Can a bad credit affect one's chances of becominga nurse?

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 8, 2013

It depends on what you mean by "bad." A low FICO score by itself is unlikely to have an impact on your ability to get a job. However, if you have court judgements against you, you have a history of "skipping out" on obligations, your wages are being garnished by a court, etc. ... some employers may hesitate to hire you.

Of course, a negative credit history will also make it more difficult for you to get a loan to cover the costs of your education -- and that might limit your choices of schools that you can attend -- and that may hurt the quality of your education and likelihood of getting your career off to a good start.

So, in general ... simply having "bad credit" won't hurt you. But if things are really, really, bad ... there are ways that it could hurt you.

sbaker935 · Sep 8, 2013

Yeah I agree with PP...if you have anything on your drug test or background check, that will hurt you. But bad credit shouldn't.

Jaurelus93 · Sep 8, 2013

thank you

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2013

Some employers will not hie anyone with spectacularly bad rating, bankruptcy, or other such evidence of financial incompetence; you will see a line on all applications asking you to authorize a credit check. If you have bad credit, see a free counselor to learn how to do whatever it takes to repair the damage immediately or as fast as possible, and resolve never to get in that hole again.