Prior Arrest and Nursing

Nurses Criminal

Published

I just passed the LPN boards in the State of IL and was waiting for my name to show up on the IDPR site. Well I get a letter stating that I was arrested in 1993 (picked up by FBI fingerprints). Until that moment, I did not remember that night. So I have a few questions:

I have submitted all of the paperwork they asked for including the court paperwork showing that the case was Stricken on Leave to Reinstate (which they did not reinstate). This is considered a Non-Conviction.

I have also submitted a personal statement explaining what happened that night.

So:

1: Will I be able to practice in the State of IL. I will be taking the RN NCLEX next February and worried that all this school was for nothing.

2: Did I lie somewhere in all of the questioning. I believe I was only asked if I was ever convicted, had a DUI or other convictions. This was an arrest and was not a conviction.

3: I am getting this expunged but will I have to disclose the arrest when I take my RN NCLEX next year?

I am so worried and need some advice. I feel like I spent years preparing for this all for nothing.

If it didn't ask if you have ever been arrested, then you didn't lie.

I looked at an application in Florida and it does not ask about arrests only convictions.

In your case it sound like it was defered which they do ask about.

If I were you I would turn in everything they ask for and a letter explaining the circumstances. Also why you didnt put it in the application.

Do mind the people on here that say "You need to pay for what you did" The court feels you already did. Those people just never got caught doing anything and got arrested for it. All the RNs in the US are not angels. It was something that happened when you were 18. You were a kid, kids make mistakes, that is how they learn. I think it is minor and they will most likely take all that into consideration.

You will get your RN, you just have to jump through some extra hoops to get it. I know, it is the last thing you need before your NCLEX but it will be worth it. Don't stress too much over it. I have heard of people with previous DUIs getting their RN. Just give them what they ask for and then some extra.

Good luck and keep your head up!

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history?
  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a dui or other related charges?
  • what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  • can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed if my record has been sealed or expunged?

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

please refer to this thread for other information:

nursing licensure with a criminal history

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