Background check shows I was charged with a felony

[toyabsofine]

Im a new nurse in KC, Missouri. I was charged with a felony in 2011, I obtained an attorney who had the charges amended to a Misdemeanor i,n September 2013 I just got licensed in Oct 2013, I had no problems with the board of nursing but I have been unable to obtain any jobs. I have been on 6 interviews and I always tell them up front about my background because I am on probation. I actually had an offer for a Skilled Care Facility accepted it, took a drug test and passed it, then I received a call from Human Resources saying they can't hire me because I have a felony. Clearly, I don't have a felony, I was only charged with one but the charges were amended by the courts. I plead guilty to a lesser charge as an agreement with the judge and the prosecutor. I immediately contacted the Missouri State Highway Patrol for a copy of the report and it shows where I was charged with a felony but also says I was guilty of a Misdemeanor for the same case. Can someone tell me what, or if there is something that can be done?

[kelnkhalif]

I'am facing this same exact situation at this moment, and was told by my lawyer really only option I have is to wait until terms are completed (community service, probation, whatever you may have) and try to get the arrest expunged. Even though you don't have felony conviction. You have a felony arrest on your record and that's what holding me back.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm no lawyer, but the fact is that even though you had the charges reduced, you were still initially charged with a felony. Even if the charges are reduced or dismissed, seeing the arrest does tend to turn off a lot of employers.

I would talk to a lawyer to see if expungement is a possibility based on your state and/or convictions. This will help you with the job hunt...however, it does not fully erase your criminal record, and your arrest may still be visible. In addition, expungement is not available in all states or for specific convictions.

Other than that, all you can do is keep plugging away at the job hunt. Unfortunately, the fact that the BON licensed you doesn't mean that employers have to accept your criminal record--they have the right to reject applicants based on their own criteria.

People do get hired with felony arrests and/or convictions--however, the pool of employers willing to hire those with felonies in their past is somewhat smaller.

Best of luck.

[toyabsofine]

Thanks for the advise! Its unfortunate that something so small (to me) can effect your life in such a huge way...All I can say is lesson learned

[grubb250]

You were able to get your license while you are on probation and you were charged with a felony??? I would consider yourself very lucky and grateful to be licensed. I was denied and I was never charged with a felony!!! What state do you live in??

[toyabsofine]

I was initially charged with a felony but I had an attorney who had the felony reduced to a misdemeanor charge and I received probation. I do not have a felony conviction. I live in Missouri though.