background check

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Specializes in mostly rheumatology.

Well, I got in to pn school. Monday, we just did our background checks. I was told if any arrests show up, I cannot attend school. I am now 39 years old and in 1991, I was arrested for a FTA. I never knew I was supposed to show in court because my ex-roomate at the time never gave me the letter. I bounced checks and I did go to court for it, but I did the diversion program so it wasn't supposed to go on my record. All this was 16 years ago, will this affect my chances now? My life is very different and I REALLY want to attend school. I am so nervous that after being one of 35 accepted out of more than 400, I may not get to go after all. I graduated from MA school 10 years ago and there was never any problem. Why now? I don't know whether I should buy books, apply for loans, buy scrubs, etc. Has anybody had a similar experience? We are supposed to know the results in 10 days, but I don't know if my stomach will last that long. When I applied to school, I was under the impression that because my offenses were minor and so long ago, they wouldn't be a problem, but when I spoke with the instructor the other day, she said they might be. I am praying almost every moment of the days that everything will be ok.

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Specializes in LTC.

Check your school's website to see if they list items that will hurt you during a background investigation.

This is from the background info at my school:

No student will be allowed to begin or continue taking classes...if the report is not completed or it indicates a record of past drug, assault, murder or theft convictions."

Something else you might need to check out is the state board of nursing. Call them and tell them your situation and ask if your background history will prevent you from sitting for the state test.

Just because the school lets you in, doesn't guarantee that the BON will grant you a license. I'm not trying to be negative but you need to cover all your bases before you put so much time, effort and money into your career.

I hope things work out for you. Let us know how it turns out. My cousin is in a similar situation that you are in and she is still gathering information. Good luck!

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

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history?
  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a dui or other related charges?
  • what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  • can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed if my record has been sealed or expunged?

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

please refer to this thread for other information:

nursing licensure with a criminal history

good luck

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