As far as I can remember, being eligible to become an RN., has always been one of the strictest non sensical career decisions ever.  Just think a career where you hold life in your hands daily, make life and death decisions, actually do heroic things, with no recognition, and you can lose your license, ability to support your family, self esteem and all that goes with it, for maybe a DUI, or hearsay, or most anything. So yes I believe you can still become a nurse.  After seven years the statute of limitations seals your record, or deletes it for you.