Will my criminal history squash my dreams of being an Oncology Nurse?

Lorie Brown RN, MN, JD · Nov 11, 2018

Good morning Lorie,

Thank you so much for giving us this forum for questions. 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 an 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 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 5 times in a 4 year period with the charges of forgery, theft under $200, and credit card abuse. I went to prison for 7 years and got out 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 from you would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Dear Worried About Past

When you have something in the past, the Board takes each case individually. I suggest you follow their recommendations. Being truthful is always best.

I wish you the best.

Lorie