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!

Yesterday, I got the news. I am a bonafide RN. 7 years ago when I started school, I thought I knew what that meant. 3 years ago when I started nursing school, I thought I knew- and now, 1yr and 3 months after graduation... I got a DUI nearly 9 years ago. In June of 2015 I applied for my license in California. I sent in a few character reference letters with my application and November 2015- my application was denied. 8 years later! I was still denied! I really couldn't believe it. I was devastated. And so the appeal began. I signed up for some formal chemical dependency education classes and got myself a chemical dependency evaluation. I sent in several more character reference letters. And waited. In April of 2016, I received a Statement of Issues. This was the real beginning of the appeal. It was scary- to say the least. It illustrated exactly how and why the board denied my application. I received a call from the Attorney General. I made myself very clear that I would not take a probationary license and that I would go to a hearing before ever considering one. I sent in another cover letter, a work performance eval, copies of everything I had already sent, and MORE character reference letters. 4 days later I received another call from the Attorney General- the board offered 3 years probation with terms 1-19. Are you kidding me!! But, I have done all of these things! How have I not satisified the criteria for rehabilitation!? Did they even LOOK at the evidence I mailed in? I was sick. I said no- I won't take it and I still want a hearing. I was asked if I had a counter offer. I honestly did not have anything thought up but the first thing to come to mind was a letter of reprimand. The next afternoon I got a call. The board settled on a letter of reprimand- a full license without restriction or probation and no fines. I had 15 months to dwell on this situation. 15 months to really think about why a DUI is such a big deal. The board is right. How can a person who risks their own life and the livelihood of others be trusted with the care of others? Why should they let anyone through who hasn't absolutely 100% made right with the situation. How can they even be sure? Why should they take a risk on you being careless again... With other human beings? If you really don't think a DUI is a big deal- if you think the board is wrong and you lack remorse- maybe you shouldn't be a nurse. If you are not humble enough to recognize why it's such a big deal then you're not ready and you shouldn't be given the privilege or responsibility. I did not have legal representation because I can't afford it. I also did not lie to the board. I owned it. And I'm fairly certain that's the only reason I made it through. Not unscathed, but without restrictions. Be genuine, humble, and honest. Advocate for yourself. Don't try to act like it was no big deal. Its a big deal. I'm happy to share details if anyone needs help. I sought guidance from peers which got me started on the right direction anyways.

Yesterday, I got the news. I am a bonafide RN. 7 years ago when I started school, I thought I knew what that meant. 3 years ago when I started nursing school, I thought I knew- and now, 1 and 3 months year after graduation... I got a DUI nearly 9 years ago. In June of 2015 I applied for my license in California. I sent in a few character reference letters with my application and November 2015- my application was denied. 8 years later! I was still denied! I really couldn't believe it. I was devastated. And so the appeal began. I signed up for some formal chemical dependency education classes and got myself a chemical dependency evaluation. I sent in several more character reference letters. And waited. In April of 2016, I received a Statement of Issues. This was the real beginning of the appeal. It was scary- to say the least. It illustrated exactly how and why the board denied my application. I received a call from the Attorney General. I made myself very clear that I would not take a probationary license and that I would go to a hearing before ever considering one. I sent in another cover letter, a work performance eval, copies of everything I had already sent, and MORE character reference letters. 4 days later I received another call from the Attorney General- the board offered 3 years probation with terms 1-19. Are you kidding me!! But, I have done all of these things! How have I not satisified the criteria for rehabilitation!? Did they even LOOK at the evidence I mailed in? I was sick. I said no- I won't take it and I still want a hearing. I was asked if I had a counter offer. I honestly did not have anything thought up but the first thing to come to mind was a letter of reprimand. The next afternoon I got a call. The board settled on a letter of reprimand- a full license without restriction or probation and no fines. I had 15 months to dwell on this situation. 15 months to really think about why a DUI is such a big deal. The board is right. How can a person who risks their own life and the livelihood of others be trusted with the care of others? Why should they let anyone through who hasn't absolutely 100% made right with the situation. How can they even be sure? Why should they take a risk on you being careless again... With other human beings? If you really don't think a DUI is a big deal- if you think the board is wrong and you lack remorse- maybe you shouldn't be a nurse. If you are not humble enough to recognize why it's such a big deal then you're not ready and you shouldn't be given the privilege or responsibility. I did not have legal representation because I can't afford it. I also did not lie to the board. I owned it. And I'm fairly certain that's the only reason I made it through. Not unscathed, but without restrictions. Be genuine, humble, and honest. Advocate for yourself. Don't try to act like it was no big deal. Its a big deal. Good luck and if you need guidance maybe I can help but probably not much.

I had this, a group of students I thought I could relate with. One of them had been a friend for years. And along came the drama! Then, the rumors. I was reported to the dean for standing up for myself. These girls make up half my clinical group. Since this happened (beginning of semester) they have done anything/everything in their power to make me hate nursing school. Since they complained on me, Im afraid to say anything because I dont want to be removed from my group. Im fairly certain theyve involved other staff as well, based on the attitudes I get from other instructors. I dont know what to do.

Hello Everyone! I'm looking for some good, juicy, med math problems. Even conversions. I cannot seem to find any good quizzes online (I can do all the problems in my head)and I'm hoping maybe for some contributions? Anyone out there with some good med math problems, if you'd donate 'em I'd be so grateful!! Please help!

I start in January,and have this huge stack of books, where should i begin? Understanding Pathophysiology, Care plans? Pharmacology?

I'm also starting @ FCC Spring 2014! And, need a job!! I've been out of school for 2 years and reading a lot of the posts in the student section I've realized, I really need to review!! Any tips on what to review or where to start would be awesome!

Oopsy!

I'm in CA, by the way.. It looks like the board here approves everyone who admits addiction and gets help, and denies all the others.. Do you see this trend?

Thanks Meriwhen the RN... AA is for alcoholics. Going to AA, and telling them that I go to AA, does more than just suggest alcoholism. I don't see how telling the board that I'm an alcoholic when I'm not even an alcoholic would improve my chances...?? Isn't there something else I can do to prove myself without also throwing myself even further under the bus? This was in 2007. Its 2013 now, I graduate 2015. Not everyone who has an incident with alcohol is addicted to it! I can hardly afford school, a lawyer is way out of the question!! Any ideas for community service maybe?

Hello All! I am new to the community, this is my first post. I too, have a DUI. Mine occurred back in 2007, I had passengers in my car and my bac was .22. Prior to that, I have a driving on a suspended license (non-paid ticket), and I got a speeding ticket but I can't recall whether it was "reckless driving." Anyhow, since the DUI I stopped drinking. I've paid my fines, done my time, and classes.... I have had no further trouble with the law. I started college in 2008, and had to wait 2.5 years in a lottery program. Now, I've finally been accepted and start the program this Spring (January). I'm very concerned that my application to sit for the NCLEX will be denied, and I want to do whatever I can/need to do way in advance so that hopefully I can save myself some time. I would really appreciate any advice I can get! Thanks guys :)