Background Check - University of Colorado Denver

Nurses Criminal

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Hello Everyone -

I have a question regarding background checks in general, and then specifically within UC Denver.

First off, I was admitted into the Spring 2011 Traditional Program and am ECSTATIC. However, now I am worrying myself sick thinking of the background check. You see, several years ago (first year of College, young and dumb), I was busted for a DUI/Driving while endangering another person/Reckless Driving. I completed a diversion program and all of the charges were DISMISSED. However, I know that these offenses will still show up on the background check (as DUI Diversion - Dismissed).

My question is this : Is there anyway that I will not be allowed to participate in the nursing program (clinicals) because of my background? I am choosing UC Denver over another college AND moving all the way from Alaska to attend, so if I move to Denver and then not allowed to start/complete the nursing program, I will be devastated. Has anyone out there had any experience with this, especially with UC Denver?

I have already put in a call to the UC Denver office, however the lady who can help me is out of town. In the meantime, I was hoping for some feedback and piece of mind regarding this issue.

Thank you in advance for any replies!

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Anyone? I would really appreciate some feedback! :)

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It differs from state to state. There are other postings on this site where people are asking for advice on similar legal issues (so fish around). You will want to check with the board of nursing for Colorado. Your school will also perform a background check before clinicals, but you want to be sure you can get your license after you graduate!

Try fishing around this website or contacting the board of nursing directly:

http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Nursing with criminal history forum

Each state has their own requirements as do the schools. Some schools allow you to train but then there is a waiting game for the state BON to decide whether they will allow you to sit NCLEX or if sat NCLEX to have a license.

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Even though my charges were DISMISSED? Therefor, I was not convicted of anything?

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Diversion is considered a "conviction". Even if it really wasnt. Same thing on withheld adjudication.

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I heard the arrest record can be looked at and a decision made regarding licensing, it doesn't matter if charges were dropped.

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Hi Klclapper,

I am applying to the University of Colorado Denver for Spring 2011 as well. I was wondering when you applied and when did u find out? Denver is my number one choice so I hope to be joining you in the spring! Also, I have a 3.6 GPA does that seem compatible to yours. Thanks for your help.

Best of luck with the background check! Im sure youll be fine. Stay positive!

Elyse DeMar

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Hi Elyse23,

I originally applied for the summer 2010 accelerated program, and was given spring 2011 traditional program. I chose Denver even though it was longer and more expensive than the other school (NAU) that I was accepted to because of the great reputation of UC Denver. Also, I have always wanted to live in Colorado (I am currently in Alaska), and it seemed like the right time to try something new. Do you have any insight as to where to live there? Here are my stats so you can compare:

Applied : Nov 15th, 2009

Accepted : March, 2010

Prerequisite GPA : 4.0

Bachelor's GPA : 3.29

Essay : I have heard this is VERY important. If your essay is even 1 word longer than what they say, your whole application will be thrown out.

Also, when I spoke to an adviser about possibly starting earlier, he told me that this years admission stats were 1/100 student.

BTW, my background check was cleared early, so everything is good!

Please let me know if you have anymore questions!

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Im glad everything worked out with your background check and all. I feel like my chances there are very slim now. I actually just got accepted to a nursing program that starts in the Fall 2010, however Denver was my first choice. I wonder if there are even many spots available for Spring 2011 because they are already giving out acceptance letters and I havent even sent all my documents.

I am actually from California so I do not know the Denver area well. I am actually going to visit in the middle of May to look around.

Did you incorporate AP results as part of your prerequisites? If so, do you remember if you included that in the total number of units for your prerequsities?

thanks so much for your help!

Elyse

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I thought my chances were pretty slim as well, but its worth a try! However, if you got into another nursing school it might be safe to go with them, plus you start sooner. Honestly, I would have gone the shorter, quicker route if it werent for some other factors (boyfriend, job, ect.) As long as the school you get into is accredited then end result is all the same! :)

Im not sure what you mean about the total number of units for my prerequisites...?

My pre-req GPA for UC Denver included AP 1 and 2, Microbiology, and Stats. I finished them all last year (after I completed my undergraduate).

Hope that was clear, let me know if you need any more info! :)

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thanks KlClapper! I appreciate your help and insight. Best of luck in your nursing career!

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