Concerned future nurse w/ MIP

Nurses Criminal

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Hey guys, so I'm currently a nursing student and I'm looking forward to getting my BSN. My plan is to move to california or arizona and work as a nurse there. I did diversion so the misdemeanor is not on my public records but it still shows up on my background checks. The MIP was a minor in possession of alcohol and I was 20 years old. Will this stop me from getting my license? This is a first offense and I have never broken the law afterwards. Also if I do get my license, will it stop me from getting a job? Should I expunge it just as an extra measure? I was two years ago but by the time I finish nursing school it will be about 4/5 years in the past. Thanks!

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

I have an MIP of alcohol from when I was 20. Was licensed at 27 with no issue. I am in AZ. THE AZBN did not ask if I had a misdemeanor. Only for felonies and certain undesignated offenses. I called to double check if I needed to declare the misdemeanor charge and was told no. If it came up on my background check and the board was concerned they would contact me. It comes up on all my background checks. They never contacted me and I haven't had any issue obtaining employment. I paid the fine at the time and have been good since then.

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Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.
Hey guys, so I'm currently a nursing student and I'm looking forward to getting my BSN. My plan is to move to california or arizona and work as a nurse there. I did diversion so the misdemeanor is not on my public records but it still shows up on my background checks. The MIP was a minor in possession of alcohol and I was 20 years old. Will this stop me from getting my license? This is a first offense and I have never broken the law afterwards. Also if I do get my license, will it stop me from getting a job? Should I expunge it just as an extra measure? I was two years ago but by the time I finish nursing school it will be about 4/5 years in the past. Thanks!

Ha! I had to smile reading this because both my daughters (!!!!) got an MIP when freshmen in college, and, when I was told about it the first time I asked, "What's an MIP?" They both went on to be licensed as RNs in CA, as well one also being licensed in Washington State and the other in NY State. It may be because their MIPs were through their university it did not get as far as being reported as a misdemeanor with law enforcement. So, in my experience, it will not prevent you from obtaining a license. My best advice is to check with the Boards of Nursing in the states you are interested in. I highly doubt any employer is going to fret about an MIP. If you are worried, consulting with an attorney might help, but that costs money you may not have at this time. In my area, there are some legal resources that help people with limited funds, so you might want to look into that possibility. Good luck!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

When applying for licensure, always report and answer questions fully. Expungement does not conceal your record from the BON or BRN, as they do an FBI level discovery. When they decide your individual case, they will look for personal responsibility, remorse, and rehabilitation. Here's a helpful article: "How to Write a Letter of Explanation to the BON for Criminal Infraction" Best wishes!

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Hello, did you have a problem getting into nursing school? I also have an MIP and am worried because my school says I can not have any infractions on my record.

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I got in on the first try! No worries

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