illinoisbound

As far as I know, single-issues (I.e. like one misdemeanor) are likely reviewed by a single person. Pretty much as soon as they received my certified docs, my license was issued.

First of all--super similar circumstances and I'm licensed without restriction in Illinois. Each board will be different, of course. I recommend if you have it in your resources to at least speak with a few nursing attorneys. There was one I spoke with in IL who was super helpful and I never spent a dime on those phone calls. I highly recommend getting state-specific information. For IL, I had to apply for ATT, sit for NCLEX, provide all my documents to the testing authority and THEN to the nursing board for consideration. My letter of explanation was straight-forward and forward-looking. Hang in there. My DUI was the best and worst thing that happened to me. I was scared that school would find out and I would not have a positive outcome. Be humble, be persistent, and document everything.

I would imagine that it should be the same. Maybe resend any previous correspondence from your LPN application.

For anyone submitting to the BON, you have to assume they will see everything. Unfortunately, people do not realize this sometimes. I have seen other people go through similar issues. For all intents, I thought they already had my paperwork from CTS so I was in the same boat. The best I can say is call the board (call multiple times if you have to because some are better than others) to make sure they received your paperwork. If you get ANY correspondence from the board (i.e. request to appear, informal hearing) I would suggest hiring a nurse attorney.

Cruz--yes I received my license. I actually called IDFPR and found out they needed my court documents and letter of explanation I sent to CTS. You have to send to both CTS and IDFPR. If you don't know what is on your record or you have a clean record, call and ask why the check came back failed. Hope that helps!

Oh no. Illinois issued my license free and clear. I was asking about a job. Maybe this is in the wrong place.

Hey everyone. I don't know if this has already been answered ad nauseum, but I was hoping someone could shed some light. I am a licensed RN in Illinois (new). I disclosed everything to BON about my incident of DUI reduced to reckless driving while in nursing school (horrible mistake, I'm sober now). I am looking for jobs in Chicago. Illinois has a "ban the box" so they are not allowed to ask about arrests/convictions prior to interview. I am in the process of being courted by a major hospital/healthcare organization for a RN Research Coordinator position. I'm obviously going to disclose prior to them running my background check. Does this seem like the right time to disclose the misdemeanor (like on the background check/livescan form)? I've heard some industry people say that you should disclose prior to the offer stage, but I think I'm torn, especially since Illinois has worked hard to protect people who have a criminal record. Any advice/insight? The healthcare network, as far as I can tell, considered Felonies a bar to employment but I haven't seen that to be true for misdemeanors. Should I wait until my job offer?

Hey Donald, take a deep breath. Without giving legal advice, I can tell you that I spoke with a lawyer regarding my DUI/RD and she gave me a lot of verbiage to put in my letter of explanation. There are sites online that will do the same. I had to send in the letter, all relevant court documents, and I even sent in things like my honor society certificate and that I had graduated with honors. Some other people send in letters of rec/character from professionals or different community members. Something I had in mind, but didn't need to employ (I got licensed without issue) was to get a nurse attorney in case you get called in front of the board. Everything I've seen in these kinds of situations is do not go alone, the board is not your friend, etc. I wish you good luck. Take it one step at a time.

I did receive my license, after sending my letter of explanation and documents directly to Springfield (you have to do this in addition to sending it to CTS). The same day they received my letter, my license was posted.

Just an update. After sending my official letter of explanation to Springfield (you have to send to both CTS and IDFPR) and all supporting documents, I received my license today! No restrictions. SO HAPPY!

How long did it take you for your license to post after you sent your letter? I'm still waiting on mine.

Congratulations AmiC! Do you know where you will be working yet? I am hoping to get mine soon. Unfortunately, I had a criminal conviction in my background (misdemeanor) that I disclosed at the time of my application for the ATT, and I'm just hoping that all is well and I get my license in a timely fashion with no more roadblocks.

I would jump for joy if mine posted in 2 weeks! Are you recently licensed? I'm in FL so I don't have any friends with whom to compare notes.

Mine arrived today! I tested on 2/15, saw my pass on the website 2/16. The day that I e-mailed the rep and she told me the delay was 4-6 weeks, the letter was postmarked (2/26). I received the letter today, 3/2. For anyone else who is curious. I sent my money order (I heard this is faster than personal check) and certified it via USPS. Estimated date of delivery is Monday! I'll update this if I see my license!

Thanks for your reply! I hope that it's closer to 2 weeks and not 4-6. I can only imagine licensing will take even longer. I guess they don't need nurses that badly.