RNs with Bad Credit

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Are most employers doing credit checks now? What can an RN with bad credit do then?

Credit checks can reveal a wealth of information for reasons that have little to do with actual credit.

For example, when you apply for any credit, you list your employer. This is on your credit report for years. So if someone doesn't list all actual employers on their employment app, yet the credit report shows you applied for credit and listed xyz hospital as your employer...there ya go. More information for the potential employer.

Credit reports also list some public records and judgments. So for example, if you were involved in a lawsuit, legal issues related to that could be on your credit report.

Your previous addresses you used for the past seven years will also be on your credit report. This is a way of verifying that you were honest (or not) on your background check information you provided separately to the potential employer.

In addition, your credit reports list if you have used aliases when applying for credit. This is always helpful information for a potential employer.

So there are many reasons why a potential employer may wish to see your credit report, and they don't all have to do with credit. Then of course, there are those who are under garnishment orders. No employer wants to deal with that.

multi, this is fascinating info.

it certainly afforded me more insight as to the "whys" of credit checks.

thank you!

leslie

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
multi, this is fascinating info.

it certainly afforded me more insight as to the "whys" of credit checks.

thank you!

leslie

Sure, leslie. In one of my jobs from eons ago, I viewed credit reports daily.

;)

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I'm wondering..what happens if you have bad credit, and explain to the interviewer up front that this was something thta happened a long time ago and that after gaining employment you have every intention of fixing it, would that help?

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My credit is O.K not great but not horrible or anything like that. I just hate all of the prying....dang is there any part of my life that I get to keep to myself?

I don't understand why criminal background checks, drug tests, and reference checks aren't good enough?

What next? Home visits to see if you are living a lifestyle that is acceptable to your employer?

Where does it end?

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Falon - I feel the same way.

And maybe I'm just being worried for no reason, but the fact that there are credit checks in the future makes me wonder whether or not I should even bother working towards being a nurse if I won't be able to find work afterwards. :(

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Specializes in ICU/PCU/Infusion.

I just got my annual free credit reports from all three reporting agencies, and yes, there was an inquiry on one of them from my current employer.

I guess that answers that question, huh?

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Credit Checks: What Are They Good For?

http://www.content.monster.com/articles/3471/17304/1/home.aspx

Using Consumer Reports: What Employers Need to Know

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/credempl

Clean Up Your Credit for Your Job Search

http://www.hotjobs.yahoo.com/findingajob/Clean_Up_Your_Credit_for_Your_Job_Search_20050525-121242.html?subtopic=Job+Hunting+Tips

(hope these links work...)

leslie

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dang.

my least favorite link, is the only one that worked.

sorry, guys.

anyway, a very common hr tool in hiring process.

aw...i'm so disappointed the links didn't work. :o

leslie

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Just signed a waiver today allowing them to check my credit. It's not perfect - far from it but if they heard the reason for it I'd hope they would be understanding. $15,000 out of pocket medical bills for one year on a cna salary of $12,500. You do the math.

At this point, I don't care and I'm not going to worry about it. But, it is like a catch 22. You take an extra job to earn more money to pay off bills but you can't get that job because your credit is bad.

I don't agree with them having my whole history. I'd be ok with Equifax grading my credit - A for excellent, B for great, C average, etc.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU,ER,ACLS/BLS instructor.

I would still refuse and also question the legality of this .I wonder if anyone has actually challanged the practice?

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I was told by my current employer that they only do credit checks on positions involving money......since every employee i.e. nurses, management, and the cashier at the cafeteria fill out the same application.....that's why the waiver is on the application. I have some major credit issues from when my husband was injured and out of work for several months.....I got the job.

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I am in an accelerated program and it is impossible to work with such an intense program. All of the students have degrees and are established in life somehow. They don't live with their parents. To ask people to quit their jobs and risk losing their homes, cars, and credit ratings to pursue their dream of becoming a nurse and then turn around and slap them in the face by not giving them a job base on credit is a disgrace. I do not think this is the image that the medical industry would like to convey to future nurses.

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