Is honesty ALWAYS the best policy?

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I have recently applied for licensure in another state (Georgia) by endorsement. Although I have no restrictions, no history of discipline, and nothing negative against my PTP, I decided to disclose information to the new state related to an "alternative to discipline" program I participated in a few years ago. I was informed by my current board of nursing that I was not required to disclose this information, because I was never disciplined and there are no "red flags" on my license. Transparency and honesty are very important to me. If I feel like I've deceived someone, I will never be able to live with that guilt. Unfortunately, I'm beginning to feel as though I possibly made the wrong decision. The new board may very well decide not to award a license to me. This outcome would be devastating, especially considering my family is moving to Georgia this summer - nursing is my career, and I cannot survive without a job. Has anyone ever experienced a similar situation? Is there any advice any of my fellow nurses can give me?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

When it comes to dealing with BONs, IMO honestly IS ALWAYS the best policy.

Given that you have received somewhat conflicting information about whether you have to disclose that info, I would consult with an attorney versed in nursing matters and BONs (you can find some here: TAANA Executive Office - Home) to see what you should do. Also, you could ask your new BON anonymously (e-mail) if they would want to know this information

Best of luck.

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So.....you were told by your State BoN that you were not required to disclose this "alternate" situation; you were not 'flagged' in any way. But you chose to do so anyway? The short answer is the rule of thumb is not to volunteer any unnecessary information that cannot help you, or that can ONLY harm you. But you did that anyway.

Honesty is the best policy, but you volunteered information they did NOT need, thereby jeopardizing your chances at licensing. Not so sure that was the best route to take, but what is done is done. Dishonesty would have been not disclosing required information. Perhaps there is another word for offering up a reason to potentially deny you a license. :(

Hopefully it will work out well for you, I really do hope this. And in the future.....how about sticking with what they ASK for and not giving them what they DON'T?

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My current board didn't contact me back until I had already sent the application. I thought I was doing the right thing. If you read the questions in the application, it's very easy to assume my situation falls into those categories. When a BON asks you a question, you answer it honestly, and that's what I thought I was doing.

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My current board didn't contact me back until I had already sent the application. I thought I was doing the right thing. If you read the questions in the application, it's very easy to assume my situation falls into those categories. When a BON asks you a question, you answer it honestly, and that's what I thought I was doing.

Ah, I see, that puts a different spin on it entirely. Well, you DID do the right thing, as you answered honestly to the best of your knowledge. It's unfortunate that your State BoN didn't give you the answer you really needed BEFORE, but, it is what it is.

Hoping this goes well! :)

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Thank you for the suggestions and helpful information. From reading the questions on the application, I honestly thought I was supposed to disclose any info related to investigations, etc. I thought weighing on the safe side as my best bet.

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Thank you. I've tried contacting Georgia's BON for some insight, but I've had no luck. It's just a waiting game now. Unfortunately. Thank you again for your response.

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