criminal background check

[pixie-dust37]

Well, I'm pretty embarrassed to ask any of you this, but I was wondering if anyone ever had to write the board of nursing a letter regarding a criminal background check.

First of all, I am currently taking pre-req's for the nursing program. In 1994 I was in an abusive relationship with an alcoholic and one night things got out of hand with him and I called 911. I did hit him back that night, and was arrested for domestic violence because they told me that even though I was the one to call 911, since they had to come out, we were both going to jail.

So now I have this misdemeanor (sp?) on my criminal record. On the paperwork I have it says "withhold adjudication", and I can say that I was never "convicted" of any crime. But, when I called the board of nursing, they told me that it would show up and I would need to write a letter of explanation and send the court documents with it. The lady I talked to on the phone told me that since it was 12 years ago, and a misdemeanor, that that was on my side.

I just don't know if I should go through all of this, just to find out that I cannot be licensed. Has anyone ever whent through this procedure before? Or know how they work? She did also tell me that they have seen cases like this before.

I'm not trying by any means to make myself sound better by saying that I have never before or after had any criminal trouble. I wonder if that makes a difference.

Well, if there is anyone who can possibly help me with this, I would truely appreciate it.

Thanks

I just wanted to add that when I sent for some info. regarding this case back in 2000, what they sent back to me said, "battery" on it. Gosh, that sounds horrible. But since it was a "domestic violence" case, I cannot even get it expunged because of laws on that.

[marialynn24]

I am a business major graduating this year with my bachelor's in management. I am interested in starting a second degree program at my university in the nursing major, but am hesitant because I have a simple assault from three years ago on my record. I was involved in a similar situation (walked into my house to find my boyfriend in bed with another woman, her and I got into a physical fight, I got charged with simple assault, "crime of passion.") Unfortunately, three years later I am happily out of that relationship, however I have a dent in my record. Does anyone know how simple assault charges are viewed? Does it prevent you from acceptance to a school's program as well as the license itself?

[ladyluck1111]

Every state's different. In my state they have a 5 year forgiveness policy. If your charge wasn't a felony and you've been good for the last 5 yrs you can still get licensed. I had a simple assault domestic. Be honest. Just tell your story and supply the documentation if/when they request it.

[TallGirlAni]

You may want to check into getting this expunged from your record. Look up how to do this according to your state's procedures for expungement on the internet. Just type in expungement and your state in the search engine. You may find that this is an expungeable offense. Good luck and don't stress out yet, there are still options in your favor and many of us who have become nurses have similar issues that we've taken steps to deal with. You are not alone and continue to go to school while you figure out how to deal with this. But, don't sit on this too long, as you would hate to have finished school to find out that the BON will not issue a license.

[stpauligirl]

Trust me, it is worth checking out...don't lose hope! I have a friend, with 9 felonies, drug related, battery, etc. and the boards liscenced her with her CNA (she was working toward NS and they knew it). She took the time to show her interest and plead her case with the board...and they saw her sincerity. It had been only 6 years for her. If you are honest that is what counts.

~J

Please tell me that this isn't true...

[NRSNFL]

Pixie-

Do you have an update to what happened?

[gsamanez]

good luck youll be fine