2 misdemeanors...nervous about getting into school AND getting hired

kristen312 · Jan 14, 2012

please help!

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jan 14, 2012

Be aware that even though record expunged, when submitting information to board of nursing or to healthcare employer have you ever been convicted, need to disclose otherwise considered lying on application. The fact that you have two arrests for the same charge shoplifting will take longer for BON to review your application.

You will need to write letter for BON showing how you have changed...so start keeping list of positive changes you are making.

FLmomof5 · Jan 14, 2012

Actually, I don't believe that you can have the second arrest expunged. The state will see the first one.....but I may be wrong, so consult an attorney.

Next, I had 3 misdemeanor convictions in SC, got my license in FL, got the license by endorsement in SC and now work at a hospital in Med/Surg.

Good luck to you, but I think you should be ok.

kristen312 · Jan 15, 2012

If you have no prior convictions, you can get any arrest except for motor vehicle infractions (dui) or fraudulant checks expunged. since i completed pti, i have no prior convictions.

but that's awesome, it really gives me hope!

i'm just confused as to if expunged things will show up on a SLED check for school, and if I have to say i've been arrested on job applications, i know the bon can see these things.

FLmomof5 · Jan 17, 2012

Yes, expunged records will show up on the SLED check that the BON uses. They won't show up on any background check done by an employer.

Not one job app I have filled out asked for arrests....only convictions.

motivatedlilly · Jan 18, 2012

@FLmomof5 do you have a criminal background? if so, has it been hard for you to gain employment?

also, does it show up when you apply for jobs at ltc or hospitals? I have a misdemeanor theft

but I had it expunged. I know it will show up with BON but not sure if I have

to disclose it with hospital employers, etc. Thanks

FLmomof5 · Jan 21, 2012

For other's benefit.....motivatedlilly and I chatted via PM, but so others can know my answer...

Yes, I have 3 misdemeanors. I have had NO trouble getting a job. I was first hired by an LTC facility then by a hospital and had an offer at another LTC. I disclosed my criminal background to both the FL BON and the SC BON and got my license and my license by endorsement.

All potential employers have asked for FELONY convictions, so I did not disclose my misdemeanors because that was not the question asked.

No potential employer has had an issue with my background checks.

ocdstacy · Jan 25, 2012

FLmomof5

When I get an ATT Letter (Authorization to Test) from Florida BON, does that mean that I have been approved for licensure? Or is that a separate process from the ATT? I called BON today and they said if I get the ATT, it's complete and if I get that I can test and will get licensed if I pass. Can you verify this, as I had a different idea of how this worked. I thought they would give me ATT, but then still be reviewing my info to make a licensure decision or require me to appear at the BON meeting. Also, how long did it take Florida to give you ATT after you submitted your application?

I have 3 misdemeanors approx 19-21 years ago, so I will just hope that I do not have to go visit the BON!

Thanks again...as always :-), for your help!

FLmomof5 · Jan 29, 2012

Once again...for other's benefit....

Based on ssmitha's length of time since conviction, the state being FL and the fact that she has already been given her ATT, I highly suspect she will have no trouble getting her license in FL and a subsequent job.

I took my NCLEX on Feb 9th and my license was posted Feb 11. FL is pretty quick about these things!

In the meantime, it is truly a board decision and my encouragement to ssmitha is state based.

ocdstacy · Jan 30, 2012

Alright, here's my situation.
I'm 22, and have been arrested twice for shoplifting. The first time, I was with a friend, and didn't take anything, but since we were together, they charged both of us. I live in SC, and we have a program here called PTI which qualifies someone for expungement from certain crimes. I completed said program, and got my record expunged, even though I was never convicted, just arrested. (If you take PTI, you won't get convicted, you don't even plead guilty or not guilty.) The second time, I was just plain being an idiot. I took a $6 item from a store, thinking that you had to take at least $25 to be arrested....not that that makes it any less stupid/better. The first time was 4 years ago, the second time was 2 years ago. After 3 years, you can get a charge expunged if you have no prior charges. Since I have no prior charges thanks to PTI, I will get this expunged in one year. I don't think I will have too much of a problem getting into school, as long as the agency let's me do clinicals. By this time, I should have the second thing expunged, too. They'll be doing a SLED background check...will they be able to see my expungements? As for getting licensure, I've heard if you even have any arrests you will have to appear before the board. Should I get a lawyer to do this for me? I've seen on some boards it is very foolish to represent yourself. I know that the nursing board can see expungements, but will hospitals/potential employers? If not, should I say I've never been arrested on applications?

If you were fingerprinted, you need to report it. It is still technically an arrest that has to e reported even if you just got a citation to appear in court and then went thru PTI. Update, I do not have my ATT yet, but just mailed my package on Jan 12th. I will keep you posted.

ocdstacy · Jan 30, 2012

I am still learning how to use this site, apologies if you see duplicated stuff from me.

I have not received my ATT yet as Flmomof5 thought. But I just sent my package in the mail on Jan 12th for Florida. I'm not sure what state you are in, but you do not necessarily HAVE to appear before the board just because you have a criminal record, you may get approved without doing that. They will let you know. I would say you stand a chance of going to the board because I assume (because of your age) that these are not in the far past and because there was a repeat offense. Keep in mind this is only my opinion!!!

I am waiting to hear if I will be approved or have to go to the BON. I agree that it will be best to have an attorney represent. I have spoken to an MSN who is a lawyer that represents medical professionals before the board in Florida. I had a lengthy phone consultation with her and she said I will get licensed but that I am at risk of getting a conditional license, which is basically as bad as getting denied. She may have been trying to get my business as well, but I think if you can cough up the money, take an attorney!