Will my past mistakes haunt me? What can i do before it gets there?

[ErikEmme]

So here is the story,

Im 29, and just starting my ADN. I have been researching the requirements for the NCLEX, and notice that a lot of people have issues that have prior records, (100% of them I read were much, much more recent than mine). So I would like a little incite and maybe a "itll be ok" (if it will), on what I should do. At the end of 2006, I was arrested for DUI (I was 19) and it was dropped to a Negligent driving. This is my biggest concern, The next year or so I got a few Driving while suspended, they were all then dropped to non-moving violations. A year ago, my wife and I filed bankruptcy. That is it, that is my life. Is this stuff I should be worried about? or because it was so long ago will I be ok? keeping in mind I have 2 years before I will be asking for NCLEX anyways, so I will be about 12.5 years since my DUI and 3+ years out of my Bankruptcy...

Thank you all so very much for your responses!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

The best place to seek answers is your state BON. They are the ones who have the final determination of whether you get a clear license, a license with stipulations, or no license. It would be best to get an idea ahead of school- just because the school allows you to complete a program doesn't guarantee that the BON will grant a license.

[the_murse_factor]

I don't think the BON "check your credit" so you shouldn't be concerned about that.

I however had a DWLS on my record as well. I had to send the BON a letters of recommendation, and information concerning the case, I also had to write a letter that basically said "I'm a better person now, etc, etc. I took the nclex recently and was granted a license. However, the BON reviews these on a case by case basis. Check the BON webiste and gather information now on what you will need to apply for a license with a previous record. It's not impossible you just have to jump through a few extra hoops.