Can you get a job if your background history is not clean!

Nurses Criminal

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Hi,

A friend of mine is considering entering into the nursing field. However, she does not have a clean background history. She was convicted 12 yrs. ago on assault a low class felony. Nevertheless, she has received a cetificate of relief of disabilities from the sentencing judge. She has indicated that this is her hearts desire and has worked furiously for years to accomplish her dream. She has a CNA but can't seem to get work and now she is giving up. Not at my suggestion, I say if the state gave you a liscense and the judge gave you a certificate someone else will give you a job! Please, give any advice on this subject.

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This will vary from state to state. I would recommend that she check with her state's Board of Nursing.

Boards of Nursing (and employers) weigh different types of crimes. In general, convictions involving assault, the mistreatment of minors/elders, and crimes involving drugs are considered more severe in nursing that other crimes (bad checks, fraud, etc).

But she should defintiely check with the BON

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

Is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history?

Is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a MIP, DUI, or other related charges?

What happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?

Can I go to nursing school and/or be licensed if my record has been sealed or expunged?

Will I be able to go to nursing school with a criminal record?

What can happen if I receive a MIP/DUI/DWI or other charge while still in school?

These are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. The only reliable source of information is your State Board of Nursing.

Also employers will make their own decision with the information given and they can and do do checks so it is hard to predict whether someone can get a job or not as each will be decided on an individual basis

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