Possession charge and MI on Texas BON Declaratory Order

[themixedmind]

Hi everyone!

So, I'm a 19 year old undergrad right now trying to complete my nursing prereqs so I can apply and then transfer to nursing school. I've read through Texas nursing school websites and all require background checks and this thing called a declaratory order, as which some of you may be familiar with. Now, it's only required if you meet some of the criteria, which I meet 2 of them. I have a mental illness and I was charged for possession of marijuana when I was 16 (so 3 years ago). As far as my mental illness goes, I was diagnosed with schizophreniform by a psychiatrist when I was hospitalized (yes, I was hospitalized for my MI, actually 5 times...oops..). And, as far as my possession charge, I was charged for possession of 0.4 grams at school when I was 16. My question is, will this stop me from being a nurse/will I not pass the declaratory order eligibility process w/e to become a nurse or will I be okay and should stop worrying about whether I should run a background check on myself, seek further diagnosis, etc. BTW, I'm also up for a psych eval. this next month (April 2016) to see what my updated diagnosis would be.

Also, timeline wise, I'm finishing my freshman year of college, so I will be applying to nursing programs this upcoming winter and January of next year as that is when the applications open. I just want to know now because I hear/have read that it takes 3-6 months to get a response back from the TX BON about the order..

So, thank you for reading and all your responses, I hope to be a nurse with y'all! Thank you!

[BSN2017]

Hi! I just went through the DO process and got approved. It's very tricky. If you have any questions let me know! Also, start the DO paperwork now! It takes a long time. You usually get a decision closer to the 6 months mark if all court documents are correct and in order. And if your case has to be reviewed by another department it's another 3-6 months and most schools require a letter of approval before accepting you. Also, If you are missing paperwork, you have to send it and wait for the committee to go for review again to look at it & they usually go only once a month. So get started now! Good luck!!