Success story

[rockon101]

I have been reading all these post for a while and I had promised myself that once my issues got resolved I will put a post for those out there who needs help.

I had criminal background that happened 13 years ago and I just graduated from nursing school. I was trying to resolve it so I don't have to say yes for the criminal record on my application. Well, everyone knows how it is with lawyers and courts. I kept on getting dates far from my graduation date. I was looking forward to taking the test and getting my license and all of a sudden my life was on hold.

I went on the department of health website read the information and braced myself for the worst.

For those of you out there with criminal records have your paper work ready before you graduate. It is not end of the world. I got approval and took the test and passed and now I am registered nurse.

I just wanted everyone to know it is possible. Be truthful and have your paperwork ready so you can apply right away.

[livinlife67]

this is in response to the two other posters who said they had convictions on their records...particularly the poster who is also in Arkansas, as I am. After reading this post, I just decided to not waste my time worrying anymore, so I picked up the phone and called the Arkansas Board of Nursing. I spoke the lady who actually reviews the applications with positive criminal history. I dont think I can post her name here publicly, but you can call the ABON and tell them what you want and they will transfer you to her. She was SOOO nice and understanding. She said that she sees hundreds of these applications every WEEK. She said that hot checks wont keep you from getting your license...she said if that was the case....there would be an even bigger shortage of nurses because we've all pretty much had a bad check at some point in our lives. She said as long as they were misdemeanors that it would be fine. She did say that if you have anything more than a misdemeanor, it can take a long time to get an answer from them. If its only a misdemeanor, there might be a slight delay because there are so many of these applications that have to be reviewed. Also...BIG STATEMENT HERE....IF you answer dishonestly on your application and then something comes up (and it will because she told me they can see everything that law enforcement agencies can see) that you will be denied permission to test and to hold an Arkansas license! Her exact words were "a big part of being a nurse is your integrity and honesty, so if you can't answer honestly on your nursing licensure application, that says a lot about a person!" She said that even if you have a felony....some things can be overlooked...but that you have to be honest, just face it head on, and get through it! I feel tons better. I told her that I had been terribly worried about it...and that I was on my way to school at the very moment I was speaking with her from my cell phone...and that I just didn't want to worry about this anymore. Her words were "You go on to school, dont give this any more concern, and you have a great day studying!" So...hope this give some of you hope...especially those in Arkansas. Have a great day! Study study study! HAHA