15 yr old misdemeanor a thorn in my side!

Nurses Criminal

Published

HELP! Has anyone out there been passed up for an interview or a job because of their past? I have a 15 yr old misdemeanor for public intoxication. I am disclosing this on my apps. because the question is asked if there are any prior convictions. In this gawd awful job market for new grads, I'm afraid that I'm being passed over because of this. I graduated near the top of my class, awards, distinctions, etc. This has not been a problem in non-nursing jobs, but I'm afraid now it is a problem in nursing with so many candidates to choose from... why look at my app. with a misdemeanor. Also, these interviewers don't read correctly and think it is a DUI. How do I overcome this to get an interview and get hired?? Do I not disclose just to get my foot in the door and then drop the bomb if someone is interested??? Then I feel my credibility as a nurse is ruined, but then at least I can explain myself and what occurred. This is not a issue now, I don't even drink anymore!! One stupid mistake on my part and now I'm afraid it's keeping me from getting job. If anyone else has had this experience, I'd appreciate your input! I know I'm not the only new RN with a sordid past! = ) Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Expungement.

P.S.

You really need to take car of that ASAP. Why hire someone with a known history of chemical abuse when you can hire any number of 400 other applicants with a rainbow of accomplishments and degrees.

Employers really have the pick of the litter lately...don't be the ugly runt with the gimply paw.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Know your rights, not all states make you declare things that are so old especially a misdemeanor. You might just be shooting yourself in the foot. Do some homework on what your state requires, they may not even look past 7 years ago.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello!

Check with your state laws to see if you could get an expungement. Most lawyers will charge you about $800 dollars but you can do it for free but depending on your state it make take as long as 60days to come off your record but that is $800 dollars you will have in your pocket.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I HIGHLY reccomend you check with your state laws about expungement. If you can get that expunged from your record, then go for it and don't worry about it!

I also HIGHLY reccommend that you consult a lawyer if you CAN'T get it expunged. Just talk with one for an hour or so and see what your best options would be. It will be costly, but IMHO totally worth it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Please note that in some states, an expunged or sealed record will still show up on background checks performed by hospitals, and must still be declared on Board of Nursing licensure applications.

In other states, however, it can certainly help.

Just a "heads up."

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Even if it is expunged, you will have to let the Board of nursing know.

HOWEVER, letting the board of nursing know and letting every potential employer know are two VERY different things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had been terminated from a job in my distant past. I'm truthful about this. I don't get into details on paper, because if they don't meet you they'll never know what kind of person they'll get or skip over.

I've been truthful about this and have always gotten an interview regardless. On my applications I always put, "Please ask". This way you will get the interview, they'll meet your personality, and can go from there.

Each new job I've gotten SINCE then *have* asked "When I was reading your application, I saw 'please ask' under ........ Can I ask what this means?" I actually got very detailed about what had happened, and then TOLD THEM WHAT I HAD LEARNED ABOUT THE SITUATION. They were very appreciative, and the interview continued. I've had 5 jobs that I've interviewed for, and haven't had a difficulty!

"Crimes" are a bit harder to deal with, but I would do the same approach. "Please ask". Stick with the positives of your experience. What did you learn from it, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone for your replies, much appreciated! I'm already licensed in my state. I had extra paper work to fill out, character letters, an essay re: my remediation, so that went smoothly. I just didn't anticipate my apps. being discounted due to this incident. In my state, even if this is expunged, it will still show up on a background check. I've had non-nursing jobs in hospitals and it wasn't a problem, but for nursing it is.

I will still keep trying, I will be a great nurse when someone gives me the opportunity. I worked too hard and too long for my license... there is a job out there for me!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks everyone for your replies, much appreciated! I'm already licensed in my state. I had extra paper work to fill out, character letters, an essay re: my remediation, so that went smoothly. I just didn't anticipate my apps. being discounted due to this incident. In my state, even if this is expunged, it will still show up on a background check. I've had non-nursing jobs in hospitals and it wasn't a problem, but for nursing it is.

I will still keep trying, I will be a great nurse when someone gives me the opportunity. I worked too hard and too long for my license... there is a job out there for me!

I am in the same boat as you, and would like to know how things are going for you. Did someone finally gave you a chance?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm in HR and hire nurses. We don't look at your background disclosure form until after the interview. We do ask in the interview, whether or not you have ever been convicted of a crime, misdemeanor, felony, etc...

But if you were to truthfully tell me that you were arrested for public intoxication, especially that long ago, and you had other great qualifications for the job, I would consider you. I've hired people with DWI's on their record. It is not directly related to the job.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment