criminal background

ChuckeRN, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2011

You'll probably be allowed to continue your education, but getting past the background check to get your license is a whole different story.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Oct 31, 2011

There are consequences for behavior. Unfortunately for you, you're now facing

those consequences. I would imagine you'll have a hard time completing your plans to become a nurse. Especially if you were convicted of a felony.

SweetseRN · Oct 31, 2011

That sucks and of course we can't give legal advice here but as far as I know...You MAY be allowed to go to school but licensing and pre employment background checks may be a real problem for you.

ExpatHopeful, LPN, LVN · Oct 31, 2011

Agreed, the school may happily take your tuition money, but you may find on graduating that your state board of nursing will not grant you a license. Even if your board of nursing does give you a license you may find that no facility will hire you after they do their own background checks.

I would call the Michigan state board of nursing now and find out if they will grant you a license with this on your record.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Oct 31, 2011

I suspect he'll also run into roadblocks re: clinicals in hospitals.

Woodenpug, BSN · Oct 31, 2011

I've seen that the schools may be more harsh. But in Michigan the board says, submit fees and we'll let you know. Here's the link: http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-27417_27529_27542-136661--,00.html

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Oct 31, 2011

If this is a felony (determined by the dollar amount of the charged crime) you will have to 'declare' it on every nursing job application you fill out for a specified amount of time. If you don't, and they do a background check, where it shows up, you're for sure not going to get hired.

If it's a misdemeanor, (again, determined by how much was taken), you probably won't get that question (I've only seen felony information asked for on applications).

I'd call the board, as has been suggested. You could also ask the attorney who dealt with your case, since he/she would have more details, and could find out more information for you.

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · Oct 31, 2011

Maybe think about another field like Radiology Tech? You wont have access to narcotics. A nurse with a record is going to be the first suspect, and I'd hate to see you be a great nurse hampered by a mistake in your past.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Oct 31, 2011

Maybe think about another field like Radiology Tech? You wont have access to narcotics. A nurse with a record is going to be the first suspect, and I'd hate to see you be a great nurse hampered by a mistake in your past.

Many hospitals/clinics/LTCs/etc have policies about hiring felons. No matter what the department.... probably need to clarify that as well, if that is an option....

CrimsonAlchemist · Oct 31, 2011

Your next step should be calling the Michigan BON first thing Monday morning.

Admittedly, this is Arkansas, but we just got a new board that interprets the rules really strictly and denied 3 LPN students from my school from getting their licenses because of past brushes with the law. I don't know details, though. The previous board would have allowed them, but the change in members between the time the students started the program and now has messed them up. Hopefully, they'll still be able to test.

Munch · Oct 31, 2011

I agree with a lot of the posters. When I was in college I used to work in Human Resources for an insurance company(not a hospital). I used to be responsible for hiring employees. I have to say it all depends on the crime committed and the hospital you are applying at. We would sometimes hire applicants with a criminal history, but not many...even if the crime was committed decades ago. Then of course as many posters pointed out getting your license is a whole other ballgame.