Credit check?

[Kaysmom8]

So I finally got an interview and while I completely understand credit checks but now I'm upset because my credit isn't great at all. So If my credit is bad and this is the norm nowadays will I not be able to get a job? I'm not looking to get flamed over how terrible I am for having bad credit thanks

[llg, PhD, RN]

It depends how bad it is. If by "bad" you mean that your score is a little low because you have a high debt level due to student loans, etc., then it will probably not hurt your job chances. That's common and a lot of people with high ethical standards/behavior have that type of credit problem. However, if by "bad" you mean that you have multiple court judgments against you because you have failed to live up to your obligations, then it may well hurt your chances of being hired -- particularly if it appears that you have willfully neglected your responsibilities.

The answer to your particulary situation is in the details.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

Washington DC is addressing this issue. I saw on the news a couple of weeks ago something on this. The premise is that so many people are currently in debt to their eyeballs, doing a credit check for employment where a person has no control over money is questionable. I have a feeling this practice will change.

[ceebeejay]

Unless you sit inside a bank vault full of cash or have access to priceless treasures, a credit check is not a measure of how well you can do a job. I certainly hope they get rid of it. It's stupid.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I don't understand why an employer would request a pre-employment credit check unless the job involved some type of responsibility for handling/managing money. Prospective employers are limited to information associated with "bona fide occupational qualifications" (BFOQ). So, requiring a credit check would not be unexpected if you are a cashier, working in an accounting job, etc... but nursing????

Very strange.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

A person with multiple judgements against them for willfully ignoring their financial obligations is not an individual I'd want taking care of expensive equipment at work or taking care of my mother. If they'll ignore their legal and financial obligations, will they also ignore their work responsibilities? Someone who refuses to pay child support and has had his wages garnished may not be the person to take care of vulnerable patient populations. And someone who frequently runs up a lot of debt and then skips town without paying -- may not be a stable job candidate.

Someone with a lot of debt and no income may just be a recent nursing school graduate.