3 Misdemeanors

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  1. Will I be able to the NCLEX with 3 drug misdemeanors

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So I am a nursing student in Indiana, second to last quarter. My graduation date is set to be in September of 2018. I was charged in late March 2018 with 3 drug misdemeanor charges. A, B, C drug charges. I have gotten a lawyer and I haven't even had a court date yet. In other words, I haven't been convicted. But, if convicted what are the chances I can take the boards and have a licence? I realize that the BON looks at each individual case and goes from there. My question is if you know anyone or you personally were in a similar situation, could you share your experience? I have read a few already, with one being a person with 3 felonies that had been approved and someone with a DUI years ago that didn't. Unfortunately, I also have a juvenile record. I'm not exactly sure of the charges but I know that they were both misdemeanor drug charges as well (there were two separate arrests, one at probably 16, the other 17). I have heard mixed things about the juvenile record with some saying that the BON is able to see the charges and some saying they can't. I am 20 now and I could see that being young could also be a deterrent from being approved. When I graduate in September if convicted, the charges will only be from 5 months ago. Again, I realize the BON goes case by case but what were your experiences if in a similar situation as me?

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That's a hard call. You did these things IN nursing school? The BON looks for evidence that you've put this type thing behind you. I'm not going to say you will never sit for boards, but I wouldn't be surprised if they make you wait.

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Specializes in NICU.

You were convicted in March 2018 and you graduate in Sept. Since this was recent and while you were in nursing school, they will probably make you appear before the Board and have you submit the court documents before they decide when you will be able to take NCLEX. Even if they allow you to take NCLEX, they will put stipulations on your license. You will be required to do multiple drug testing at your expense for at least a year.

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Thanks for the reply. I did do these things while in nursing school. I've been doing some research and Indiana does seal the juvenile records so I'll only be faced with the other 3. What do you mean by wait??

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Thanks so much for the reply. I haven't been convicted, only charged.

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Yeah I hate to say it but you are probably going to be referred to a nurse monitoring program. This is problematic always but probably worse on a new nurse. The whole conviction thing may not matter. I was never convicted of my DUI but none-the-less I reside in Nazi Monitoring Land.

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Specializes in ORTHO, PCU, ED.

Ouch. When obtaining a job you'll also have to include this in your application. It's not going to look good. You're going to run into lots of trouble with BON first off. You may not be allowed to sit for boards period. Actually, just to be real forthcoming and blunt here, I would be surprised if you are allowed to. I don't mean to drop that like a bomb, but drug charges and nursing do not mix. I hope the best for you.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

As these offenses occured DURING your nursing program, you are going to face repercussions from the IN BON as others have said.

Really troubling that you continue to be involved in this type of activity. What are you planning to do to change your behavior?

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Perhaps you should consider working in the drug rehab industry after you complete your own program.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I think it's time you do an honest self-inventory to figure out why you keep falling back into behaviors that cause you to be charged with repeated drug offenses. Nothing will change until you do that. And don't be surprised if the Board refuses to allow you to sit for boards...your most recent charge wasn't even two months ago. Not to be harsh, but I think you have a long way to go before you'll be ready for nursing.

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Very encouraging! Thanks for you insight :)

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Specializes in Medsurg.
I think it's time you do an honest self-inventory to figure out why you keep falling back into behaviors that cause you to be charged with repeated drug offenses. Nothing will change until you do that. And don't be surprised if the Board refuses to allow you to sit for boards...your most recent charge wasn't even two months ago. Not to be harsh, but I think you have a long way to go before you'll be ready for nursing.

Yeah couldnt have said it better myself

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