Can you be a nurse with a suspended record?

kim1234 · Nov 28, 2004

I guess I will not get any information from this website. Thanks for all the feedback.

I will find out on my own. :uhoh3:

Thanks,

Kim

memphispanda, RN · Nov 28, 2004

Keep in mind that it is Sunday morning, many members may be in church or working. Also there probably aren't a huge number of members who have the information you seek so it could take some time for the "right" person to see your post.

peaceful · Nov 28, 2004

It would be a shame for a mistake 7 years ago holding you back from becoming a nurse. Keep working with the BON and get an advice from an attorney if need be. Since your criminal record is clean should be a huge plus. Also were the charges dropped at one point 7 years ago, is that why record is clean? If so, all should be okay i would think. Keep us posted on how all goes.

I guess I will not get any information from this website. Thanks for all the feedback.
I will find out on my own.
Thanks,
Kim

Monica RN,BSN · Nov 28, 2004

I would seek the advice of a lawyer to do a background check and if it does show up I would have the lawyer file an expungement which will seal the record and it will not ever show up again. There are two types of background checks. One is a state check and is not very indepth. The other requires fingerprints and is called a level II check. The level II check is US wide, through all law enforcement data bases and the FBI. Just because it may not appear on a level I it very well may appear on a level II. Go ask an attorney to do both types of background, hav eit sealed, and continue on with your life with no fears of it ever surfacing again. This seems like the only safe alternative you have in my opinion.

Good Luck to you.

kim1234 · Nov 28, 2004

I believe after suspension was fulfilled, my case was sealed??? I have no clue, I thought thats what a suspended sentence meant. I honestly never had trouble with this affecting my life, Ive gotten good jobs with the same type of background checks that the BON requires, unless they overlooked the info??? My sentence was to go to rehab for 28 days and a 5 years probation without supervision, during probation I was hired for a state juvenile job so Im assuming my record is clean?? I told my instructors just recently, because it was announced in class thAT EVEN expunged or sealed records should be reported, I have only two more weeks till graduation and Im so sick about all of this. I hate the thought of going before boards and prove myself once again. Thanks for your suggestion I really appreciate the advice.

KIm

Monica RN,BSN · Dec 3, 2004

Kim..

I believe a suspended sentence means you just dont serve jail time but it will be on your record. this will not mean you have a clean record..

I still think you should get a lawyer. In most states you do not have to report expungement. Expengement is equivelent of it not existing.

Good Luck to you

vortex72 · Dec 4, 2004

I had some misdemeanors on my record. (Reckless Driving and possession of marijuana) In TN, when you apply for your license, they ask if you have a criminal record. I checked the "yes" box. They then asked me to send court records and an explanation of what happened. This was painless and didnt even delay me getting my license(this was all taken care of quickly after I passed my boards)

I've heard that some serious convictions such as certain felonies can cause problems, but I'd think most crimes except the most severe wouldnt preclude licensure.

Honestly, I was tempted to not even admit my record since I was so freaked that all my years in nursing school might be wasted if I told on myself. I had heard that they dont even do criminal checks and use the honor system. I decided to be honest because nothing would screw getting your license worse than lying.

TracyB,RN, RN · Dec 6, 2004

Why don't you try checking with the original court you were dealing with? But, it does make me a little bit leary, I'm not sure I would announce to all your new co-workers, after you graduate & hopefully get licensed in your state. If I knew you had a fromer drug charge, I would be suspicious of wasting narcotics, not meant to be mean, just honest. So you might want to be prepared for that.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2004

The Texas BON told me they look for patterns of behavior, not just one incident. Of course, it would depend on the incident. The idea is to eliminate people who are at risk to others. They have a committee to consider each case individually. If your state does this you will probably have good luck. I wish you the best.