Awyren73

Thank you for your reply. I have contacted an attorney and should be able to speak with him next week. That was the same document I was referred to when I spoke with the Board of Nursing; however, I was not convicted (the charges were dropped) so I think that's where I'm not clear. Thank you! I will see what the attorney suggests.

Hi, About 8 years ago, I was arrested for petty shoplifting. Because it was my first & only offense, I received an "adjournment contemplating of dismissal;" basically, if I had no other offenses within the next six months, the charges would be dismissed. Naturally, this was the case, and as far as New York State is concerned, the records (including the arrest record) were sealed. Since then, I've had jobs working in health & human services with developmentally disabled adults and children, and was also a preschool teacher. All of my positions required fingerprinting and background checks, and it never barred me from getting a job. I'm graduating next month (BSN program) and I am wondering how to proceed with my application for licensure. I'm assuming it's something I have to disclose, but when I emailed the Virginia BON to inquire, they referred me to their website, which says nothing about sealed records. I'm incredibly nervous about the whole thing, and regret this mistake every day. It was stupid, but I have contributed a great deal to society since then and I believe I will be a great nurse. I am in the Sigma Theta Tau honor society, have a GPA of about a 3.8 and have stellar recommendations from professors and clinical advisors. I realize this is a mistake I have to live with (and trust me, I have dealt with the guilt and remorse every day), but it will not affect how I practice as a nurse. Does anyone have any suggestions on this matter? I will probably hire a lawyer and seek legal assistance, especially because I already have interviews for jobs right out of school. Thanks so much. -TH