Will an arrest or conviction affect my ability to become a nurse?
How will a previous arrest or conviction affect my ability to become a nurse? This is a common inquiry from prospective nursing students. Any felony and certain misdemeanors can jeopardize your ability to be licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing. Any arrest must be disclosed to the BON. Applications are reviewed on a case-to-case basis, and applicants with a criminal history will likely need a Declaratory Order from the Board in order to attend nursing school. The process can take months. There are often questions about incidents that were expunged or non-disclosed. In reality, many cases may have been eligible for expunction or nondisclosure but were never completed. It is vital that what is reported to the Board is accurate. Truthfulness is as important as the record itself.
If you were ever arrested and want to become a nurse, consider hiring a Texas nursing lawyer. A criminal record does not foreclose your ability to become a nurse! However, the process of obtaining a Declaratory Order is confusing and without proper help could take many months. A lawyer can help streamline the process and in most cases, receive an answer from the Board quicker than trying to do it yourself.
Texas Nursing Lawyers can help. With decades of combined experience in both criminal defense and nursing board matters, Buck Johnson and Deborah Goodall are dedicated to helping Texas Nurses. Let them help with your Texas Nursing License application.
Nursing is a stable, well-paying career with ample opportunity for employment. Older nurses are retiring, baby boomers are aging and with the pandemic still raging the need for nurses has never been greater.
For some, the path to becoming a nurse begins in high school. In Texas, some districts offer extra-curricular nursing programs that can help you get ahead and graduate high school as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Working as a CNA can boast a resume and make for an easier transition to nursing school. If you plan on attending nursing school, make sure you know the GPA and test score requirements. Your grades at all levels are important!
Nursing school is challenging, but can also be enjoyable. Take time to make friends and seek mentors. The mountain to climb may seem steep, but the journey is quick. Create good habits and positive results will follow. The habits built in school will transition to your practice. Be sure and make time to exercise, eat right and spend time with friends and family. It is important to find healthy outlets to relieve the stress of nursing school and your licensing exams. Whether it be a physical activity like working out or an artistic activity like painting a landscape, find something that brings joy. These hobbies will keep you invigorated throughout your career.