Can I become a nurse with an unclean criminal background check?

World Canada

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I live in Canada and am 22 years old. A couple years ago, I was taken to the hospital by police due to depression and threatning self harm. A few months ago, I was taken to the hospital by police for attempted suicide.

I am much better now and those were dark phases in my life.

I recently completed my criminal background check, a special one for vulnerable patients. It states these two incidents as "THREATNING/VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR"

Let me make this clear: I DO NOT have a criminal record, chrages or convictions. And these two incidents were a RESULT of mental illness. I'm on medication now and am fine.

Will this hurt me in any way?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

It shouldn't. I know someone that was in that same boat and it wasn't a problem. I am in Ontario. Don't feel bad. You are not alone. you would be surprised how many people there are in nursing with mental health issues.Take care and good luck. You can do it.

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It shouldn't. I know someone that was in that same boat and it wasn't a problem. I am in Ontario. Don't feel bad. You are not alone. you would be surprised how many people there are in nursing with mental health issues.Take care and good luck. You can do it.

Thanks.

I'm also in Ontario. I'm just worried because I got my clinical coming up and I fear I may not be admitted.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I wouldn't worry. They are rally just concerned if you have been charged with anything. Did your school say anything about it?

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I wouldn't worry. They are rally just concerned if you have been charged with anything. Did your school say anything about it?

They said that it would depend on the boss of the clinical.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Canadian forum

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Any other replies?

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Specializes in geriatrics.

When you're applying for a license, you will need to be honest and disclose according to the questions asked. If the CNO decides they need to contact you, they will. It usually isn't a problem.

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I've also gone through a period of depression in my life. Just a year ago, actually. I'm afraid that it'll be a problem for me too. Hope it all goes well.

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I am very sorry to hear that your expressed suicidality and apparent suicide attempt are being labelled THREATENING/VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR. I'm sure this was quite shocking to you. It certainly is to me and I had no idea that Canada did this.

As people have said, it shouldn't be a problem once you explain. However, some people will use it as reason to stigmatize you which is why something like this shouldn't be on your record at all. I really sympathize and hope that everyone you encounter is RATIONAL and empathetic toward you.

I am extremely lucky in that when I was taken to the hospital (after a counsellor called me into the police for saying "I don't want to live my life"...) the emergency room MD dismissed their pleas to admit me. I see now that this was very prudent and ethical on his behalf.

I am a trauma survivor and it disgusts me that Canada would stigmatize people who have coped with suicidal thoughts/behaviours in this manner. Esp. because people with these types of histories are no more dangerous toward others than a person without. We are not predators and something like this should not appear on vulnerable sector screening.

No wonder people don't seek help.

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I believe after 3-5 years, it should be off your record. :bookworm: I could be wrong though.

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