New Grad in CA License denial - depressed and hopeless

[sunnyshine101]

I need some support.

I feel so alone, ashamed, hopeless.

I graduated in May 2015 with a BSN. I have a misdeameanor of assault on my record from a night in Arizona (where I went to school), that I was drunk, and being forced into an ambulance by EMTs. I slapped one in the face while resisting their force. He told me i would never be a nurse because of it ... and I am starting to believe him. I went to the hospital for alcohol intoxication and got fluids. That's it. They wondered why the police made me go. I wasn't vomiting, passed out, or violent prior.

Anyway, stupid, i know. I don't need anymore shame from this. Besides that one night, I am a person dedicated to community service, my church, working with kids with special needs, mission trips, and summer camps. My life has been nothing but service and compassion.

I was denied my license by the California Board of Nursing. They let me sit for NCLEX Dec 28, but are holding the results until they process my appeal. Basically, I can get a restricted license or they can just deny me outright. Or... they can look at my character and drop it all and give me my license?? IDK?? I feel like either way, no one will hire me. No one will hire a new grad years out of school... Im not a new grad anymore in May.

Has anyone ever been through a situation like this and had a good outcome? I feel like I have ruined my entire life. I am crying everyday. Fighting for this is the hardest thing I've ever been through. I feel like I have no control. All I want to do is be a nurse. I can't think of anything else I would rather do or would be better at.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Try asking a lawyer who specializes in nurse licensing issues, you can find one through TAANA, the American association of nurse attorneys.

[RN_Man]

Sorry to hear about your circumstance. You should know that with ANY criminal history BON doesn't not grant immediate license and will have to investigate, review and decide on license outcome. If you haven't already be ready to supply all court documents - certified by the court of course - that shows charge, outcome and ultimately that the case is closed and all terms of the judgement were settled - fines, court order programs, ect.

You can get a lawyer but I don't see how much it can help at this stage. Be ready to supple a well written story of what exactly happened, your responsibility for it and how you have learned and moved past it. Letters from AA sponsors, treatment facilities, ect can help.

It's tough but not hopeless. At least it wasn't an assault/battery charge without intoxication. People can become disoriented and violent with heavy alcohol intoxication. Not that that is an excuse but some people do stupid things when drunk. Those that do should probably never drink - my opinion.

Stay positive. You have several hurdles ahead of you. Getting licensed, getting a job with a criminal record and having to go through the same process if you need a license in another state - but they are all things you can overcome. Good luck!

[Achieveanything]

I agree with everything @RN_Man, BSN, RN said. I've been reading through a lot of CA forums and CA is very tough on anyone with criminal history. I can say that other states are not as strict. I've gotten licensed by two other states where all I had to do was provide a letter of explanation and was granted a license. Initially after I passed my boards they didn't grant me a license until they reviewed my letter which took them about 3 months. I live on the east coast btw. So don't give up hope.

As far as employers I would say look outside your local area. My first job I had to drive 30 miles with toll. But I got some good experience and from there other opportunities opened up.

Stay positive and don't lose hope.