backround checks.

cnastriving2brn · May 11, 2013

any nurses got their license (rn or lvn) with a felony, or misdemeanor that ISNT a DUI?
if so, was it expunged when you took the nclex? did the state boards automatically deny you and you have to go to a hearing of some sort?
I'm not a nurse (only a CNA waiting to be accepted into a BSN program) . When i applied for my cna certification exam I had to send in my documentation from the court system. ( I have 2 misdemeanors). The BON had to review my information and approve me to take my tests. They wanted to make sure that it wasn't a barrier crime.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 11, 2013

Moving to Criminal History forum for a more targeted response. This is a moderated forum so posts may take a little bit to show up.

To answer your question, state BONs evaluates applicants with a criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Because of that, it's very possible that two applicants with similar criminal histories may receive two very different outcomes.

Some applicants are approved for licensure without having to appear. Some applicants are denied for licensure without having to appear. Some applicants have to appear before the BON...and if this should be your fate, bring a lawyer as the BON is not the nurse's friend. They care about the public first and foremost; you need someone with you that cares about your career first and foremost--hence the lawyer.

Also, most if not all BONs requires you to disclose even expunged charges...failure to do so can result in your license application being rejected or revoked. Expunging a conviction can help with job searches, but it will not help you sneak a conviction past the BON.

There are nurses with criminal records--felony and misdemeanor--who have been successful in getting their license. It's not guaranteed, it's not always easy and it's usually not fast. But it is possible.

Best of luck.