Background check & nursing- Help!! PLEASE?

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Hey guys,

I have completed all my pre nursing classes and am eager to get going with my schooling. I do have one concern though. I made a STUPID mistake when I was young, dumb and rebelling. I made the mistake of shoplifting. I was around some bad influences and... yeah. You dont need the whole story, but, I ended up with a "Non-Traffic Citation" / Summary offense. I am so worried that my dreams are going to be crushed when I go to apply and it somehow shows up. I have been sick to my stomach over this and literally cant sleep because Im so stressed that a STUPID mistake as a young adult will prevent me from my calling. Nursing is so important to me and its not just a dream but I feel it is what Im meant to do. Can anyone help me?? Has anyone been in this situation? Please, any advice would be much appreciated!

Good Luck to all the nursing students out there!!

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Specializes in CRNA.

As long as your were not charged with a Felony you will be fine.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Usually your program will give specifics on what will prevent you from being accepted. Read the details of the background check and if you don't find the info you need, you'll need to ask the program coordinator.

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It definitely wasn't a felony. It was as low as you can get haha. I'm hoping for the best.

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Also, make sure you fully disclose everything! Nothing looks worse than saying you have nothing to report and then the background check finds something...

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Some policies vary by state but generally the big no goes are very recent misdemeanors and pretty much any felony, as well as DUIs. If your offense was neither a misdimeanor or felony, i am pretty sure you will be fine. It will likely show up on the background check but as long as you listed it as a past crime then you should be fine. Call your nursing adviser for reassurance.

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Hi Jerry....first off, have you applied to any programs yet? I believe most of them require that you be cleared by the BON before you can start the program.... I am in same boat as you. 8yrs ago when I was 18 I was arrested for shoplifting (class C misdemeanor), stupid stupid stupid decision on my part and my best friend was the influencing klepto. My case was dismissed and I was never convicted so I didn't expect for anything to show up. However it showed up on the FBI background check and the TxBON was able to see it and they have treated it like a conviction. It's a long process, it has been almost 7mths since I received the first letter saying something showed up. I've had to give up my first spot in a nursing program I was accepted to back in August and looks like I am about to give up my second since my case still has not ended and I might not be cleared by Jan to start classes. In my case I will be cleared and will be able to become an RN, with conditions. That's what i'm waiting for right now, a letter called an Agreed Eligibility Order. It will list the stipulations that I must agree to before being cleared. From what I've read it could be a mandatory ethics and jurisprudence class and maybe a fine, I'm really not sure though.

I'm sure you will be fine, only problem is the long process, if I would have known this is what I would go through I would have started the process sooner or had my record expunged.

If you have any more questions about the process feel free to ask!!! and Goodluck :)

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What happens with expunged offenses? They can't see those can they?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Oncology, Neurology, Rehab.

missarab: first of all, no one can influence you or make you do anything you do not want to do, that includes someone holding a gun to your head, ( you can do what the person says or choose to die). If you search most nursings jobs you will find one main requirement is: no unrestricted license. I wish you the best and hope you will find an employer to hire you.

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jtmarcy12....ummm okay!

Jerry.hockman....I dont believe they can see them.

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

Boards of nursing, like all professional state boards have access to entire adult court history "to protect the public".

See: FAQ: Nursing Licensure With Criminal History

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My case with the TxBON has been settled as of 2 days ago. The stipulations that I must agree to is to take an ethics course and a $500 fine with no limitations on my license. It has taken 8mths to get to this point and I can finally start nursing school in 2weeks :) ....best of luck with your journey!

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