Writing Explanation Letter (criminal hx) For Nursing Board

Nurses Criminal Nursing Q/A

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.

I am as well. Any luck?

Hi,

I having trouble on how to write a letter of explanation for a conviction I had over 10 years ago in the state of California. I dont know how or where to being writing this letter? Can someone help?

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?

On 6/15/2019 at 9:05 AM, Persephone Paige said:

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.

YES...please, please do not go on and on about the situation. Every letter I have ever read is way too detailed and overstated. And please do not blame another person for your actions. 100% of the letters to the Board that I have read have included this blame.

Just the facts and what you have done to make certain that whatever you are accused of , will never happen again.

Totally agree with leaving out the emotion and making excuses.

I was recently contacted my the BON related to not disclosing my criminal background. I had 2 misdemeanors almost 10 years ago. They were part of a diversion program, and I was told that they would be wiped from my record - therefore, I believed I didn't have to disclose anything. In the past, numerous background checks came back just fine.

I contacted a lawyer who works in this area, and he helped me draft a letter to the BON.

I have passed my NCLEX, and still waiting for the board to review my case. I am supposed to begin my new job in the hospital on July 1st, but was just recently told by a board member that they don't have a meeting to review my case until August 9th.

Any advice as to how I should proceed? I'm losing sleep over this. My job description states that I must "take and pass the NCLEX wishing 3 months of orientation.” So, technically, I don't need my RN right away?

any guidance will be much appreciated.

On 6/22/2019 at 3:30 PM, 707sciguy said:

Wrote my letter to CA BON last year. Began letter with a summary of the event. Included a copy of citation and all related paperwork and documents certified by the court. Make no excuses and take responsibility. I then summarized some issues and hardships I was dealing with in my life that lead up to the event. The next section I spoke of all the things I did since that time. Did you complete probation? Incident free since that time? Went back to school, won awards and scholarships, maintained a high GPA, did community service? Include it all and how you have changed and will not repeat the same mistakes. If you can, get the charges expunged and include that paperwork as well. I also included copies of awards I had won and letters of recommendation from over 25 people. Professors, coworkers, mentors, preceptors, physicians, and spiritual leaders as to their perception of my character and their endorsement of my ability to practice as a nurse. Each letter was hand signed and ended with, "I declare under penalty of perjury that the aforementioned statements are true" START EARLY. There is much to do. I also hired a lawyer to help me get everything sorted out. I used RN Guardians, a legal firm that are experts in these types of situations. After it was all said and done I was allowed to take NCLEX and received my RN license unencumbered. I know it is stressful but with the proper preparation you will be successful. Good luck!

Hey! I read your reply and just have a few questions. I just graduate from my program and need to submit an explanation of my misdemeanor. But I'm confused on where?! In the actual application its a small box saying 500 characters less, wanting a "who, want, when, where, why" but doesn't allow me to type everything. Did you type your letter and sent it off with your court order papers and recommendations?

I typed my letter and sent in it with the rest of my documents.

On August 19, 2019 at 11:41 PM, 707sciguy said:

I typed my letter and sent in it with the rest of my documents.

thank you! I did the same, now just playing the waiting game.

Specializes in Step-Down Cardiac Unit.

I met with the investigator in person had a portolio, She said that if I didn't get rid of my lawyer after I had she would have held it for 1yr more on top of the 6m waiting, worst time of my life really was. The interview was complete and I said you know why rearview mirrors are smaller then the front windshield. In my opion it's like life, reason  is were not meant to focus on where we came from but where we're going. Just like a car  we're meant to keep our eyes on the road and only time to time we look back as a friendly safety measure not to dictate our future. When you look back I remind myself that's the past Tony can't go back in time. That mirror is just a reminder of where I came from not were I'm headed. She told me that day I got my license, be honest and show them every step you took to be where your at now. 

Specializes in Step-Down Cardiac Unit.

NY I told them ths truth and what I did ten years ago and what I do to ensure it doesn't occur again. Show them that the effort you put in to change your life. 

NY and got my license years ago. The time waiting was the worst time ,depression in my life. Stay strong positive vibes 

cml61 said:

Hi Melody

I have been through this twice. In 2012 I wanted to get into the medical field and was determined not to let my past deter me from seeking a future in a field I have a passion for. I went before the BON and was granted permission to sit for my CNA exam provided I had an evaluation done by IPN (Intervention Project for Nurses) and was then required to be in their program with a 5 year contract. I just went before the BON again last week in order to get permission to take the NCLEX for RN. I was granted permission. I see you are in Tennessee and they have TnPAP. I am not sure that you may be required to go through their program or not.

Keep your letter of explanation short and to the point and be honest. Admit your part in the poor choice you made and how your thinking has changed since that time. Include what you did to make those changes in thinking happen. I prayed for God to soften the hearts of all who read and heard my testimony. I prayed for Him to help me find the right words to say or NOT to say. Both times He answered my prayers!! If He has brought you to it He will get you through it ?

This is very helpful and encouraging! thanks!God is great and compassionate.

Specializes in RN.

I have just been accepted into nursing school.  I am 54yrs old. Trying to fulfill my lifelong dream of being an RN.  The school I hope to be attending is with the hospital company I work for. I have to write a letter to the school explaining an arrest in 1988 for possession that charge was dismissed.  2004 for false presentation of auto insurance, and 2008 for dui and again false presentation of auto insurance. I live in Pennsylvania now, these incidents happened in California.  I've written one letter explaining the charges and how I've grown and learned from these experiences and how I will succeed as a nurse with the hospital that I currently work for and have for almost 7yrs. They were not satisfied with my letter and want me to explain the circumstances that resulted in my charges.  Im having a very hard time understanding what exactly they want to hear.  I haven't even been able to start school and I'm feeling absolutely depleted..

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