When should I apply for NCLEX-RN? California

[nalie2, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, NP]

I will be graduating from nursing school in December. I went to a board meeting for the BRN as part of my school's curriculum and they told us to apply for the NCLEX 2 weeks before graduating from nursing school.

I have a criminal history and I know they will take longer to review my application because of that. I am curious if anyone who has been in this situation can give some input. I don't want to apply too early because the board staff said they tend to lose documents if we apply too early, but I want to allow enough time for them to review my documents. I have almost everything I need ready.

A second question I have is the board wants a work performance evaluation, but my job won't give me one until I have been there for a year. Can I submit my documents without a work performance evaluation? Surely there must have been applicants that didn't have a job and couldn't provide this either.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[concernednurse67]

Hi,

I just did this recently. I applied two weeks after I graduated. I know most people in my class applied a bit earlier prior to graduation. In regards to the timeline, I heard back fairly quick- about the same amount of time it took for the rest of the people in my class. Just make sure you have all your documents organized and ready. This is what I would prep before you graduate. Start asking people such as your professors, mentors, co-workers for character reference letters early on. Also start on your letter explaining your charges to the CA BON and detail what you have done since your conviction to show that you arent that person anymore.

Lastly, I did not ask my current job for a job evaluation. So don't worry about it. You can ask your co-worker to write a letter for you and its just as good. Good luck, feel free to ask me if you have any other questions.

[Tdizzle]

Hi Nalie, what was your conviction if you dont mind me asking? Also did you disclose this on your application? What is your status now? I graduated 2017 and hired a BON lawyer to help me with the mit package to submit my character letters so I can take the NCLEX. Has anyone been in the same situation? I have one isolated criminal record with a dismissed felony/misdemenor and am submitting my application soon. Let me know your experiences please. Thanks!

[nalie2, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, NP]

Hi Tdizzle! I had 2 petty theft charges in 2009. I did disclose this in my application and submitted 7 character letters, 1 letter showing my volunteer hours, the court papers and arrest papers the BRN requests as well as my statement.

I applied December 1, graduated December 14, got my ATT February 7, and I took (and passed) NCLEX at the end of February. I now have an unrestricted license, no probation or anything.

Some of my classmates without convictions applied the same week of December that I did and they get their ATTs two weeks before me. Are you in California?