Credit check along with background? *****??

Nurses Job Hunt

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Now I'm 3 days out from taking my NCLEX so am totally stressed! Now I go to the link my employeer sends me to fill out the criminal background check info, and happen to see it includes a credit check! We just filed for bankruptcy protection in April and go to court in August, as we're looking forward to turning a new leaf in life with me having a secure and steady income now. As hubby has been self employeed while I've been in school. Does anyone think I will lose my job offer now? I'm ready to cry!!!

Specializes in Medical/Surgical, Ambulatory Care.
To be honest declaring bankruptcy may work in your favor because now they know your really desperate for money. I had a supervisor tell me "I like to hire nurses that have to make car payments because I know they can't quit" All they really care about is the IRS because they can garnish your wages and you may leave and go somewhere else.

ha! good point!

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We had more free money after filing.

We filed and I was still offered my job at a large hospital.

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When an employer ran credit checks, I asked about this and was told if there were any consequences, it would be dealt with on an individual basis. However, have read elsewhere that the credit checks are mainly to verify information, mostly addresses. It is important that you fill out your application carefully to avoid discrepancies. I would ask beforehand, if you have any concerns. You will probably get told the same thing I was told.

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If it means anything, I doubt you're alone :) I think a lot people are having credit issues/ filing for bankruptcy in this economy. If they were to discriminate against you, they would have to discriminate against MANY others. Including me! I had to BK due to hefty hospital bills back in the day. Good luck!

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Thanks everyone. I submitted it and am hoping it's just to verify info on the criminal background check. I'll let you know if I hear anything about it =)

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Okay... With my husband currently being MI in the Army (with a TS clearance), he was explaining it to me, and he even gives them out, and that was his explanation. That is a factor, though, so saying that it's the only factor perhaps may be an overstatement.

My ex is MI and we had to borrow money from his grandpa for my ex to go through his AIT and receive his TS. Credit can keep someone from getting the job they want in the Army, but won't keep them from getting into the Army.

My husband is also in the Army and we have to fill out clearance papers every 5 years. A credit check is done. He can lose his clearance and not be able to do his job if we let our bills get out of control. You are considered a clearance risk because you may be tempted to sell secrets to get out of debt.

I do know that my ex had to file bankruptcy a few years back. It got him into some trouble, but he has been able to keep his clearance (barely) as far as I know. Some how or another he has lived a very charmed life.

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Specializes in ICU.
I'm not sure that you would loose your job offer, but usually the reason why hospitals and companies, or any major firm for that matter, would want a credit check would be to see if you have major debt (like, tens of thousands of dollars or more). You're seen as an liability, and more likely to do something risky with a substantial amount of debt in your name...

It is not at all uncommon for a college graduate to be tens of thousands of dollars in debt...In fact, the average American college grad is $40,000 in debt upon graduation...

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I have NEVER been denied a civilian opportunity d/t bad credit.

Hubby temporarily lost his security clearance b/c of bad credit. I fixed it and the clearance was reinstated.

In the PAST, the military saw a BK as evidence of irresponsibility and risk. Eventually they faced the fact that someone with current accts in arrears was a bigger riske than the BK. The BK meant they were no longer being harrassed and the debts would be discharged, so they would be a lower risk. BK became now a showing that the soldier/airman, etc, was taking control of the situation.

I would not be too worried.

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Specializes in LTC.

I really don't understand this deal with credit checks to get a job! I mean it really annoys me! I've never had my credit checked to get a job (that I know of). When I was 18 I made some stupid decisions with credit. I'm 26 now, have a child, am buying a car, etc. I mean I'm not the person I was back then! Besides bad credit or not, I'm not going to sell off someones personal info! I mean really, that would result in me losing my nursing license and then I'd be way worse off!

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Specializes in LPN.

Even if employers don't use credit information against you, it still seems way too personal to be any of their business. There are laws against prospective employers asking questions about your family or religious practices. I don't see how it is okay for them to know every payment you owe and to who, and the general state of your financial affairs. Your credit report tells them which credit cards you have and how much you owe on them, whether you own a house, late payments, what other companies have checked your credit (basically what investments you have considered). This is at least as personal as other issues that are legally considered off limits for employers. I've never had a credit check in association with a job, but it has always bothered me that it is possible.

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical, Ambulatory Care.
It is not at all uncommon for a college graduate to be tens of thousands of dollars in debt...In fact, the average American college grad is $40,000 in debt upon graduation...

Yes, this makes perfect sense as well. I have peers who are close to 100k in debt from college, and Im sure that on a credit report the reason behind the debt is stated, right? Im really not sure because I don't have that on my credit report.

There are obviously many different situations that can cause major debt, and some are completely fine (esp. college expenses). I'm sure if that is noted on the report, then it's not an issue (tuition reimbursement :-) )

I will never know why they ask for credit checks, but that was just one idea that I though would be as to why they do it. :)

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Specializes in medical surgical.

I believe this is a complete invasion of privacy. Your credit report will reveal your mortgage payments. Also your car note. I paid my home off last year and I do not think it is any business of an employer. As technology increases, I see employers even more involved in our lives. Not good, IMO!

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