success although bittersweet

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Well I am so excited. I applied to the board of nursing on Saturday for my RN license (fingerprinted the same day) and received my ATT yesterday!!!!! I have a total of three misdemeanors involving the same situation but was only found guilty of one, affray(fighting). I turned in my letter of explanation and court dispostions around the end of April. I was scared that it would be lost but wanted to hand deliver it myself just to know it got there. I called yesterday just to make sure the documents were put with my application file and was told that it would take until the end of the week before I would hear anything. The call was placed at 9am and at 1pm when I checked my email my ATT was in my inbox. I was so surprised and excited and although there's still a chance of a delay even after passing the NCLEX, which I take June 3rd, this is great news for me. I've been reading this section of the site for months and was disheartened after hearing how hard of a time people were getting from their boards of nursing because of things on their background. I live in GA which I've heard is a very strict board especially on those who have a criminal background, I am glad my ATT has not been delayed and see the fast response as a good sign. I will update as soon as I pass the NCLEX on how long it takes to receive my license number. God is GOOD, hang in there anyone worried or discouraged about going through the process of getting a license with a criminal background.

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Being approved to take the NCLEX and even getting your license is not the problem. When I appeared before the board they approved me with a solitary misdemeanor a decade ago and wished me luck, albeit with a "probationary" license.

I took the NCLEX and passed in the first 80 questions and received my license the same day.

That was 150+ applications, 3 interviews, and 8 months ago! LOL Still no job despite everyone that graduated in my class and now working pulling for me with their D.O.N.s

I was even hired by one place.... until I went in to take my TB test and get my schedule. "We are SO sorry" they said. A little-bitty misdemeanor 10 years ago. I swear on my grave. No one can believe it.

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like I have posted many times... it is very easy to get your license. its finding a JOB with a criminal background....

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I have a job have been hired since March but just started in May at the second largest hospital in GA as a nurse extern graduate which will go to clinical nurse as soon as my license # posts. I also had an offer from another hospital both ran background and my misdemeanor is only 2 years old ::shrug:: guess it depends on ur state and their nursing shortage. The three ppl hired for the floor I'm working as extern graduates all have criminal history

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WOW!!!!!

Help me find an apartment there! Help a brother out! LOL

Hey... seriously, good for you! Cheers, friend!

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I'm just a little confused. I am in TN, and the dean at my school told me that I would have no problem taking the NCLEX. (I have 2 convictions from over 7 years ago). She told me that the BON would let me take the NCLEX, but they could still deny my license even after I pass it. She said taking the test is not the problem, the problem is getting the license. Maybe it's different in GA?

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LOL thanks I was nervous about my criminal background but I guess here in Georgia they are just looking for Someone with a pulse but I do think it depends on the hospital's needs. The job I got is on the indigent floor of the hospital and is supposed to be the hardest floor in the hospital with a high turnover rate

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In Indiana, you go before the B.O.N. before you take the NCLEX. They tell you then what you have to do to be approved to take the NCLEX and/or if you will get a "probationary" license. IMHO, the should hand out "probationary licenses" in bubble gum packages like baseball cards, as much good as they do you. LOL

Check it out. You might be able to save yourself the $250.00 NCLEX fee. If your B.O.N is going to give you a probationary license, I can tell you from experience the paper they use makes for a very uncomfortable wipe. LOL

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Hmmm I don't think a catfight constitutes a probationary license but we'll see. I'm gonna keep people updated

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i have applied to ga bon and was told to check yes if i have ever been convicted of any crime even if it has been dismissed, closed etc...i got an underage possession of etoh when i was 18 and sent in all documents to the bon... i called to check to see if they got everything and they said they have 10 days to respond to me. it has only been 7 days since i turned in to court docs but i am worried sick over it. has anyone experienced this and can tell me what to expect? also, i was not arrested or fingerprinted for this charge; will it even show up in my background check? i thought if you are not fingerprinted than you have no record??

do they look at anything from when you were under the age of 18 as a minor? it is not clear on the bon site and i was told they do not look at incidences from when you were a minor. my biggest concern is i was offered a job that requires me to have my license by aug 1, meaning i need to take it by end of june.... help!!! i am so worried! any advice is so appreciated! j

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Two people I have met have the same charge as u (underage drinking) I don't think this held them back from receiving their att they haven't tested yet. Also the assistant director of our unit had the charge and obviously he got licensed. I think as long as you are honest you should be fine. Don't overstress yourself several people who have clear backgrounds in my cohort have applied and are still waiting. The GA board is VERY busy this time of year with a lot of people graduating

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Hey Tiger, I'm in Indiana. I have a petty theft charge from 7 years ago. So I can't register for the Nclex until the BON approves my application? I know they recently changed their policy and now require fingerprinting as well.... Have you taken the NCLEX or what's your situation like? Thanks.

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