Can I be accepted to nursing school with Battery, Trespassing and Shoplifting convictions?

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I've applied to Nursing college & I'm unsure if I will be accepted into the program due to my criminal record. I have a 7 year old Battery & Criminal Trespassing charge in Georgia & 1.5 year old Ticket for shoplifting in Kentucky. The Tech College does not admit students into the Nursing program with Theft charges until 10 years have passed from time served. (I'm an Indiana resident) I can't get either expunged but have proof from my medical doctors that my actions were justifiable on both counts due to impaired judgement from medication. The judges in both cases were on camera & denied my personal testimony of impaired judgement from medication. I don't contact the courts to solve this issue because they were all eloping to the topic of me. (I used to work for the government & understand the judgements ) Is there any way I could explain my case to the office if admissions so I can still pursue a nursing degree, attend clinicals, get a license and job with this criminal history? Any advice?

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3 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

You face significant challenges, including being accepted to nursing school, accepted for clinical placements, and finally gaining approval to take the NCLEX after graduation.

Unfortunately, the shoplifting charge tarnishes your otherwise clean record of seven years and may indicate a lack of rehabilitation. Another serious obstacle is the nature of your battery and trespassing crime, as it's a violent crime. 

You must specify the details, provide context, and explain your situation to overcome these challenges.

If you decide to move forward and give it your best shot, start by reading How to compose a letter to the BON.

The BON looks for insight, remorse, and rehabilitation.

You must construct a personal statement that outlines your past actions. While you can briefly emphasize how your medical condition influenced your judgment at the time, impaired judgment from medication is not going to fly as a sole explanation. It shows that you do not take responsibility for your actions.

Highlight any rehabilitation steps you've taken since then, like education or community service. Be transparent about your commitment to nursing and patient care.

Nurse Karen, as always, offers some excellent resources for you.

Best wishes in your decision,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.
NRSKarenRN said:

Check these IN state regulations 023 Indiana Code;Title 25. Professions and OccupationsArticle 1. General ProvisionsChapter 1.1. Effect of Criminal Convictions on Licensed or Registered Persons25-1-1.1-6. Explicit List of Disqualifying Crimes Required; Use of Conviction; Criteria for Evaluating Applicant's Criminal History; Petition to Determine Whether Criminal Conviction Disqualifying

Indiana state board of nursing list of explicit disqualifying crimes

These should help you in decision to pursue nursing education.

Wow, that's an extensive and occasionally oddly specific list of offenses. Deploying a booby trap? Never even heard of that particular crime.  

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