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.
