[gratefulcat]

I'm graduating from a 2 yr nursing program in May. I've been sober 18 mo. solid recovery... basically 5yrs with 3 one night slips on wine and weed) here's the question...
I have 2 crimes on paper one in FL for paraphernalia (crack pipe) misdemeanor (2002) which is in the process of being sealed.
The other is a petty theft charge in CA misdemeanor (2004) which has already been expunged.
I'm applying in CA.
I know it looks bad having two things....
Truth is I was clean from drugs, but still had a lot of character defects going unchecked...
The application says I have to disclose my record even if it's been sealed or expunged...
Man, I go to meetings, I have a sponsor, I am a sponsor, I get A's and B's, I've been a Cert. Nursing Asst. (CNA) for 3.5 yrs. I guess the checks the hospitals and the CNA class and the nursing school weren't as deep as the Live-scan will be?
I love nursing, I love my patients, they love me...
I don't want to tell on myself and loose everything I've been working for!!
I'm clean!!
But will they think I'm clean?
Will I get a license? Will I get a restricted license?
I know the truth is best... But will I be punished for my honesty?
My addict is telling me to lie, lie, lie
What do you think?

[hppygr8ful]

congrats on your sobriety, and all you have accomplised in sobriety. I remember those early days of recovery when I thought my life was over- truth is life as I knew it was over and the life I live today had just begun.

In answer to your question- the california BRN is very through in it's background checks. When dealing with the boards honesty is the best policy- here's why if you omit telling you it may be seen as being evasive and dishonest. The job of the board is to insure public safety so they want to know if the nurses they certify are people of good character. When you fill out your application there is a place to include letters and explanations. You must disclose your legal record but you can include letters from your sponsor regarding your recovery program, time sober etc..... This can only help you! In cases like yours that I have seen it many are granted a license then they are place on probation for one to 5 years - you can stiil work - in fact they want you to. but they may require a period of random Urine testing and participation in a nurse support group. Trust in your Higher Power and more will be revealed.

Hope this helps

Hppy