Can I get a nursing license with a D Felony, Grand Theft 3rd degree.

[nysnurse2b]

I am going to school for nursing, and unfortunately I have a current charge of grand larceny 3rd degree....a class D felony pending from a previous employer. I am fighting the charge with a court appointed attorney, but I don't have much confidence that my attorney will get the charge dropped or have the charge reduced, and it looks like I will be convicted. I am in my 40s and have never ever been in trouble before, however, my attorney also tells me that I will most likely have to do 1 1/3 to 3 yrs despite the fact that I have repeatedly told him I didnt do it. At this point, restitution and probation seem to be a best case scenario I am hoping for....All of this said, I have been told that because this is not a violent crime, I would be able to get a Nursing license in NY state. The only information I can find about this issue on the net basically states that if the crime is drug or alcohol related or violent then a license would not be issued. Can anyone please tell me about whether my charges will prevent me from getting a nursing license? Thank you for your help!

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

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 and if so, can i get a job?
  
• 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/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
  
• will i be able to go to nursing school and/or attend clinicals 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.

if you are currently licensed as a nurse and have been charged with or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor including dui/dwi or any criminal offense, you need to contact the bon in every state you hold a license/wish to be licensed and ask their reporting requirements.

if you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your bon and/or your school of nursing directly. you need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. each board of nursing makes a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.

the members of allnurses.com cannot predict whether your charges/conviction will be something that prevents you from becoming a nurses and/or being licensed. please stay in close contact with your board of nursing.