IHS-Indian Health Service, federal jobs and criminal backgrounds

[shaggy77]

Hello,

I'm a graduate nurse and heard about jobs working with IHS. I am still learning more about this type of opportunity. What I am wondering is, has anyone worked in a federal nursing position such as IHS with a criminal record in their background? Nearly 20 years ago, as a 19 year old I was arrested on a petty 2nd degree misdemeanor for "offer to commit" prostitution. I was not a prostitute. I worked in a topless bar and hung around with the wrong people, very naive at the time. The undercover officer tricked me into saying something as a joke, and arrested me and several other girls. Apparently, the police department was doing a sweep of the area clubs and I had no idea what my rights were. I had never been in trouble before and was new to the topless club arena. After being held in jail for two weeks, I was let out with no legal counsel, no instructions or heads-up on what was the next step.

I honestly thought it was a finished issue. I was wrong. The Clerk of Court sent my summons to appear in court to the wrong address. I didn't know there would be a court date where your real punishment is doled out. Needless to say, I missed said court date and two years later on my way home from my desk clerk job (no more topless club after that) I was pulled over. I had just bought a car, and the paper temporary tag had slipped out of view on the back window. The officer placed me under arrest for a failure to appear bench warrant. I was truly shocked. I had no idea! So...I have two arrests on my record. I got it all ironed out, making sure the COC sent me my summons that time around. I appeared before a Judge, pled no contest and adjudication was withheld. I was issued a small fine and three months probation.

I have since successfully had both arrests sealed by a Judge and the Dept of Law Enforcement. Routine background checks do not show anything, but federal I'm sure is a different story. My Level II background checks with fingerprints for nursing school have always came up clear, no issues with being assigned clinical sites. My BON granted me an exemption in 2010 to provide care to vulnerable populations in the capacity of CNA, LPN and RN. I got my CNA in 2010. I've been told though, that the real challenge is getting a job with a record, even a sealed one because AHCA, DCF, and the government in general will always be able to see the charge and arrest record. Please don't judge me or make rude comments.

I know everyone says this, but I really didn't do anything illegal that night and never should have been arrested. I did 12 nights in jail with hardened criminals and paid my dues and continue to pay with missed opportunities and judgments from people who don't know what a caring, compassionate and intelligent person I am. I was young and vulnerable. I ranaway from home to escape sexual abuse from my mother's disgusting boyfriend. I deserve to be a nurse. I've always been an open book about my past. I told my school and the BON about it as soon as I considered being a CNA and did everything they told me to do. I have applied with IHS and there's a form you have to fill out mostly concerning child abuse, but for some odd reason that I can't figure out, prostitution is thrown into the mix of child abuse, neglect, battery and other violent offenses. Weird. I circled it and also uploaded all my papers showing my dispostion, sealed record and BON exemption. I haven't heard anything yet. I guess my burning question is: Does anyone know if IHS or any federal position will even consider hiring me with this situation? Any advice, tips is greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

It often takes 6-9 months to hear back regarding VA and Federal, IHS applications. Otherwise, i have no expereince to offer. Best wishes for a speedier resolution.