I need advice about a felony!!!!!

[givingheart]

Almost ten years ago, I was asked to cash a check by a "friend". I deposited the check in my bank account and gave him the funds. About a month later, I found out that the check was stolen and forged. My "friend" was part of a large check scamming ring. I was indicted along with the ring. I received a felony forgery charge (check was over $300) because I signed the check when I deposited it in my bank account. I also have another charge for open container back in college. I completed my probation and made restitution. Since my brush with the law, I worked 3 jobs to support my daughter, received a BS in biology, joined a church which I attend faithfully, gotten married, and had another child. I am on the PTA and volunteer at my daughter's school. I went back to school to get my nursing degree and have been inducted in Sigma THeta Tau and maintained a 4.0 gpa. I am almost finished and very nervous about my past record. Will I have a problem getting my license or a job? Plus, when should I disclose this information?

[htrn]

I know there have been other posts about nurses that have had bumps in the road earlier in their lives. It sounds like life is going quite well for you these days. My advise is to be sure to highlight where you are in your life now, but be honest about your past when you have interviews.

Just remember, you would not be the person you are today without having gone through the experiences that you have lived through. Often times those experiences make us better nurses and better people.

Good luck.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Only your state's BON can really predict whether you'll be able to be licensed, but it sounds like you've gotten things together well. Good luck.

[LoriAlabamaRN]

Just contact your BON, I predict that you will have no problems at all. It sounds as if you have truly been a victim of circumstance, and you could be my nurse anytime.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Discussed this situation just this week:

Lost Job because of background!!

Follow advice and should be ok.

[nialloh, RN]

Yes, you should tell them. If you don't, they will find out anyway and it will be harder to explain your self then. It looks better if you are upfront, and you also have your word in first. If you don't tell them, it will look like you are still being dishonest, and have learned nothing.

Good luck. I hope all goes well. You have worked hard and diserve another chance.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Prior criminal records is becoming such a common problem that most state boards of nursing are now addressing it in some way on their websites. Many are giving enough information to at least point people, such as you, in the direction you should take with the board of nursing. You can get a link to your state board of nursing by running your mouse over the "Links" button at the top right of this page. Click on "Boards of Nursing". A list of states will come up. Click on your state. A link to the website of your state board of nursing will come up. When you go there, look for frequently asked questions--that's where this is usually addressed.

In general, you should have, hopefully, kept all the court papers, sentencing and probation papers from your cases. After a number of years it is often hard to get copies of some of those records, so if you don't have them you really should try to get your hands on whatever you can. The state board will most likely ask you to supply details of the case along with supporting documentation which would be copies of these court documents. You want to have this paperwork ready to send to the board so it doesn't hold up the issuance of your license for very long. You keep copies of these court sentencing and probation records for the rest of your life along with things like birth certificates. If you ever decide to move and need to change your nursing license to another state or a prospective employer asks for details of your criminal background you will always be able to produce them quickly.

Yes, you absolutely disclose your information to the board of nursing. They will tell you exactly how to do it when you apply for licensure.

[givingheart]

Thanks guys for all of the good advice. I submitted my application today. Wish me luck!!

Givingheart

[bigreddog1934]

have you any updates on this? there are a few of us in your same shoes that are just about to apply.

[justme1972]

I completely applaud your efforts. I am shocked you got charged with that to start with...if you did several checks, well yeah...but ONE? If I was on the jury, I would have held it out until the bitter end in your favor!

I would also write a very detailed explanation of what happened...you tell it well.