I am interested in becoming an LPN/RN but I have a felony charge from when I was 16, Do I still have a chance?


This Question From Florida LPN Programs | 6 Answers


When I was 16 I was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and intent to sale (or sales of controlled substance). It was truly a huge misunderstanding and I got a slap on the wrist with community service. I’m now 24 and a dedicated student with an 3.88 gpa, interested in going through the LPN/RN program at a private university… I’m afraid of wasting over k to be rejected by the board of nursing… I live in Florida and need some serious advice and possibly hear from someone in the same position with a successful career as an LPN or RN. Thank you!
PLEASE EDUCATED ANSWERS ONLY. I REALLY NEED HELP.

6 Comments so far

  1. Lalo on July 20, 2010 8:30 am

    Talk to your school counselor

  2. I love my baby boy! on July 20, 2010 8:36 am

    I would think that something you did as a minor would not affect what you are doing now, but you should contact the state in which you plan on practicing rather than depending on the answers of strangers on the internet for such a life-altering decision. There are licensing departments in every state that can help you.

  3. sherilasvegas on July 20, 2010 8:44 am

    I would think it was erased at 18 or 10 years later. But I don’t know.

  4. Jasmin on July 20, 2010 9:19 am

    as far as i know (from watching cop shows and such) your record is erased once you turn 18. I’m not sure if they treated you as an adult in this situation but since you only received community service, i am assuming they didn’t. you should really ask someone at the school like a counselor who can find out for sure for you, i understand you might be embarrassed but they’ve seen it all :)

  5. Jeanne R on July 20, 2010 10:04 am

    Have you checked in to petitioning the court to have your juvenile record expunged? Most of the time, juvenile records are expunged if requested.

  6. Jill on July 20, 2010 10:49 am

    If you were convicted as a minor, your records are sealed and the state board of nursing will not find the record. If you were tried as an adult, you can petition the courts to have your record expunged if you go before a judge and explain your case and why you are wanting it to be expunged.

    Most of the time, prior convictions will only exclude you from nursing if they in some way prove you to be a threat to vulnerable adults and children. There are nurses who get convicted of felony drug diversion (stealing from their employers) who do not end up completely losing their license permanently (I personally know someone this happened to), so if that can happen, something that happened when you were 16 shouldn’t affect you.

    Contact your state board of nursing and ask them (confidentially, of course) if this charge would exclude you from licensure eligibility.