New Grad and Board Investigation - Need Advice!

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Hi Everyone! I am looking for some advice on how to go about applying for jobs, or if I should even start applying for jobs as a new graduate RN. I just graduated from my nursing program this month. The problem is that about 10 years ago I received a misdemeanor DUI for marijuana, so the Arizona Board of Nursing will have to do an investigation before granting me my license. I already have a lawyer and he assures me that I will definitely be getting my license, it is just a matter of when. I have heard that these investigations can take months, so my question is... should I even start applying to new grad RN positions? Or should I wait until I know when I will have my license? I know most hospitals only release new grad jobs a few times a year, so I didn't know if it would be beneficial to try to secure a job, then tell them about my situation. I'd love to hear some of your thoughts. Thank you!

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Specializes in Educator.

Congratulations on making it this far. I am not clear if you have already taken the NCLEX? If you have and you are waiting for your license I would suggest pressing forward with job applications until the BON intervenes. Your lawyer is correct and it could take months for them to act. Unfortunately, this leaves you in limbo, but this is the way things work. Good luck and hang in there.

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On 12/24/2019 at 9:39 AM, KCMnurse said:

Congratulations on making it this far. I am not clear if you have already taken the NCLEX? If you have and you are waiting for your license I would suggest pressing forward with job applications until the BON intervenes. Your lawyer is correct and it could take months for them to act. Unfortunately, this leaves you in limbo, but this is the way things work. Good luck and hang in there.

Thank you so much for your response! I took your advice and began applying for jobs anyway. To my surprise, the Arizona BON granted me a license 3 days after passing my NCLEX without doing an investigation!

Just thought I would post to let anyone know who was experiencing a similar concern/situation.

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