Becoming a RN with a misdemeanor?

[Lisaaaa_]

Hello, I have some question regarding nursing.

I'm currently 21 living in California and nursing is something I always wanted to do. But I'm afraid that my past mistakes won't let me achieve my goal? When I was 19 I got charged with a petty theft misdemeanor and had it expunged a year later after I served my probation sentence. I currently just enrolled in community college to receive my AS in health science, and after I receive it I would love to still be able to move forward to a nursing career. But I'm worried that after I finish receiving my as degree in health science that a medical school won't accept me for my expunged misdemeanor or even if they do that the board won't approve me and if they do what if I can't even find a Job because no one will hire me.So my question is should I give up on my future dream carer will there be any hope for me?

[twinkerrs]

Contact your BON.

[tabibuwako1]

I am in the same situation in PA trying to get into ABSN but we will see.

I think you should contact your BON and submit all your court papers and some references,probably volunteer in some non-profit org so that you can show rehabilitation from theft if that is your only crime.I am trying to do that so by the time I apply at BON they will reconsider but I have heard people just applying and getting into school even with more than one offense,again it depend with your crime I guess and how many years have passed, and what have you done since then which is positive to society.You could go to the army reserve or some volunteer abroad since you are young but If nursing is what your heart is I guess there is a steep hill untill you are done.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

You may or may not have to disclose the expunged charge to a nursing school--it depends on the nursing school's policy.

Like it or not, you will have to disclose the expunged charges to most if not all BONs. So there's no way around that.

I'd strongly suggest geting a lawyer versed in dealing with nursing matters and BONs involved in the application process, as we can't give you legal advice or tell you how to answer questions about your criminal history when it comes to applications. Definitely hav a lawyer present should the BON ever wish you to appear before them to discuss your record, as the BON is not the nurse's friend.

Best of luck.