Virginia RN licensure w/ misdemeanor

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I graduated with my BSN with a gpa of 3.7 in May 2013. I applied to take my boards in March and everything was sent in by the end of May. I disclosed that I was convicted of a misdemeanor (concealment of goods under 200) in 2011 before starting nursing school. I explained the circumstances around it and provided official court documents and a supporting letter indicating rehabilitation. Throughout nursing school, criminal background checks were required before each year, therefore I had to get approval from the facilities to do my clinicals there. All three facilities approved me with no problem. I was hiring at our local hospital on the Neuroscience floor. My employer was and is aware of my background check and it went through an approval process. I will have been there 3 months on August 20th.

To the point of my post: the VA board of nursing's approval process has been very slow and there's a big lack of communication between us with what has been going on. I just received a letter yesterday stating that I had to attend an informal conference hearing before a final decision was made. The kicker is that I have no idea when this conference is going to be, all they told me was they would let me know 30 days before the date of the hearing. This would be fine if I wasn't required to test by August 20th for my employer. I spoke with a lawyer today and he said these types of cases are very common and almost always work out, especially with the circumstances surrounding my case.

Most of my classmates applied for licensure in Tennessee and a few had misdemeanors on their background check. The approval process was done in a month for them and they were allowed to test without going before the board. I was wondering if it would be in my best interest to also apply for licensure in Tennessee in hopes of getting a quicker test date.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but it's a very complicated situation. I appreciate any helpful input and please no lectures on my mistakes of my past. I am very sorry for what I did and I have paid for it every day since then. I'm just wanting to move forward with my life and achieve my dreams.

Thanks so much in advance.

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I am also in the midst of trying to prove "Good Moral Character". I graduated in May 2013 and applied for licensure with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing in the middle of July as I had a few last classes to tie up. I disclosed my only misdemeanor, an OUI from 2003 and provided all required documentation and even offered additional professional/educational/personal character references to the Board. I received an email yesterday from the BRN that stated "Your evaluation is complete. You will receive written notification of the Board's decision and information regarding your application for licensure by U.S. mail within three to five business days." I just feel like this is a terrible sign. I have not received an ATT and from talking to others who have been through this same procedure, usually the ATT appears almost immediately after their decision. I know I shouldn't be freaking out until I have that letter in hand, but I cannot help it. I have worked so hard to achieve my BSN and have NEVER done anything since that stupid night 11 years ago. I am so scared and frustrated right now. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this, especially with the Mass BRN? Please any information will be helpful!

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@tandv---Any update on the VA BON licensure process and finding a job? I am in a similar situation and am in Nursing School. I had a misdemeanor from 3 years ago for petty larceny (pick-pocket,less than $5). The case got dismissed and I was never "convicted", but I'm worried how it will affect clinicals/licensure/employment. If you dont mind me asking, could you post/private message me about where those clinicals took place and where you were able to get hired in Virginia? Thanks!

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Any update with the VA BON?

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