background checks

Nurses Criminal

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Can someone tell me will your background keep you from getting into the nursing field if you have a background??? i have a background in Alabama but a clean record in Ohio I currently live in Ohio!! What are your views and opinions on this???

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

needless to say, in some states they require that when you apply for any nursing school their future nursing applicants shouldn't have any prior felonies. having said that, if i were you i would look up your local state's requirements on nursing schools preferbly your state bon. furthermore, it should say if there are any requirements and if any past legal trouble can affect your qualifications for that state. unquestionably, i would speak to a lawyer to find out if there is any way you can get this removed or expunged from your record. wishing you the very best in all of your future endeavors...aloha~

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Keep in mind that if you get your record expunged, you will still need to disclose it to your BON as they will be able to see it on a background check (employers usually won't unless you are applying for the military, a government job, jobs which require security clearance, etc.).

Check out the Nursing with a Criminal History forum for good information:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-licensure-criminal/

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I'm not sure where you are in the process, so I will presume that you are not yet in nursing school. If you are, start reading at the appropriate point.

Keep in mind that nursing schools, BONs and employers all view criminal history differently, and the fact that your criminal record is acceptable with one of these entities doesn't mean it will automatically fly with all of them...and unfortunately, that is their right. And as Horseshoe said, expunged records still need to be reported to almost all BONs out there.

A lot of students are surprised that they were able to enroll in school but that the BON puts their foot down and says "No" or requires stipulations. Other nurses who are able to get licensed by their BON get frustrated when employers turn them down because of their record.

I would suggest not worrying about the employer hurdle for now. Instead, focus on getting into nursing school. Meanwhile, drop your BON an e-mail (anonymously if you prefer) to inquire about your chances of getting licensed with a record in another state. Keep in mind that most BONs will tell you it's on a case-by-case basis and you won't get a definitive answer until you apply, but maybe you can get some general info.

Also, time is on your side in this case--the longer you can keep your criminal record clean, the more that may indicate to the BON that you have learned from your mistakes and reformed.

Best of luck!

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

Moved to Nursing Licensure with Criminal History forum.

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Clear and simple answer: If your record is not clean, you will have a hard time to find an employer.

Nowadays, because of the 9/11 attacks, Conducting background check is pretty much sophisticated .

No matter where state you were charged of the crime, it will show on your record.

When it comes to legal question and concerns, no answer is 100% accurate because each situation is unique.

This is why you need to get a lawyer to advice and help you. You lawyer will evaluate your case and explore other possible solutions based on where state you are in and can make an appeal for you or do whatever actions are necessary to come up with the best solution for you.

This is better than spending years in a nursing school and only to find out later that you are not eligible to take NCLEX.

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