[Eartha]

Hello;
At the age of 40 of am considering attending nursing school. Here is my issue. I was charged with a dui in 2001, and drug possesion (felony) in 2003. I had to do community service, attend drug and alocohol counseling, and was on probation. I am interested in being a RN in California. What I am scared about though, is that I will be commiting to over two years of intense study, to be told I am not an acceptable candidate when I apply for the license. Can anyone shed some light on this.

Thanks.

[cassioo]

check with your nursing school and state board of nursing.

[nursinghumor]

Most state boards deal with criminal histories on a case by case basis. Having one doesn't automatically exclude you from being eligible for a license.

I would check with the state board before you apply to any schools.

Chances are also, if you reveal a criminal background on your nursing school application, if they anticipate you'll have problems, they'll talk to you about it before they let you enroll in classes.

Hope that helps.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[mrkmrrtt]

I don't know the specifics for Ca., but in Ohio all nursing education NCLEX exam candidates who entered a pre-licensure educ. program on or after June 1, 2003 are required to submit fingerprints to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation for a criminal check.

All appl. for lic. by endorsement to the State (Ohio)are required to submit 2 sets of fingerprints to BCI&I: 1 set for civilian records and 1 set for a FBI check. No license wb issued until the Board receives the record check info.

I've been told this process may take 6 mo!

I doubt this helps, but Good Luck!