Learn From Me New Grads

[love0509]

arrrrrggggghhhh!!!!

Prior to nursing school starting, I was pulled over for a headlight being out. Upon them running my license I found out that my driver's license was suspended. I had no clue, honestly.

Back story: I attended school in TN, but my driver's license and home address is in GA, I received a speeding ticket, paid the speeding ticket from TN in TN. However, GA was sending notices to my home address to appear in court about the speeding ticket, but I didn't know. Yes, I was upset that no one ever told me that I was receiving notices in the mail about this issue. An issue that I thought was taken care of. Needless to say, I never showed up to court. So to GA, it appeared as though I never paid the ticket and they suspended my DL. After the arrest, I appeared in court some months later to prove that I had gotten an updated and valid driver's license. They dropped the charges and boom...I am good to go.

Anyway, they arrested me on the spot for this. (First and only time ever being arrested in my life). Fast forward to nursing school, of course you know how we have to get back ground checks every year prior to going to clinical. My arrest for driving on a suspended license has never been an issue for me. In fact, my results always came back clear. And I am thinking that they were clear because the charges were dropped.

Now, two years later, new graduate nurse and moved back to GA where I will be practicing. I fill out my RN application. On the application of course they ask about any previous arrest. So, as I am reading the specifications, TO ME, the reason for arrest was not one that was deemed serious enough to disclose. Not being totally sure, I called the GA BON, and explained my confusion and concern to the representative. She told me that, to her, it sounded like I should select "no" about previous arrest because of the reason I was pulled over ( headlight out). So, against my gut feeling, I selected "no". And maybe, I was not explaining to her correctly my situation.

So, I send my application in, finger prints for back ground check and everything. One week later, I was sent my ATT. Another week after that, I received an email from the BON stating that my back ground check showed that I had a previous arrest on my history that I did not disclose on my application and that I need to send certified court documents and notarized letter about my arrest. It seemed weird to me that I received my ATT when clearly my application was not cleared as of yet. By the time I received their second email, I paid for my NCLEX. Feeling stupid for not following my gut, I proceeded to send them all of the requested documents and continued to study for my test. I emailed the person I had be speaking with about this issue to let her know that I have sent my documents. A few days later, she replies and to let me know that they have received my package and "processed".

I had not heard back from them for about 2 months. No returned calls or emails to let me know about an update on my application status. So, at the end of the 2nd month I took the NCLEX and PASSED (Thank you, God!). Another week goes by and I have heard nothing for the GA BON and my application status is still pending due to the arrest issue. My NCLEX status is showing "completed" and everything.

I send another email and left another voicemail. Finally, I received an email, from a totally different person, with an attachment stating that I need have a form notarized and pay a fine of.....500 DOLLARS for not initially disclosing that I had been arrested and I have 90 days to pay this fine or they will take further legal action. Excuse me?

I am upset for many reasons. Mainly, at myself for not just selecting "yes" to begin with on application. However, I just don't understand why they would send my ATT (which had me thinking everything was good to go). I would have saved my $200 to go towards this FIRST. I don't just have $500 lying around. Of course, I have called and emailed and no response.

I am just going to try my best to come up with this money to send them. So new grads...no matter what, on your application....let them know about and every arrest!!

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Do you have a credit card you could put it on? If not just scrounge around for it the best you can. Take any gold or silver you have and find a good gold/silver and coin shop. I took a handful of old and broken gold and silver and left with $762.00. Pay it and don't think about it again. Everybody makes foolish mistakes once in awhile and gets bad advice. You can't change the system so just pay it and move forward and congratulations on passing the NCLEX!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am so sorry to hear of this predicament.

[love0509]

As an update on this situation, God is good. I was able to pay the fine and I am now a RN!

[love0509]

Thank you for your advice, encouragement and saying congratulations! I was able to scrounge up the money!