Credit checking for a job?..im in trouble :(

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hey all,

Like many I am a new graduate RN, just passed boards last week. No job because im still trying to hold out for NICU (or PICU) I have started sending out apps nationwide.

Ive noticed having to sign for the "Fair Credit Report" on some apps and I feel really crummy

I just had to file chapter 7 two months ago, but before that i had AWSOME credit, im very responsible with money!!

Unfortunately my house caught fire on Jun 4th, and insurance issues forced me into bankruptcy.

Im scared this horrible event in my life is also going to hurt me finding my dream job..should i be up front with human resources? I feel that if they see it on my history I will never be able to explain the circumstances because they may write me off right then.

Advice is appreciated... :( *sigh*

Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.
Flat out this is BS!!! May i ask how in the world are you supposed to fix a credit problem when no one will hire you? Society is getting way to carried away people and nurses aren't perfect.

Nursing is FAR from the only/first career path that has had this done to them. Its not all that uncommon actually. In PA, some higher paying restaurants will do it. I've even heard of specific McD's places doing it.

It's not as cut throat of a practice as people are taking it. It's not the biggest factor in determining if you get the job. Its more of a tie breaker. Also, its hard to argue with the rational that certain people with poor credit ratings and unbalanced debt-to-asset ratios do exhibit some of the behaviors I explained before. I know I did when my finances were poorly managed. I wanted OT EVERY WEEK. I was always seeking a better paying position or a second job that would fit my schedule.

Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

I saw that you are new grad and are applying for NICU and PICU only. Maybe you need to expand your willingness to try other opportunities. In many areas, ICU jobs are requiring ICU or med/surg experience. In this tough job market, I think that lack of work experience may hold you back moreso than a not so perfect credit report. Keep trying, but apply for other experiences as well. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

I have only ever had my credit checked for a bank job...they obviously wanted to make sure I had good credit so I wouldn't try and steal money. Kind of odd for nursing job though. But at least your credit was good beforehand...that can help.

Absolutely be up front with employers. I used to work in insurance sales and I can't tell you how many times we had to terminated very good employees because of credit issues. If they had been up front, they would have had more creditibility!

It is illegal to not hire someone because they have gone bankrupt. If they give that for a reason it is illegal and you could have a lawsuit if you wish. Email your lawyer if you have more questions about this or PM me.

Specializes in LTC.
Absolutely be up front with employers. I used to work in insurance sales and I can't tell you how many times we had to terminated very good employees because of credit issues. If they had been up front, they would have had more creditibility!

Can you elaborate? Why would they be terminated for credit issues after they were hired?

Credit reports tell more than about one's financial history, and many employers use them as part of a background check.

Besides credit history, tax liens and so forth credit reports contain:

Name or names used in the past, including reported variations.

Previous addresses

Employment history

Criminal convictions (varies by state, some allow this others do not)

Therefore a credit record can be a valuable tool for an employer to not only verify what one has stated on the application, but for use in doing background checking as well.

By federal law persons are entitled to a free credit report each year from all three major us credit reporting services. Strongly advise you go do so to make sure there aren't any errors in your report that could affect employment or the granting of credit.

You can Google "Free Credit Report" to find out more. Also IIRC the FTC maintains a website on the matter as well.

Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

My sympathies on the loss of your home. I can't imagine losing everything like that. Here's some suggestions on the credit report. Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies to make sure that everything there is correct. Then ask each of them to post a brief personal statement about your situation. They are required by law to do this. Make it very brief: "In May of 2008 (or whenever) my home was destroyed by fire and my homeowner's insurance was not able to cover my losses, requiring me to file bankruptcy."

And I second the opinion of looking at other areas for a job. You may be holding out for a really long time if you're waiting for your dream job.

After reading this thread I got nervous and ordered the annual free reports from the 3 credit agencies. I was pleasantly surprised that I don't have to worry as much as I thought I did! Like someone previously said - order your credit reports so you know what they say.

What does credit scores have to do with patient care? Whoever came out with that idea is an idiot. And then they complain that there is a nursing shortage:redpinkhe

Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.

You could tie it into pt. care on some levels. Like I said, a poor credit score or unbalanced debt-to-asset ratio in theory leads to one tending to be stressed out.

This could lead to being short with a patient, errors and lack of teamwork. And thats if you believe the credit score is being used to judge pt. care ability. I do not.

The purpose is to use it as a tool to help predict if you will be a good employee, not to see if they will perform good bedside care. A good employee shows up on time, doesnt call off chronically, gets along with co-workers well and doesn't take supplies home. Someone with extreme credit problems could fail at any/all of these things.

Take for example.............the girl in CO who put people at risk for Hepatitis. I'd be willing to bet her credit score is not up to snuff with buying a house or even getting a loan for a stick of gum for that matter. The credit report would have shown her debt issues, her places of employment, and multiple home addresses. All of that would have been a red flag.

Where I work we have everyone sign the "credit report needed form" it sounds bad but we only have sent to us the part that shows your previous addresses, employers and any criminal record (they charge for each part and the money amounts are just not that important to us to pay more for it).

Also the three credit bureaus will allow you to place a "personal statement" at the beginning of your report. Keep it short and simple and explain that is was a loss due to fire/insurance issues but prior to that you had great credit. Then I wouldn't mention it at the interview ( just in case they are like us and don't look at that part, so you don't give away any info you don't have to). If they get the money part of the report they will see your side first thing.

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