any advice-I am losing it ; Criminal background checks

Nurses Criminal

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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

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

I attended an LVN/LPN program in 2005. One of my classmates, a middle-aged guy, had a felony DUI on his record from 1992. He was telling he that he successfully got this blemish expunged from his record. He became licensed as an LVN in California on the same day as I.

You may wish to place a phone call to your state's BON or contact an attorney to discover any new options that may exist. Good luck to you.

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wow thanks so much, I think this is the first time I have stopped bawling since I found out I really appreciate your tips. I asked the school if i could appeal but they said there is nothing to appeal as I was not terminated, does this sound right? Also do you thin that it would be inappropriate to contact that hospitals legal department? I would like to talk to them and explain the situation instead of just being a name on the paper. Also dont you think te school has an obligation here? I mean they let me enter the program fully informed and I turned in clearances every year. How can they hav elet me get this far, and collect money make me pay for books etc term after terme only to take it all away. I had so many plans after graduation, I was finally going to move into a better neighborhood etc.. man I just feel like I failed my children, they were counting on this and they deserve better you know.

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

Threads merged.

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do you think that going to school in another state, I would get the same results?

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I can't say that I'm surprised that you are being denied entry into a peds rotation but to be denied graduation is a bit harsh. I would speak with the program director again and offer to do something instead of the rotation. Projects, papers...whatever it takes. Let her know that you won't be seeking employment in a peds area but still want to graduate. Hopefully it'll work out for you.

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brissygal- than you so much- I am new to the site so I am not sure I replied correctly- but I just want to tell you how much your kindness means

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

a criminal background check (cbc) and clearance is required for those who work with children and older adults in many states and for many nursing license applications.

i'm dismayed your program director was not aware of this issue and would certainly write a letter to the schools administration regarding how it has affected you.

acknowledging your past conviction, i would seek to get background check performed asap. those that have a positive history take longer to come back--may take 2-3 weeks. depending on the result, you may need the assistance of a nurse attorney (rn jd) or lawyer to help resolve issue with conviction. once that is resolved, you should be able to re-enter program to complete peds rotation. changing schools will not solve this issue---unless you are willing to move & practice in another area which i don't think as practical as 33 states have such requirement.

requirements for criminal background checks | joint commission

ncsbn: states that do not require cbcs

emory university's policy: hospitals are increasingly requiring completion of a criminal ...

legal assistance:

american association of nurse attorneys (taana)

aba division for bar services

wishing you better days ahead.

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