Uh oh- soliciting conviction and my license app.

[sailorman12]

Hi,

I've read some old posts on here about this subject, but, none were still open and none specifically addressed my pathetic situation, so, here goes...

I'm just starting my pre-nursing studies here in California. I'm completing a BA in Public Health and working on my nursing school pre-reqs at the same time. I'm stoked on the new career and really excited. I expect to be done and applying for a license in 4-5 years. But......

I'm embarrassed to say it, but, I was busted for soliciting a prostitute the other day. Actually, she solicited me and I assented, but, the point is I was arrested for it. I know, it was a stupid thing to do and I am well aware of the lameness of my decision not just for me but because of all the issues surrounding prostitution and it's effects on women, men, and society. But, in my defense, let me note that the past two weeks were hell with one sister in the hospital for septic shock and my father concurrently in for brian surgery and I was alone and scared and in a strange town. I was stupid and a cad. I realize now that my mistake was grave and completely at odds with my desire to serve ill and needy populations and I am ashamed.

I've been offered a diversion program in leiu of being charged and convicted. The diversion program is 1000.00 and an 8 hour education course. I've considered fighting the charge as I feel like I was somewhat *entrapped* but, I am leery that I would win and if I lost the penalites would be more severe. In California the BON requires that I disclose this non-conviction anyway and they do have the power to discover it when they do a background check because expungment in CA is not really expungement at all. Plus, I believe that honesty is the best policy.

So, I've checked and soliciting prostitutes, a misdemeanor, is not one of the big offenses that disqualify one right off as it's not assault, involving drugs or minors, fraud, etc. and it does not seem to be *substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business or profession for which the license was issued* (from the CA Business and Professional code) But, I am wondering if it will be a real big problem.

I do have two other misdemeanors to worry about. One, tresspassing during a peace protest 21 years ago and the other, offending Public Decency (streaking) 18 years ago. the peace action I can explain as political protest and the other is somewhat remedied by the fact that I have been clean and sober for 15 years now and such silly behavior is behind me as it was alcohol related.

I've spoken with the California BON enforcement and was told that as long as I display completion of the diversion program education course, complete my studies well, and don't get in any more trouble for the next 4-5 years then I should be fine and *have a long career* as she put it. I thought that some counseling would be appropriate and perhaps even structuring some of my Public Health internships and projects around the prostitution issue might be helpful and a good penance. Another woman who deals with licensing at the BON said she's seen worse and I should be fine, especially as my application is 4-5 years away. But, they deal with it on a case by case basis and one won't know til one applies.

So, I'd like to hear from anyone who might have particular insight into the issues surrounding my particualr crime, or insights into prior misdemeanor convictions and how it affects licensing in general. It would be a great help!

As I am just embarking on nursing education, I am worried that I might spend 4 years and all my life savings trying to reach a goal that I can never attain because of one stupid decision.

(And please, if you think I'm an ass then you can refrain from flaming me because of my poor judgement and objectification of women. I am punishing myself plenty already.)

Thanks.

Anon.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history?
  
• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a dui or other related charges?
  
• what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  
• can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed if my record has been sealed or expunged?

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

please refer to this thread for other information:

nursing licensure with a criminal history