Background check for nursing school

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I want to apply for nursing school but I heard that they do a background check.

I have to admit, when I was younger, I've made mistakes in the past but i have learn from them. Like about 5 years ago, I was arrested and I did my community service and it was lowered for a misdemeanor. And a friend of mine has some unpaid private student loans.

The question is, can we still get into nursing school? we have worked so hard and we feel like now we are stuck.

thank you guys.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Welcome.

We moved your thread to a forum for replies from those with similar issues.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I just typed a reply to a similar thread...I'm going to cut and paste parts of my response here:

Nursing schools can and do accept applicants with criminal histories. It's up to each school to decide what they are comfortable with. But the one thing that will damage your chances more than anything is if you fail to disclose or even lie about your criminal record, and the school learns about it.

In addition, the facilities that you will do clinicals at may also review your criminal history, and they may decide to deny you the right to do clinicals there, even though the school agreed to admit you. Fair? Not really. But it has happened and it's legal.

IMO, be honest when answering questions about criminal history. If you're unsure how to answer a specific question on an application, ask your attorney for guidance as we can't give legal advice here.

While you're here, also start thinking ahead. When you graduate school and apply for the NCLEX, you will have to disclose your criminal record to the BON. You will also have to disclose it to future employers. Things that may seem insignificant or minor to you may set a BON/future employer off.

When the time comes to apply for the NCLEX, definitely have an attorney assist you...especially if the BON requests additional information or for you to appear in front of them. The BON is not your friend and don't fall into the trap of thinking "if I could just explain it to them, they'll be reasonable and understand, right?" BONs don't work that way. Hence the lawyer's help.

Also, talk to your attorney to see if expungement is a possibility down the road. That may not help with the BON, but it will definitely help with the nursing job search.

Best of luck.

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what about unpaid private student loans?

Can my friend still get into nursing having unpaid debt?

By the way thank you so much for your answer

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
what about unpaid private student loans?

Can my friend still get into nursing having unpaid debt?

By the way thank you so much for your answer

Who knows?

If she's defaulted on the loans, it'll be on her credit record for 7 years. While I don't think nursing schools or BONs run credit checks on applicants, it's not uncommon for employers to run credit checks on potential employees as part of their background check. Some employers are wary of applicants with low credit scores or a history of nonpayment of debt--they may think that if an applicant has serious money problems, they may possibly embezzle or divert from their employer to make some quick cash.

Yes, it goes without saying that anyone is potential of doing this, but employers are looking at risk factors.

IMO, your friend needs to address her financial issues before she plunks down more money and/or takes out further loans for a nursing program.

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@drodz Hi I know this is an old post but I was wondering if you were able to get into nursing school and get your license despite the criminal background

 

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