Background Check - University of Colorado Denver

[klclapper]

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!

[kaliRN]

I can't speak to your situation anymore than anyone else here. I did want to offer support and remind you to consider that nursing programs, just like BONs, in general evaluate people as individuals - on a case-by-case basis ... Not based on a charge. Only the person you are waiting for at University of Denver can tell you anything specific, but I just wanted to stop and offer my support. I empathize with the agony - remorse - fear you are experiencing right now.

All the best.

[exmil77]

I am currently a student, and my DUI from 2002 showed up on my background check. I was allowed into the program and into the clinical sites. My program director said when I apply for my license, the most I should have to do is send in proof it was all taken care of.

I hope it all works out for you...

[MiaNursingStudent]

I had a somewhat similar situation, and I knew it wasn't going to show up on the background check because my school specifically only does a state background check, and this situation occurred in a different state and it was a class c misdeameanor (not traffic related) .... anyways, the guilt was killing me so I made an appointment with the Dean of Nursing at my school and told her the situation and explained that at the time I was stupid, naive, and that I learned a lot from the situation and now felt the consequences of my actions years later.... it turns out that she said it wouldn't stop my nursing school dreams, but that I might want to seek legal representation when I go in front of the licensure board even though by time I graduate it will have happened 7 years prior

Anyways, just be honest, don't lie on the application, and as the post said earlier- most are looked at on a case-by-case basis, after all, young college students often make mistakes. Best of luck to you!!