Tigerfly82

The question asks "Do you have...?" The question does not ask "Have you had...?"

... If your states application doesn't care about expunged charges, you should be a-okay ?

So, every documented run in you've had with the law is forever on your FBI rap sheet and the BRN background checks through the FBI. While old and/or dismissed/expunged charges may not show up on your local/state background they will definitely show up on your federal background check. Having forgotten about them or to report them is not going to look any better because you should know what run ins that you've had and you can always access your court documents through your counties records. Honesty is always the best policy and especially when your career is riding on it. I had an 8 year old DUI. I was told by the board prior to applying that they "wouldn't wreck my life over a single mistake" but, not to establish any kind of "pattern behavior, meaning more than once" otherwise I would never be licensed. I'm in CA which is from what I understand far more strict than most other states. I submitted my application with letters of recommendation/reference, a psych eval, proof of drug and alcohol counseling, and the most remorseful letter possible without being desperate and cheesy. It took 18 months to become licensed. They tried to issue a provisionary license, I fought it. I passed my NCLEX in 70 questions. Doesn't matter. I am sorry you've made this course of mistakes and wish you all the best. Hopefully Indiana isn't all that strict and your charges aren't sex/violence/drug/theft/fraud related. I don't know what that leaves. But be the nicest most remorseful person possible and start sending in reference letters ASAP, it also helps to show proof of rehabilitation or any kind or education relative to your charges.

I would find a way to conduct a livescan...If you tell them no and it comes back on your federal background you're likely to be blacklisted

Recently I had to do a Livescan for a government position and I had forgotten the dates/reasons that my drivers license was suspended 15 years ago and I thought that was bad. You forgot about urinating in public and paying $1000 only 5 years ago. This doesn't look good. I would never recommend for you to state "you forgot" - except that you failed to disclose so what other possible excuse is there? Definitely submit copies of the case/outcome with your appeal letter as well as yes, beg for mercy. Maybe something along the lines of thinking of crime being dishonest or violent - which you have never been in any trouble for, so it slipped your mind...? I do have a friend from nursing school who got a ticket for the same thing. He handled his circumstances appropriately by being forthcoming on his application as well as submitting the application with letters of recommendation. There was only a very slight delay in his licensure. I was in trouble for DUI 8 years prior to applying for my RN License in CA which was initially denied. It took 18 months of fighting (on my own, no legal help) to finally get my license. The BRN doesn't want to ruin your life over one mistake, it's pattern behavior (meaning more than one offense of the same nature) that they are looking for. Best of luck to you. Be patient, humble, and most of all remorseful.

In California you apply to sit for the NCLEX via your application for licensure. When you apply, it is likely that you will be approved to sit for the exam but, your approval to sit for the exam will take much longer AND you won't get to know the results until the board decides your case. In my case, I submitted all of the documentation you mentioned along with a psych eval and character reference letters. It took 8 months or so for my approval to take the NCLEX. It took about 18 months to get my license. I applied in June of 2015, took my test in March of 2016 and got my license in November of 2016. I did not share my situation with any of my instructors until the last semester. I have no advice regarding this. What I will say is that any less than absolute remorse is not acceptable. It's not just "in the past" its very much in the present because the BON must determine whether you're fit to deal with the day to day decisions and struggles you'll be faced with. Keep a good attitude. Put your ego away. Try to dismiss nothing. Be willing and ready to eat some crap, because this is the most humbling thing that you'll ever go through, until you're a licensed baby RN that is. It's no one's business, but you're gonna need to prepare yourself for the self doubt that is already ensuing and will just get worse as the days pass in waiting. Don't be in fear, just be strong and open and humble.

I applied 18 months ago. 10 weeks ago I took a settlement agreement for a DUI that's nearly 10 years old. I appreciate the boards screening for public safety but this process is causing me crippling depression. My only complaint is the amount of time they take from your life. It's just not fair.

Right! The craziest part is that they tell you ONE DUI won't really hurt you- but anything more than that and you won't get a license, not in CA. That's what they told me anyways- back in 2008. No one can crucify you like the CA BRN - a career nearly down the drain. It's very sad and nearly requires therapy just to survive the ordeal. Thank you, Meriwhen.

Well... way back when, when they offered me the settlement and I signed it and sent it back I thought I'd have a license soon. 10 weeks later, and almost 16 mos since I applied I still do not have a license. Word to the wise DONT DRINK & DRIVE!

Longer. Lol.

Thanks!

There doesn't have to be an "underlying issue" to make a mistake. Alcohol is part of American culture. Its really easy to go out and have fun drinking- it doesn't mean you are an alcoholic.

Alcohol makes people feel less inhibited, that's the big deal. The problem is that it makes people feel less inhibited. So they may or may not do really stupid things. No telling.

No, not an MD. A substance abuse therapist. I don't remember her title but she had a master's degree and runs a substance abuse program for the state.

Thank you!