I Keyed a Car-Can I Be a Nurse?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am a prospective nursing student in Texas. I have a misdemeanor destruction of property for keying a car about 10 years ago. I went through anger management and completed my probation without incident. I haven't had any incidents since this one thing. I was 19 at the time and had some really bad friends that I didn't realize were bad friends... Anyways, I am trying to get my declaratory statement to the Texas Board of Nursing before I apply to the nursing program. I am doing pre-requisities right now. I am confident in what I will write, but am not sure of the proper format for these types of letters. What is the proper formatting that the boards require?

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Dear Keyed a Car in Your Past,

I don't know anything about your situation, but I do love the song Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. Sorry, I'm not making a joke at your expense. A lot of people make some regrettable choices at age 19 and go on to succeed.

It sounds like in your case, in Texas, nursing programs can require an approval or clearance from the BON before acceptance to nursing school. This can take several months.

Every case is decided on an individual basis. It's important that your letter is genuine and you take responsibility, show remorse and attest to how you've changed. Read Writing a Letter of Explanation for a Criminal Infraction.

As for formatting, use standard business format to make sure it is as professional as possible. Here is a link to Purdue: Writing a Business Letter for you to use. It will tell you where to place the date, address, and so on.

Another suggestion is to follow the same format and salutations used by the BON when they send you a letter. Be sure and double triple check your grammar and spelling. And best of luck to you!

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!