Correctional facility w/ arrest record

[Elky]

Hey all,

im a new grad RN who was arrested during my 2nd semester for 'domestic violence' with a roommate.

It was bogus and a waste of everyone's time involved, but we were both arrested.

All charges were dropped on all parties, and we were both released the next morning. No further action was taken.

The arrest came up after I graduated and applied for my Boards, so I wrote a short letter explaining the circumstances of the arrest, and subsequently I had no issues.

However, I realize that it looks absolutely terrible on my record. I plan on getting it expunged in the future, but I don't have money to pay an attorney to do so anytime soon.

Now I'm applying for positions as a new grad, and I'm being offered a position at a state women's prison, as well as a state correctional facility.

Ive been asked over the phone if I have any felonies or misdemeanors on my record, and I truthfully stated that I do not.

However, the women's prison nurse recruiter also asked me if I had anything even as small as a speeding ticket that still hasn't been paid off (if it's been resolved it's fine), and I truthfully answered no again. But even if my arrest for DV is resolved and no charges were ever brought against me, is it your opinion that this unfortunate situation would prevent me from getting a job at a state prison, correctional facility, or state hospital?

I personally believe it may come up as a question during the hiring process if the employer runs an extensive background check (as I imagine they would for a prison, not sure if they would for like a SNF), but I'm not sure if a simple arrest with no charges and no conviction would result in me being denied the job altogether.

What are your thoughts?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. All opinions are appreciated!

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I would've been honest & told them what happened. Depending on the facility they can do really thorough background checks. So even though it was dropped/resolved, they may not like that or like that you "lied".

[Elky]

To be more specific, the facility asked if I have any 'convictions' concerning misdemeanors or felonies, which I do not. I didn't lie.