Licensure with Complicated Criminal History

Nurses Recovery

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Hello, I have searched many threads in this topic but have not yet found one identifical to what I am needing to ask. I am 1 year away from finishing an Associate's in Health Sciences and have been planning on transferring to a 4 year BSN program. I know that licensure in my state, Missouri, requires a fingerprint background check. I know that the BON examines each applicant case by case, and those with arrest histories may be subject to denial for licensure. I am planning on calling the BON in Missouri to find out more information on the possibility of being denied a license. However, before I apply for nursing school I would like to become aware of how significant the chances are that I will be denied a license based on my background. I can't imagine anything worse than attending school for 2 years only to find out it was a complete waste.

About a year ago, the cops were called to my house by my mother who presented to them heroin she had found on me 2 months prior. After searching my room, they found needles and arrested me. I was arrested, fingerprinted, and spent one night in jail. I'm not sure if I was arrested for possession or simply paraphernalia. I was released after being issued a "pending further investigation." No subsequent action has been taken since then. Shortly after, I had an overdose. The cops were called and I received a ticket for drug paraphernalia. I was not arrested; I went to the hospital. I'm not sure if I was charged with a misdemeanor or just issued a citation. I did, however, have to attend a few court hearings where I presented documentation of substance abuse treatment. They gave me 2 years of unsupervised probation, however I'm not sure if I am technically on probation or diversion. I have passed a routine background check for my employer, a hospital, where I work in an office setting. I plan to continue working in the health care field until I complete nursing school. I am hoping experience in the health care field will be indicative to the BON as successful rehabilitation from heroin addiction.

Can anyone give me any information on the likelihood of me receiving a license after graduation, given I present significant documentation of rehabilitative efforts? At the time of the NCLEX it will have been approximately 5 years since these incidents. I know that these situations vary case by case. But if anyone has any input past "the BON determines circumstances case by case" it would be very helpful. Thanks!

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