Writing Explanation Letter (criminal hx) For Nursing Board

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Members are discussing the process of writing a letter of explanation for past criminal convictions when applying for nursing licensure. Some are seeking advice on what to include in the letter, while others are sharing their experiences with legal representation and submitting documentation to the Board of Nursing. There is also a focus on taking responsibility, showing remorse, and demonstrating rehabilitation in the letters.

I am just about to graduate nursing school. I am at the point where we are finishing up paperwork and registering for the NCLEX. Due to a misdemeanor charge that I plead guilty to about 11 years ago, I need to include an explanation letter with my application for licensure.

I am having a difficult time with this because I don't exactly what I should include in the letter. I understand that I need to include how I have changed, remorse for the crime, why I can now be trusted, ect... But I am not sure how much detail I am supposed to include about the actual circumstances surrounding my being charged with the crime. I am including all of the paperwork with my application that includes the arrest affidavit, statements from the person(s) who filed charges against me.

My dilemma is that I feel like I should be offering explanation, basically my side of the story, and what led up to the event. But at the same time I don't want to sound as if I am placing blame or giving excuses. However, there were extenuating circumstances that I think I should mention. So I don't know if I should go into all of that detail, or do I just explain that I am remorseful and sorry for my mistakes and leave it at that?

I have not been arrested repeatedly. This incident is the only criminal history that I have and it was almost 11 years ago. I have not had so much as a speeding ticket since that time.

If anyone else has experience writing a letter of this type and could offer some guidance I would be forever grateful. I have worked so hard to get through school and have overcome so much to get here. I am a single mother just getting out of a very unhealthy marriage and I feel like my ability to provide a good future for my children is resting on this one last hurdle, obtaining the license. So obviously this letter is stressing me out quite a bit.

Thank you in advance for any guidance and support that you can provide.

State the facts (without emotion), state your part in it and what you have done to change your life. Make no excuses... It can actually be a very brief letter.

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
On 6/13/2019 at 11:59 AM, JOANNA CALIFORNIA said:

My conviction is not DUI? My was for embezzlement - I was working at store during that time and my ex brother in law went to buy stuff and used a stolen credit card. He then later returned and bought more stuff and used the same card. I didn't know he was using a stolen credit card when the next day I went to work and 2 officers were waiting for me at the store and was arrested. I was not tried with him. Dont know why. A few years later I went to get my record on that felony and I found that not only did my ex brother in law stated I knew about it but he also had his brother in law state the same thing. Anyways I ended doing community service and paying restitution and since then I haven't gotten to any trouble but my nursing career and future has never been the same. I went to work full time but i was also unhappy how my life turnout to be. But new laws changing in California i know believe i can have a second chance on getting my nursing license but I dont know how to start my letter?

Do not compose your letter as above.

You must take responsibility, show remorse and show that you have rehabilitated. The BON will look to see that you are not the same person who made a mistake.

Specializes in Intensive Care.

I went through this same situation when I graduated in 2009. My charge was from 2001. Like the others stated, make sure to own up to your responsibility, but also make sure they know and feel your passion for a desire to right your wrongs and do good with your life.

I too fell on the floor and cried when I received the phone call from the BON allowing me to test.

Furthermore, I will never do anything to put my license in jeopardy as the stress of initial licensure was bad enough.

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Here's some help on "How to Write a Letter of Explanation to the BON" Best wishes

Thank you so much for all the words of advice and encouragement. I am truly touched by all the support and people who too the time to respond to my posting. I have read every suggestion carefully and hopefully will be able to return with good news soon! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for helping me through this!

Specializes in Step-Down Cardiac Unit.

Im sorry, what state were you in, I have overcome so much in my life, i have struggled and was determined to beat the odds. I too work in the medical field and went to school excelled top of my class awards, scholarships and all. i haves had the support of my hospital that i work in, letters of recommendation, evaluations that are best in dept. in-addition I passed nclex 75 questions, waiting for application to be viewed bc of previous backround hx drug related 8yrs ago. i wanted to see if anyone knows the process. ny state?

Hi Carrie_c. I'm about to graduate in May. I have to write a letter to the TN BON too. Did you give to your school the letter and all court records so they could include and send all of those with your application? or did you send them separately?

MelodyinTN2015 said:
Thank you so much for all the words of advice and encouragement. I am truly touched by all the support and people who too the time to respond to my posting. I have read every suggestion carefully and hopefully will be able to return with good news soon! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for helping me through this!

Hi Melody, I was wondering if you had an update? I too have to send in a letter but for something I wasn't charged for or convicted of 9 years ago; I was just arrested. I was hoping you could offer some words of encouragement that everything panned out?

I'm in the same situation now and I don't know what to send!

Do they want only the Court Disposition? Or the whole rexord? (Arrest/ticket)

Also, they said they want us to prove we complied with court orders. But how can I get proof that I paid court fees and went to a driving improvement class (8hrs) when my infraction happened a decade and half ago?

What documents did you end up sending?

Carrie_c

what all did you have to do extra to deal with your situation besides filling out the criminal bc on the paperwork. I have a misdemeanor from 11 yrs ago and just finished all my classes and Clinical's and will be applying very soon. I also have already accepted a job on a med surg floor pending my boards. I'm very apprehensive. Did you have to go to the state board and testify or anything? Also in my case because it was 11 years ago I am unable to obtain any court documents or police records, as they purge them after ten years.

I have two misdemeanor convictions more than six years ago and I just recently wrote my letter of explanation and sent my expungement paperwork I did not in include police reports I'm hoping that they don't ask for them because they are expensive and time-consuming.

Any way you could send me the contact info for this lawyer?

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