[optimisticsmurf]

Hiya, peoples... I'm new here and need a bit of advice. I'm a 32 year old male who is about to start school in the Fall. I have two options before me: Network Administration or Nursing. For the past 5 years or so, all I've ever thought about was being a Nurse. I'm a people person and love to help people when I can. It always makes me happy knowing that I helped someone or made them smile. The reason I'm having difficulty deciding is because I noticed that in order to get accepted into Nursing you have to have a clean criminal history. Well, that's something I don't have. About 7 years ago, I was arrested for possession of Marijuana. It happened right after I got out of the Army and I've been regretting it ever since. Prior to this event, I had a sparkling clean record. Since then, I've not had any run ins with the law (not even a speeding ticket). My question to youse guys is would this slight blemish on my record affect me from getting accepted into a Nursing program, or affect my chances of becoming licensed? Thanks all in advance for listening to me rant and offereing any advice. I look forward to reading youse guys' responses.

Smurf

[sirI]

Questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

• Is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history and if so, can I get a job?
• Is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a MIP, DUI, or other related charges?
• What happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
• Can I go to nursing school and/or be licensed/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
• Will I be able to go to nursing school with a criminal record?
• What can happen if I receive a MIP/DUI/DWI or other charge while still in school?

These are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. The only reliable source of information is your State Board of Nursing.


We wish you luck in your career plans.