TX BON and DO's followed by Forensic Eval & Poly

Published

Thank you I have a bit of dilemma so I will attempt to keep this short and to the point. I am 50 years old and a cancer survivor who has discovered my passion and what I believe my God given destiny to become a nurse, an Oncology nurse to be specific. I was accepted to the ADN program in Texas and began classes in August. I have a nice GPA at 3.68 and absolutely love this program and all that I am learning and have even become a mentor to some of the girls being so much older. I sent my Declaratory form to the BON in January 2018 when I got finger printed as when I was between the years of 19 and 23 back in the late 80's and early 90's, I was a confused kid running from the pain of divorced parents and truly out of control and on a path of self destruction. There are no excuses for what I have done as I broke the law with the charges of forgery, theft under $200, and credit card abuse. I changed my life and am determined to have a good life and be the good and decent person I know that I am. I am not a saint by no means, but I am a good person with a good heart and all the best intentions to live out my life and make a positive difference where I can. I am a mother and grandmother, and I have made a good life with only 1 speeding ticket since 1992. The BON understandably sent my file to enforcement and I am now directed to do a "forensic psychological evaluation" and polygraph this coming Tuesday and it is going to cost me $3000 total. I understand the process and I am without hesitation going to drain my savings, literally, and pay this to get it done and submitted to the BON for further review and I pray the blessing of the Board to test for my NCLEX in 2 years.

My question is, as I am spending this money and already $15,000 in student loans and in nursing school presently. In doing what the Board is asking willingly and honestly, am I going to get a yes? Or are they going to say no and squash my dream of being an Oncology nurse? All the crimes and mistakes and poor choices I made revolving around my past were over 25 years ago and as I understand the circumstances to my actions and own them, learned from them, and straightened my life out; it is a bit painful to have them continue to dictate my future when I have worked so very hard to overcome my past and build a positive and productive today and future.

So, any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I suspect you'll get a yes, but there are no guarantees. Every case is judged individually.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your comment, this can be a little nerve racking and I am trying so hard to do everything they ask of me to pursue my dream.

Thank you again

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU + 25 years as Nursing Faculty.

Look at it this way... these tests give the board a way to say "YES". The board needs a way to justify awarding a license to someone with your background. With ONLY your background information I bet that they would say "NO" . However, these tests give them external evidence (not just your story) to support "YES".

I suspect that if your story of having turned yourself around is accurate, the testing will show that, and you will get you DO. Unfortunately, that process can be SLOW.

Good Luck!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your comment, and yes, it is a slow process with the BON. However, my heart is in this so I will do whatever is asked of me willingly and honestly and hopefully the Board will find that I am a better person today and that I will do the nursing community a good service and a nurse they can be proud of. Thank you again

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion