Pre Employment Background Check, RN Job at Hospital, So Cal

LordFarquad · Jan 15, 2014

Hello Everyone!

I am not sure if this the appropriate section to post this thread so I apologize in advance.

I am a new grad RN (Woot woot!). I have obtained my license and all necessary certifications to pursue my dream. Anyways... straight to the point. I was arrested a little over a year ago for Reckless Driving. I basically did a burn out right in front of a police officer without knowing he was right next to me (totally the dumbest thing I have ever done).

Anyways, I was arrested and charged with Reckless driving. I obtained an attorney and had the charge dismissed in court, and plead guilty to a lesser charge (Infraction - Violation of Basic Speed Law). I did not receive probation or any community service. I only had to pay a fine. Basically like a speeding ticket.

Recently I was offered a fabulous position as a RN at a nice hospital here in SoCal. I am just worried that something as simple as an arrest that was dismissed and resulted in a traffic violation might disqualify me from employment. On a side note, I have about 4 other speeding tickets within the last 8 years, all about 2 years apart. Am I just stressing out or do you guys think I have a reason to be concerned?

My questions (not seeking legal advice just wanted to see what you guys think):

1. Might I be disqualified for employment at an acute care facility for an arrest on my record which that charge was dismissed but received a traffic violation instead (infraction - Violation of basic speed law)?

2. Also, on the pre employment background check questionnaire it asked, "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?" I selected "NO." Was this a mistake? and might they find this as being dishonest? My justification for selecting no was that this was not a crime, just an offense and the original charge was dismissed.