Criminal History

FutureNurseInfo · Dec 30, 2016

From what I know many school applications have a section in which you have to indicate any felonies and explain them. I guess if you are not sure, speak to someone at the school you are applying.

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 30, 2016

Have you contacted the BON of your state? They can provide you with feedback as to whether or not those old convictions can affect your ability to become licensed. Just because a school will accept you doesn't mean the BON will grant you with licensure, and why spend the money on school for nothing?

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 30, 2016

From what I know many school applications have a section in which you have to indicate any felonies and explain them. I guess if you are not sure, speak to someone at the school you are applying.

It's not just the school OP needs to worry about. There are schools out there who are all about the money they can make- it doesn't matter to them if a graduate can't become licensed as long as they've got the money in the bank.

Jroberts78 · Dec 30, 2016

Thanks guys for the feedback. There are students with prior misdemeanors in the program. I know felonies are a no no. I'll keep you updated. I'll find out if I got accepted or not

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2016

Moved to our Criminal History forum.

CCU BSN RN · Dec 31, 2016

Agree STRONGLY with Rose Queen Re: you NEED to check with your state board of nursing. Any school will take your money, but how are you going to feel if you go through all the shenanigans of nursing school only to find out that you can't sit for your boards because of your past? I'd probably try to get it in writing from my state BON before I shelled out the money for school.

wanna_be · Dec 31, 2016

All I can say is be honest. There are situations in which the past is the past, but applying to school, your license, and ultimately employment are not the place for that. I had a few very minor brushes with the legal system as a youth (no actual charges) but having to put all that out on the table, frankly and not sugar-coated, when applying to my state BON was heartbreaking. Be truthful and upfront, and demonstrate what you have learned and how you have changed. It's a scary process, but there are many, many RNs who don't have a perfect record--hopefully all have learned and grown from it.

Ann_ · Dec 31, 2016

Check with the Board of Nursing in the state you plan to work and study in

julesjameson3333 · Dec 31, 2016

What state are you located in? I also have a misdemeanor I called the board of nursing (FL) and was told that while he doesn't think I should feel discouraged, that the BON looks at each case on a case by case basis and that I could not receive a definitive "yes" or "no" until after I passed the NCLEX and applied... I'm still going to pursue nursing though. Good luck, let me know how it turns out.

DeeAngel · Jan 1, 2017

Only your state BON can give you accurate information on this matter.

Skippingtowork · Jan 1, 2017

Hey. I'm 38 years old and applying for the nursing program at my local college. I have a great chance of getting in based on my grades. I do have misdemeanors on my record. None of them are violent and most of them are sealed. They were over 10+ years ago. One is a possession of a controlled substance though. I completed a drug treatment inpatient program. Do you think this will disqualify me from this career. Many say don't worry because they're so old but I'm worried.

As others have said, check with the BON (do not give your name). Also, because backgrounds checks are part of many school's application process, as well employment processes, have a background check completed on yourself so you can see what it says. Check with the public court sites for your name. Get a professional to clean up anything negative. It costs money but has been done in extenuating circumstances. This is not lying or deceit. If your life has changed, there is not reason that you can not move forward in the direction of a meaningful career. Make sure you don't lie on any application form, but I've filled out quite a few and they always ask for felony conviction.