Criminal Background and Becoming a Nurse

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Hello Everyone,

I recently applied to a nursing program at my local college and got accepted. However, when I filled out my information for my caregiver background check, I only listed a battery charge from 2004 that I know shows up. After further research, I found out that when applying for a license, you need to list even municipal ordinance violations. I guess I only thought you had to list misdemeanors and felonies. So, I need some advice. Should I contact my school and tell them there is actually more on my record than I originally disclosed? Do I even have a chance of getting license? Here is my record as follows:

1) 2002-I was 15 and got a possession of marijuana and paraphernalia ticket, which has been sealed since I was a minor.

2) 2004-Arrested for Misdemeanor Battery, but charges were reduces to a municipal ordinance violation and I had to pay a fine.

3) 2004-Arrested and Convicted for Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana. However, it happened in another state so it doesn't ever appear on my background check. I served a brief jail sentence, 1 year probation and attended alcohol/drug rehab.

4) 2005-Municipal Ordinance Violation of Underage Drinking--paid a ticket

5) 2010-Municpal Ordinance Violation of Retail Theft--had to pay a ticket.

Everything on my record is from many years ago, but I am nervous that I will not be eligible for licensing due to have multiple violations. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thank you for your help!

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Dude, get a lawyer. This is a nursing board.

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I do agree with the PP. It seems like you have had quite a few violations, and not even a decade ago! the recent one was only 6 years ago. Also, I feel like you not disclosing ALL of your violations initially when you first applied to the program, may be viewed negatively, and even held against you. It is like you getting a teaching job, having worked as a teacher for a few months, and then you decided to tell your principal that you were a pedophile. I have no further advice except do as your gut tells you.

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a similiar thing happened to me. i did disclose my info but then another conviction came up but it was a traffic misdemeanor. i gave them all the info they required stated from the BON letter and they gave me a response within 2 wks.

I had to have the approval to sit for the NCLEX before starting nursing school and if i didnt have that confirmation my school was not gonna let me start until i had that. i was fortunate to have it before classes started. my advise: after getting your fingerprints done MAKE SURE YOU GIVE THE BON ALL THE DOCUMENTS THEY WANT. Good luck!

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Can I ask you what you similar situation is? I contacted my school and they don't think it will be a problem since all of my issues are from quite a few years ago, but I would be devastated if I completed the whole nursing program and then was unable to get my license. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Thank you :)

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These violations are misdemeanors and depending on your state, it should not complicate your journey of becoming an RN. Several people I know that are RNs licensed in NY have felony convictions from foolish and juvenile behaviors when they were young. They had requested for "certificate of relief from civil disabilities" through the courts and submit letters from other professionals (RNs, MD, Police Officers, Politicians, Clergymen, etc.) that will verify that you are a changed person. In addition, they needed to submitted letters indicating why they deserve to be RNs and no longer the same foolish people they once were. Furthermore, volunteering work may help your cause. I hope this information helps you and once you are licensed, always remember how hard it was for you to get it, compared to other people who does have this monkey on their backs. Good Luck, be true to yourself and always center your care towards your patients.

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Specializes in Med Surg Tele.

Because you've already been accepted to the nursing program, I wouldn't worry too much about your school. You need to worry about the board. Just be completely upfront when applying for your license. You need to explain every single arrest and charge and provide paperwork to show that you dealt with it accordingly.

Of course you have a chance to get licensed. Everyone has a chance, it's an application process. Just be completely honest when applying for license. The board will make a decision and tell you how to proceed.

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Yeah, this is a question that you need real answers to. Just guessing it could seriously harm you. I recommend that you don't pay the school a penny until you resolve your issue with the board.

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What were your misdemeanor levels?

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