Background check & nursing- Help!! PLEASE?

CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA · Dec 19, 2013

As long as your were not charged with a Felony you will be fine.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 19, 2013

Usually your program will give specifics on what will prevent you from being accepted. Read the details of the background check and if you don't find the info you need, you'll need to ask the program coordinator.

jerry.hockman · Dec 19, 2013

It definitely wasn't a felony. It was as low as you can get haha. I'm hoping for the best.

efda2rn · Dec 19, 2013

Also, make sure you fully disclose everything! Nothing looks worse than saying you have nothing to report and then the background check finds something...

mrsboots87 · Dec 20, 2013

Some policies vary by state but generally the big no goes are very recent misdemeanors and pretty much any felony, as well as DUIs. If your offense was neither a misdimeanor or felony, i am pretty sure you will be fine. It will likely show up on the background check but as long as you listed it as a past crime then you should be fine. Call your nursing adviser for reassurance.

misssarab.5 · Dec 20, 2013

Hi Jerry....first off, have you applied to any programs yet? I believe most of them require that you be cleared by the BON before you can start the program.... I am in same boat as you. 8yrs ago when I was 18 I was arrested for shoplifting (class C misdemeanor), stupid stupid stupid decision on my part and my best friend was the influencing klepto. My case was dismissed and I was never convicted so I didn't expect for anything to show up. However it showed up on the FBI background check and the TxBON was able to see it and they have treated it like a conviction. It's a long process, it has been almost 7mths since I received the first letter saying something showed up. I've had to give up my first spot in a nursing program I was accepted to back in August and looks like I am about to give up my second since my case still has not ended and I might not be cleared by Jan to start classes. In my case I will be cleared and will be able to become an RN, with conditions. That's what i'm waiting for right now, a letter called an Agreed Eligibility Order. It will list the stipulations that I must agree to before being cleared. From what I've read it could be a mandatory ethics and jurisprudence class and maybe a fine, I'm really not sure though.

I'm sure you will be fine, only problem is the long process, if I would have known this is what I would go through I would have started the process sooner or had my record expunged.

If you have any more questions about the process feel free to ask!!! and Goodluck :)

jerry.hockman · Dec 23, 2013

What happens with expunged offenses? They can't see those can they?

jtmarcy12, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2013

missarab: first of all, no one can influence you or make you do anything you do not want to do, that includes someone holding a gun to your head, ( you can do what the person says or choose to die). If you search most nursings jobs you will find one main requirement is: no unrestricted license. I wish you the best and hope you will find an employer to hire you.

misssarab.5 · Dec 28, 2013

jtmarcy12....ummm okay!

Jerry.hockman....I dont believe they can see them.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Dec 29, 2013

Boards of nursing, like all professional state boards have access to entire adult court history "to protect the public".

See: FAQ: Nursing Licensure With Criminal History

misssarab.5 · Dec 31, 2013

My case with the TxBON has been settled as of 2 days ago. The stipulations that I must agree to is to take an ethics course and a $500 fine with no limitations on my license. It has taken 8mths to get to this point and I can finally start nursing school in 2weeks :) ....best of luck with your journey!