can I become a RN with a misdemeanor charge?

Nurses Criminal

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ok, here is my situation...

I was a RN student at my local college and had to withdraw because of family issues. I did amazing while attending that school, but I am now trying to get into a RN program at a different school ( not going back to the one that I was previously in b/c the instructors claim they care, but do not). So, here's what I'm struggling with. After speaking with the Nursing dept advisor, I explained to him that recently I was charged with a misdemeanor ( nothing to do with drugs or violence) he said that I shouldn't have a problem getting into the program since it was not a violent crime. But when I have completed my courses and sit for the NCLEX, will I be able to become licensed with a misdemeanor on my record? I know this may be a touchy subject for some, but I am truly sorry for what I had done and I am trying to turn my life around for myself and my children. Any advise or tips/suggestions anyone may have will be greatly appreciated!

Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

Apparently in Minnesota you can.

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Save some money for a good lawyer! Makes things move alot faster and more positive for you.

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If you decide that the risk is worth it, and yes it is a risk because regardless of what the BON tells you they will not decide anything until after you graduate, then you need to hire a lawyer. I did. My "charges" (they don't show on a background check) were from five years ago when I was a juvenile and I am being held up. Professors told me that I would probably be okay and that I shouldn't hire a lawyer unless my license got denied, but I knew better as I had done my research.

I hired a lawyer in December, graduated in May, my class mates received their ATT's in July and I still have not heard a word from the BON. It is hard knowing that you went to school for three years, excelled (because I did), yet still may not be granted a license. I knew I was taking a chance but decided to pursue this route anyways because becoming a nurse is what I really want, but you also have to be prepared that they can deny you. And they can deny you, especially with it being a current misdemeanor; they are not necessarily looking at what the charge is, but are going to be looking at the fact that you had a break in morals close to the time when you feel that you can commit to care for the ill and vulnerable.

Regardless of what anyone tells you, hire a lawyer and understand that after going through with school that you may be denied licensure or be placed on stipulations. Do the best that you can in school; put in effort to do so well that you stand out- this will get you reference letters and possibly awards-these things will put some positive light on you when you apply for licensure. I was an amazing student who graduated valedictorian of the nursing class and received an award for it, I had amazing references from all of my professors, the BON (at the start of nursing school) and my nursing professors told me that I should be alright- but I know better and know that I can be denied. Are you willing to take that chance?

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Absolutely!!!!! You can sit for your state boards and get a job once you have obtained your nursing license. If you have any questions or concerns you should ask a representative of your state nursing board. In SC you must submit a written explanation of your arrests and convictions. I had several. I also was offered employment by the first facility in which I interviewed. This organization was my first choice as well. So I didn't settle for anything because I had misdemeanor offenses. Keep two things in mind: you have a professional license that is in high demand and if they didn't hire nurses with minor charges on their records there would be relatively few nurses.

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Contact your BON and explain your situation. Ask for any information in writing. Good luck!

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Yes you can. I am in Michigan. I turned my life around, but my past is ... 11 misdemeanor convictions, some theft, some drug offenses. I am currently licensed. They are from over 7 years ago, and I can attest to the fact that in Michigan you can get licensed. God bless.

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On 11/11/2014 at 7:19 PM, chrisbauerwrat said:

Yes you can. I am in Michigan. I turned my life around, but my past is ... 11 misdemeanor convictions, some theft, some drug offenses. I am currently licensed. They are from over 7 years ago, and I can attest to the fact that in Michigan you can get licensed. God bless.

Please contact me regarding your case. In the same situation and would like some info. Thank you

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