Am I eligible for a license with my background?

Nurses Criminal

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I want to go to nursing school? But am unsure if my record will prevent me from obtaining a license.

In 2001 I was charged with a DUI and pleaded it down to a DWAI (Driving while ability impaired) in Colorado. In 2005 I was again charged with DUI in NY and again pleaded the charge down to a DWAI. After that one I decided drinking wasn't for me and I haven't drank since, although I have no way of proving it. Once I quit drinking I went to college and earned a B.S. and now want to be a nurse, but am afraid that the board will not like me. Any thoughts?

I had to do a criminal background check that checked for felonies nationwide 7 years back and state sex offences. So as long as these arent felony DUIs you may be OK. But, thats just for school, the hospitals or whomever may hire you can have there own policies/background checks.

Any questions should be directed to the authorities along the way, first your state Board to find out about getting your license, then to the school to see about becoming a student. Once these hurdles are overcome, you will have to deal with potential employers. Seek legal advice to see if you can get any of this cleared from your record, while you are dealing with it. Good luck.

Neither were a felony and I know I CAN get into the school. What I am worried about is going to school and then not being able to get a license. I am willing to move to WA, OR, UT, ID, or MT after graduation if it will help me get a license. I know every situation is different and I should contact each state, but I am wondering what my general chances are: 0%, 50%, 75%?

Find your state board website and search for the answer, its right there. In Tx it depends on the actual charge. Can you apply to get them expunged? Since they are both in different states you might be able to do it especially if you mention to the judge in your petition that you have changed your life around and are now in nursing school or will be applying. good luck

Find your state board website and search for the answer, its right there. In Tx it depends on the actual charge. Can you apply to get them expunged? Since they are both in different states you might be able to do it especially if you mention to the judge in your petition that you have changed your life around and are now in nursing school or will be applying. good luck

I am unsure about the expunging, I can try that. But, don't expunged records have to be confessed too?

Specializes in School Nursing.

There is a forum here for nurses and potential nurses with criminal backgrounds. There is a lot of information there and I suggest taking the time and going through the threads there.

I've read people having trouble getting a license for having written a bounced a check years ago, or on a 15 year old possession charge, and many others with misdemeanor charges.

My guess for your situation is YES, you will have to jump through hoops with the BON. A lot of people aren't even allowed to sit for the NCLEX exam because of a past criminal record.

Good luck and definitely do your research before investing that much time and money into nursing school.

I am unsure about the expunging, I can try that. But, don't expunged records have to be confessed too?

Probably but I think it will look better if you have them expunged. All schools work differently. Check into them, some you dont have to disclose if records are expunged. Also dont let anyone discourage you, if you really are past that there are probably ways to get into nursing with a bit more effort.

I dont know what state you are in but this is the Texas nursing board and you can clearly see the way they decide these cases here, it should be pretty similar in most sates.

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/disciplinaryaction/discp-guide.html

i dont know what state you are in but this is the texas nursing board and you can clearly see the way they decide these cases here, it should be pretty similar in most sates.

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/disciplinaryaction/discp-guide.html

That is pretty iffy with your record. A lot of the Board of Nursing consider drunk driving a big deal- in Florida, if you get a DUI it is considered unprofessional conduct and you can be subject to a review in front of the board if you get charged.

I would investigate very carefully before going ahead and getting through the program and then finding out.

Good luck

I think every state has different rules on this, have you contacted your state board?

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