Ca Nursing School and Criminal Background?

[Socal_EMT]

I just got accepted into nursing school at my local Community College and while reading the student handbook I noticed that a background check will be needed. I am assuming this is for the clinical rotations at whatever healthcare setting I will be placed. I do have 3 misdemeanors. One from 2011, 2013, and 2013. They are non-violent, not associated with drugs, non-sexual, and non-theft related. Essentially the first was a DUI conviction when I was 18 and the other two are from driving on a suspended license.

Does anyone have any insight on how Community Colleges handle students with these type of convictions?

[caliotter3]

You should approach the administration at your school with this question. However, if it were me, I would let the background check go through and deal with any consequences when, and if, they arise.

[Socal_EMT]

I have decided to seek legal guidance on the matter. My nightmare would be the nursing school giving me the shaft unlawfully due to the pure competitive nature of nursing.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

OP: IT's not only the school but the clinical sites. And I don't see how it's 'the shaft'. Schools get to determine who enters their program. I don't see any type of civil rights violation by them having rules in place against persons with criminal backgrounds.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I have decided to seek legal guidance on the matter. My nightmare would be the nursing school giving me the shaft unlawfully due to the pure competitive nature of nursing.

It's not "unlawful" for a school to deny you into their program due to a criminal history.People convicted of crimes are not a protected class. For some schools, it's really not in their hands because the facilities will deny the student entrance. As hard as it is to get and retain facility placements, the school will never push back against a facility policy in order to advance the case of a student with a criminal history.

There have been stories related by AN members of going all the way through school (usually an expensive for profit private school) with a criminal record, only to be denied the opportunity to sit for NCLEX by their BONs. All legal.

If you are asked to provide a letter explaining your record, do not under any circumstances insinuate that you are legally entitled to admittance to a program or given facility or school despite your crimes. Don't attempt to minimize them by calling them "only" misdemeanors. Be contrite, and explain earnestly what you have learned from these mistakes and actions you have taken to ensure that they would never happen again.