background checks

tokyoROSE, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2010

Battery charge would set off a red flag in admissions, that is what my program told me, even regarding those non-conviction charges. It is up to the school to decide, but I think you can get in. I'm sure they will set up a time for you to discuss the charge, explain what happened, etc just like what the BON would do when it comes time to get your license.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2010

You have to check with the BON or the facility. All of those decisions go through them on a case by case basis.

In all liklihood this thread will be closed by a mod, because we cannot give good advice on this issue.

kathy313 · Jan 7, 2010

I can't give advice on what to do in your situation, in my case I was a bartender at a dance bar (gentleman's club)....I was ticketed for three etoh violations (misdemeanor), placed on probation in a first-time offenders program. I completed my four months.

When I applied to nursing school, I was very up front with the Director. I researched/called the BON to ask. As of this point, I have yet to have an issue, I got my license in Ohio, then endorsed in California.

The domestic violence will send up red flags as one poster suggested, but you need to call the BON and see what you can find out.

Good Luck.

Sun_danc3rRN · Jan 7, 2010

I would contact your BON..some BON's use character of person as criteria, and the domestic abuse thing could throw up a red flag.

LeaRNed · Jan 7, 2010

I think you will be fine, like you said they were not felonies. Pursue your goals.

CdaleJekyll · Jan 7, 2010

Actually there are three institutions you need to worry about: Your school, the clinical sites, and the state BON.

MedSurgeMess · Jan 7, 2010

yes, even if school says you're okay, check with BON, as they can refuse to issue license if they have a problem. I think you'd want to know that before spending the money and time to go through school. Let us know how this pans out.

milobust · Jan 7, 2010

I had a misdmnr traffic violation that did not show up on the school background check but did show up on the BON background check and they did not accept my application until I provided documentation. In your situation I would definitely contact the BON now because they will probably ask for documentation and personal references, probably from teachers that have worked with you in clinicals. This can take months so do this asap.

OrionQuiltsRN · Jan 7, 2010

Clinical sites can have more stringent requirements than nursing school or even BON. I had one classmate in my nursing class who had a DUI conviction. He was admitted to nursing school, and two of the hospitals for clinical rotations, but not the third hospital. So all his clinicals were scheduled for the first two hospitals which did not hinder his education at all.

He now has his RN license, the state did not deny his license because of the DUI conviction.

So, like a previous response, you will have 3 areas that will review your background; the nursing program, the clinical sites, and your BON. Hang in there. :nurse:

suzeemason · Jan 7, 2010

You will be okay. There are lots of folks out there that have done worse. There is a process they go through, which is the same when you apply for a healthcare job. Usually, as long as the state clears you, the school will accept you. If not, fight it. There is an appeal process that you may follow to appeal the decision of the state.

paacollins · Jan 8, 2010

Actually there are three institutions you need to worry about: Your school, the clinical sites, and the state BON.

You can also run into issues AFTER you get your license when you apply for jobs. A lot depends on how long ago the charges were, nature of charges, etc. If it has been a long time you can things expunged (taken off) your record by contacting, and paying for, and attorney. The BON can still pull it up but potential employers generally can't. Best thing to do is be up front with the director of nursing and see what he/she thinks.