troubled past

Trauma Columnist · Aug 23, 2012

Let me move this to nursing licensure with a criminal history forum.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2012

The issue will likely not be getting into nursing school. Nursing schools tend to have a more forgiving approach to past criminal history. After all, you're paying them to attend school so it's in their benefit to let you in.

The problem you'll likely encounter is when you try to apply for licensure through the BON. You'll have to disclose your previous DUI's and arrests and some states will require that you submit court documents that explain the charges. Then, if the BON decides it's necessary, your application is submitted to a committee for review and the committee decides if you'll be granted a license and if there will be any probationary restrictions on that license. The entire process can take months and there is no guarantee that you'll be given a license. And if you are given a license with restrictions, some places will be less willing to hire you.

While you can try calling the BON in your state and asking if you would likely be issued a license, given your history, they will probably tell you that they consider each person on a case by case basis and can't give you an answer until you apply. I'd suggest posting in your state forum to see if anyone has applied to the BON with a similar history and what the result of their application was.

That's the reality facing you. You may very well end up being granted a nursing license after completing school and applying to the BON, but it may be difficult to get there. But only you can decide if pursuing your goal of becoming a nurse is worth the trouble that you may have to go through. Good luck. :-)