NY License with a criminal history

[spookydakat]

I know firsthand how frustrating it is to have made a stupid mistake that makes everything more difficult than it should be. That's why I'm sharing my story, not as advice, but to give hope and maybe reduce some anxiety for others.

I was arrested in 1999 and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) and I plead guilty to misdemeanor possession, paid a fine and had to stay out of trouble for a year to stay out of jail. It was stupid and I got sucked into the situation by a friend, since I was 20 I was charged as an adult, my so-called friend was 19 and charged as a juvenile. I blamed her for a long time, but my life began to change when I accepted responsibility for my own actions, which is so important. To be able to admit to others that I made a mistake and I have no one else to blame, owning it, makes a world of difference.

So, my life after that day. I completed my first bachelors degree, worked for a while, then started to take prerequisite classes so that I could apply to nursing school. Before I even began taking prerequisites, I emailed the BON, explained my situation in detail and asked if I was eligible for licensure, they replied I was and I started taking classes. When I applied to nursing school, again I explained my situation on the application. I had to furnish additional references and an essay detailing the events before, during and after my arrest. I was accepted, graduated with honors, took and passed the NCLEX and am now officially licensed.

I knew that being completely transparent was key. I was truthful to the BON, I checked yes on the application where it asks about criminal history and submitted the required documentation, I was honest with my school because if I needed them I knew they would back me up. I got my license about a week and a half after passing the NCLEX. I didn't have to submit any other info since I was as thorough as possible, and did not hide anything.

On a side note, because I have this black mark on my record, I have always had to work harder than others to make myself stand out. When I applied to nursing school I went in with a 3.97 GPA, and with a 4.0 GPA for the nursing prerequisites. While in nursing school, I was constantly on the dean's list, received scholarships and am in the college's honor society. My point is that if you are in a similar situation, you do have to work harder than someone who has always done the right thing. You have to be an extraordinary example of someone who has overcome their mistakes and excels in any situation because being an average person with a criminal history isn't going to get you anywhere. I know that sounds harsh, but its the absolute truth.

Good luck to all of you. As corny as it sounds, honesty is the best policy.