Jan 7, 201016 yr I just finished my pre-reqs, and I'm going to apply for lpn or rn school.I don't have any felony arrests or drug arrests, but I have been arrested a few times for driving with suspended license, and a domestic violence battery charge which are both misdemeanors. Those also were not convictons ...Will these charges mess me up or do I still have a chance considering they are not felonys or convictions...please help!! thank you!! More Like This Licensure: Criminal History Very Bad Background 17 Replies Active 12/16/2025 04:16 AM
Jan 7, 201016 yr 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.
Jan 7, 201016 yr 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.
Jan 7, 201016 yr 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.
Jan 7, 201016 yr 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.
Jan 7, 201016 yr Actually there are three institutions you need to worry about: Your school, the clinical sites, and the state BON.
Jan 7, 201016 yr 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.
Jan 7, 201016 yr 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.
Jan 7, 201016 yr 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.
Jan 7, 201016 yr 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.
Jan 8, 201016 yr 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.
Jan 9, 201016 yr I just finished my pre-reqs, and I'm going to apply for lpn or rn school.I don't have any felony arrests or drug arrests, but I have been arrested a few times for driving with suspended license, and a domestic violence battery charge which are both misdemeanors. Those also were not convictons ...Will these charges mess me up or do I still have a chance considering they are not felonys or convictions...please help!! thank you!!Can't give legal advice here, but here are some of the things I think will be relevant:How long ago was the last of these arrests?Did the driver's license suspensions emanate from DUI charges? (Substance abuse is a, if not the leading cause of nursing license suspensions/revocations.) Also, did you disclose any arrests that led to the suspensions?Did you comply with any follow-up conditions from the legal system? E.g. counseling, etc. You might want to contact an attorney who is versed in BON practices in the state you will seek licensure in. Little point in going to nursing school if the state won't let you practice.
I just finished my pre-reqs, and I'm going to apply for lpn or rn school.I don't have any felony arrests or drug
arrests, but I have been arrested a few times for driving with suspended license, and a domestic violence battery
charge which are both misdemeanors. Those also were not convictons ...Will these charges mess me up or do I
still have a chance considering they are not felonys or convictions...please help!! thank you!!