Background results before starting a job?

[Marshall1]

This question came up earlier and I had no idea of the answer..if an employer requires a background check as part of employment for a position where the nurse would be working with patients/clients regardless of the setting (MD office, home health, etc) do the results have to be back before the employee can start the job - not necessarily be around patients/clients..just the HR portion..

I said I would think the results would need to be back given negative results could open an employer up to legal issues or having to dismiss a newly hired employee..

Yes? No?

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I've never been able to start a job until after the background results were in, but they come back so fast that it's never been an issue.

[AMN74]

At my job when you come aboard, you are required to provide addresses for the last 7 years. If you have lived out of state you are required to get finger printed. The employee can work. However, if something comes back on your background check that you have not disclosed upon hiring, you will probably be terminated. The job application asks questions and gives you a chance to disclose prior to hiring. If you try to hide it and they catch you..that's probably when they will terminate.