![/quote']
I think your biggest mistake was not dealing with the bad checks at the time. Did you have a public defender? What happened to your boyfriend did he go to jail? Also going to jail for your first offense? Seems very odd. You said that you got nabbed for the second time for 2 checks that didn't clear why didn't you disclose that to the DA the first time, why didn't your lawyer advise you at the time ? And, in 2001 debit card cards have been around along time as well as online banking so your story is not making sense, and obviously the DA thought the same. Why did n't your bank notify you were overdrawn? Why didn't you work this out with your bank? Something is not adding up. But I am not a lawyer, but as a citizen, I would not want a nurse who did jail time twice, no matter how sorry you are now. I do believe you were young and foolish.
I hate to burst your bubble even if you get the right to take the NCLEX you will have to defend yourself every time you apply for a job. Most places will not even interview you, since you are a convicted ? felon . Go through a similar process if you move to another state. I hate to be Debbie Downer but I would have never pleaded no contest when you made an honest mistake. You will have to come up great story, if you get an interview.
I am glad you got a lawyer but even if you get a license you may not be employable at least in a job where you interact with patients.
Wow , you really wouldn't want a nurse that was in jail, even if it was for a mistake with writing checks? I'm glad that you grew up with a perfect childhood that resulted in a perfect human being that never makes mistakes. You must understand that genetics and experiences shape a persons behavior, so how can you judge someone when you have no idea how you would react in their situation? You really shouldn't judge someone just because they sin differently than you.
To the OP: I'm glad that you posted this. I am kind of in a similar situation. I have just sent my application in two weeks ago and am waiting on news from the board. I had a drinking problem as a pre-teen and teen that resulted in a felony when I was 16 (equivalent to a felony, because juveniles in my state do not actually get felonies), and the drinking problem led to a drug problem for one year from when I was 18 years old until I was 19 years old.
I applied for nursing school, got in, and then told the nursing director about my situation. She told me that I shouldn't even come into the program. I still decided to go because I knew that I had to try or else I would always wonder "what if". I graduated in May at the very top of my class of 60 students, I gathered all of my certified court documents, gathered 4 letters of reference from my professors, I submitted evaluations from my physician and therapist, and hired a lawyer. It had taken me since December to get all of my 400 pages of my application prepared, but I finally sent it in and am now waiting.
As you have said, I will not regret going to nursing school regardless if I get approved or denied. I actually tell everyone my situation because it proves that people can change; when I told professors and other students about my situation they absolutely could not believe it.
I tell people my situation because I am not ashamed of it. I would be ashamed if that is the person that I still am today, but it is not, but you can sure bet that that young girl made me the woman that I am today and I would not change that for anything. I am proud of the person that I am and know that I have a lot to offer this world whether it is in the shape of nursing care or another path that God takes me down.
Thank you Kayden's mom. Like I have said-- you live and learn. I was duped by a good looking con artist (I had really low self esteem) and somehow that all circled back around to lead me to nursing. No matter what they say today- everything is in God's hands and I will quickly update everyone as I know those who are in similar situations are curious to see the outcome of this.
I never regret going through nursing fully knowing that this may happen. I learned a lot and gain a lot from the human experience. So many patients have touched my life through this experience so how could I not consider this a blessing? Either way- nursing was worth it. It helped me provide additional hospice care to my dad who died from end stage liver disease at age 54. It helped me to be compassionate to a man that I grew up angry at. I love nursing and all that it entails, if I get to continue- praise God for his mercy. If I don't get to continue- praise God for the experience!!
I went into my IDP hearing. There were 2 nurse investigators, 2 BON members, and their lawyer. We sat at a conference table across from them and they asked me to explain my situation.
Then they asked me twice, "you knew that you might not get a license but you still went through nursing school?" I said "yes ma'am... No matter the outcome- the was worth the experience". Then we were asked to leave the room while they deliberated. My lawyer was a little concerned that I told them "no matter the outcome". Then they made us come back in--- and....
I was approved to take the NCLEX!! I was NOT given a fine. I was NOT given any disciplinary action!!!!
ataymil8
13 Posts
What are you being punished for? You already paid your price back to society. On what grounds would they fine you? Best of luck.