misdemeanor, trying to get license

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ok, i have not gone to nursing school yet but i want to. i have 3 misdeameanors on my record and i am going to send it to the board of registered nurses to see if they approve or deny my license. i am wondering if it is 100% certain that if they approve that i will be able to take the license exam in 3-4 years. if i get approved will it get filed permanently so that it is 100% certain that they cant deny my application? i am wondering this because i dont want to go to school for 4 years and not be able to become a RN because of my record. i want to know for certain that i can become a RN before i go to school.

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Your query can only be answered by your state's BON, as it is they who decide such matters. I may have been helpful to have engaged an attorney before putting your case to the board, but that is water under the bridge.

It will come down mostly in the end as to what the laws in your state say regarding licensure with criminal convictions. While you are wise to investigate the matter before applying to nursing programs know this; even if you do obtain a license with a criminal record every single nursing job you apply for will do a criminal background check and ask about prior convictions. Just because you have a license does not mean it will be easy to find a position.

Best of luck,

DGTG

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele.

Also keep in mind that you may have trouble getting into clinicals with a record. Even if the BON agrees to license you, you still need to find clinical sites affiliated with whatever nursing school you go to that are willing to take you with your record.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Also keep in mind that you may have trouble getting into clinicals with a record. Even if the BON agrees to license you, you still need to find clinical sites affiliated with whatever nursing school you go to that are willing to take you with your record.

This is very true. It doesn't matter if your state BON and your school are OK with your record: clinical sites have the option to determine their own requirements, and they can turn you away because of your criminal record. Likewise, should you get through school and get licensed, employers have the same right to reject you based on your criminal record.

I don't know what your misdemeanors are nor do I want to, but I would be upfront with your school about them--it may be possible for them to work with you to find clinical sites.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in nursing education.

It may also depend on how long ago they were. If "things happened" when you were 19 or 20 and you are now in your 30's or 40's, and can show that you have really changed, it is very different than if you have a recent pattern of offenses.

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I think it depends a lot on how long you got the misdemanors and for what. I would be very careful about approaching the WA BON. They can be very cut and dry.

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Were you able to attend and go to nursing school?

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