I was convicted of a misdemeanor assault five years ago can I still become an LPN?

KrisRNwannabe · Dec 29, 2004

i would contact your state board of nursing to find out the info. hope this helps

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 29, 2004

I would contact the state in which you would like to be licensed in. Since you are from Virgina, I put the contact info below for you

Virginia Dept of Health Professions

6603 West Broad St., 5th Fl.

Richmond, VA 23230-1712

Phone: (804) 662-9900

TDD: (804)-662-7197

Fax: (804) 662-9943

Complaints: (800) 533-1560

License Info: (804) 662-7636

http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/default.htm

Hope this helps!!!

edited to add web page info.....

happytobehere96 · Dec 29, 2004

I'm a single mother who want's to go back to school and become an LPN.I only have a GED and have a criminal record which includes an assault charge from 5 years ago and a DUI charge from three years ago both charges are misdemeanors. Someone told me that if it had been five years since I was convicted of assault then I could still become a nurse while others have told me that I can't! How can I find out for sure?I live in Lynchburg,va which is a small town and am embarrsed to ask anyone else!Can someone please help me? I really want to find a good job and be able to provide for my child! :uhoh21:

Unfortunately, I believe there is no way to know for sure until you go through the licensing process. I went to school with a few people in your situation and they were told the above from the instructor. One of the students dropped out mid year, the other student with a misdemeanor is now a licensed LPN. They evaluate on a case by case basis.

LPN47331 · Dec 29, 2004

I had 2 DWIs but were misdemeanors because of time frame of arrests. But, I took a chance and went to LPN school without knowing if I would be allowed to sit for the boards. My stupidities took place in my 20s. I have been a nurse for 4yrs now. My teachers signed a letter of recommendation in which I presented to the Indiana BON. I sat before the board in a public meeting and had to answer their questions and answer for my past mistakes. All but one voted that I be allowed to sit for the boards, which I did. I sometimes tell stories about my past behaviors to hopefully educate those that don't realize mistakes can and do follow you for years to come.

Of course I don't drink now. Been sober for 6 years. Have a good job, wife and kids. Don't give up! Always be persistant. Use your experiences to hopefully teach others. Good Luck!

Nitengale326 · Feb 19, 2005

I would HIGHLY recommend you contact the board of nursing before going thru the agony of classes. They will most likely let you go ahead with plans and may put a trigger on your license to begin with just so employers will know of past issues. Don't even think about lying or withholding this info. They will find out!!! Be honest and upfront from the start! They may want to hold a face to face conference with you (my friend had to do this) so they can get a feel for you, your personality, assess your image, your body language, etc before they make a decision. Good luck!

umami · Aug 5, 2009

I've tried to get a "pre" review before I started school and they told me what they look like they're telling others, you have to go through school and wait and see. It seems like the things they look for are the time that has passed, nature of crime and the steps you took showing rehabilitation. I'm going through not knowing whether or not they will license me. If not, the education is still very valuable and you can apply it to many fields. I wish I would have pursued the 3 week CNA course to test the waters for licensing instead of doing the whole RN route of 2 years. Maybe you can try that strategy instead. Good luck. I won't know for a year and half where I stand with the Board.