any advice-I am losing it ; Criminal background checks

Published

Hi I am currently a nursing student in my next to last rotation. Upon entrance to the program I informed my program director of an aggravated assault charge on my record. She said it would be fine and not to worry about it esp b/c it was ten years ago. I was forthcoming and turned my clearances every year with the offense on them. Well I have gone through the whole program and am now at my last rotation ob/peds, I have now been inforned that the pediatric facility will not accept me for clinical due to my record and subsequently can not finish the program. I am devestated, I mean this is ny last class and my life depends on this. I cant believe i went through this whole program for nothing. does anyone have any advice I dont even no where to look for help

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I am so sorry that this happened, especially since you were so forthright. Is there another clinical site that your school uses that can accept you? Some schools use several sites. What is your school saying, now? They should have been more informative, but I also know they cannot control the requirements of the facilities they are using. I wish you luck, and hope someone here can better advise you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology/Haematology/Stem Cell Transplant, Med/Sur.

That is a curve ball!

Can you request to speak to managers and supervisors and hospital ceo in your ob/peds rotation that you have requested to do. There is always a solution to a problem - don't panic.

I do believe that being honest is always a good policy. Can the nursing board for your state offer any assistance? Surely you have advisors?

Anyone else that can offer assistance to Chris?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The nursing board will not be able to help in this matter. They are for public protection, not to assist nurses.

Hate to say this because I am sure you are not wealthy but....an attorney is probably the route to go. I would look for an RN JD and see if they can give you what you need.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in home health.

Was it just a charge or a conviction? (you don't have to tell us, but it might be a point you could bring up if there was no convicition.) Everything I've seen with licensure is "Have you been convicted of..."

There is ALWAYS a solution!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks so much for your responses= I have been informed by the school that they cant any alternative clinicals would have to be approved by the state board and that they can not offer me an alternate experience. I just feel like the rug was pulled from under me. I mean I had everything riding on this and I finally saw an end in sight and in an instant it is all gone

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

i would call a lawyer.. i cannot believe the school will not work something out with you w/ this clinical. you were honest with them from the begining .....

we can't give legal advice due to TOS

Up Vote Up Vote ×

yes it was a conviction- and what is a RN JD? If it would help I would certainly try to get an attorney, i just don't want to put out $$ on a wild goose chase. I just feel like this has been so much wasted time. I thought about a transfer but you knw no school is going to accept all those core nursing classes. Furthermore my current job is expecting me to trsf into a nursing position, what am I going to tell them. I cant tell them about that charge. man I dont know what I am going to do? Also am I going to have to pay the school back all this money for nothing. I just cant accept that thia was all for nothing I put my all on this for me and my children. Even if this happened in the beginning but to come this far.. I mean it was in my hand.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology/Haematology/Stem Cell Transplant, Med/Sur.

Hey Chris,

Don't dispair - you have fought a good fight, it isn't over! Don't give up! You have been given some helpful hints by others here.

There is always a light at the end of the tunnel - I am sure you will be a wonderful nurse. Lessons have been learned I am sure! Perhaps you have to take stock at the moment and review your options!

But don't take the easy option - and just quit! Think about the obstacles that some of the para-olympians have overcome to represent their country in the games.

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

You never attempted to get this felony charge expunged from your record?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

RN JD is an attorney that is also a nurse. They would be much more likely to be able to work with you since they know the law and how nursing works. The American Association of Nurse Attorneys has a website - it has a funky address to put on here but you can search for it online and it comes up easily. They have names/numbers of people involved in the various chapters that you could contact about this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was informed that a felony charge must have occured at least 20 years ago to even be considered, at this point it has only been ten.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion