getting a job with two misdemeanors ]:

FLmomof5 · Feb 23, 2012

Expunged records will not show on an employers background check. I am in SC now and my employer didn't care about my 3 misdemeanors. Don't think you will have any issues.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 24, 2012

OK, let's slow down for a minute. You say these shoplifting charges happened when you were 18; you were legally an adult, so unless it's been more than 7-10 years since then, you still have a record, which means you will have to disclose the offenses on any application you make to a school of nursing, as well as to the Board of Nursing when you apply for a license. How well that goes depends on several things, among which are the length of time that's elapsed since your convictions, what you have done in order to rehabilitate yourself, and the absence of any further trouble in the intervening years.

Never lie on such an application. It WILL be found out, and it will cast so much doubt on your credibility that you'll almost certainly be denied. It's not worth it! Far better to disclose and explain everything.

You would also do well to write to the court(s) of record in your cases and ask them where you stand. I had to do the same thing years ago when I applied to my nursing program, because I had a couple of priors which were VERY minor but still misdemeanors. Fortunately, it had been nine years since my last conviction, and the court declared my record cleared so I never did have to disclose them. Ironically, I did (and still do) have to disclose a single arrest at the age of 21, even though the charge was later dropped, because fingerprints/mug shots stay on file forever. But I have never had a moment's grief in obtaining or keeping a nursing license (or a job) because of that....that was over 30 years ago and things have changed. I have changed. And chances are, you have as well since age 18. :hug:

Hope this is helpful. Good luck!