Success So Far!

[orcagrrrl2003]

I lurk here, don't think I have really posted much! I just wanted to give some positive news to those that need/want it. I was convicted of criminal mistreatment I in 2005 for having a dirty house. After completing probation and everything else needed, I got it dropped to a misdemeanor. As a felony it could not be expunged since it was considered child abuse, but not as a misdemeanor. The problem popped up while trying to get my expungement. Seems that there was NO misdemeanor of that crime. A few thousand dollars and court dates later, I was finally granted my expungement.

I got into nursing school and passed the first year, our crazy program started at 48 and only 34 made it. So the time finally came for the NCLEX-PN. After talking to our Dean, who is also a member of the BON, my lawyer, and the BON, I sent in my application. I was ready to fight. I had all kinds of papers, recommendation letters, anything I thought might help me with the BON. They would not tell me what I needed to send in, or what the procedure was, so I just sent everything and crossed my fingers. I waited for a letter informing me I needed to appear before them or send in more information, but all I got was my ATT. I figured I would have to take and pass the NCLEX before they would tell me what to do. WOW, I had a tough time with that test, I haven't cried that hard in a long time! I passed and waited for my license. A fellow student who took the test the day before me already had her license, but mine was not popping up online. I started to prepare for what might be a long wait. There would be no point in me continuing to second year if I cannot get my license.

Turns out I was stressed for nothing! I got a letter the next day, asking when I wanted my license because I would need to renew on my birthday, only a few months away. I was not sure if this meant they had looked into my history yet, so I said I wanted it now! 15 minutes later it popped up, and I am now officially an LPN. Yes, I know the hard part is finding a job, but supposedly because of my expungement it only shows to Government agencies, like the BON. I have had 3 regular checks done and it did not show up! I have had 3 job offers already, but I am taking the summer off before I get my RN. Hopefully I have a job next year at the main hospital in town, as my background check went through no problem for cooperative work experience.

While my story is different because of my expungement, I just wanted to share. Best of luck to everyone, and keep faith! Everything happens for a reason, whether we know the reason or not.

~One Happy LPN

[PhoenixTech, LPN]

Congratulations and thank you for taking the time to share your story. I liked the fact that all through your fears you kept moving forward. How inspiring.