Criminal record and being a nurse

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Hi everyone,

I'm new to this board. I have been thinking about moving into the Nursing field (from Marketing). I found an accelerated program at a local college that is for people with a B.S. in a non-nursing field. It looks perfect for me. However, I was wondering if I would do it all for nothing. I have a criminal record for two misdemeanors (bad check and theft). Will hospitals hire people with misdemeanors? I don't want to pay all this money for this school and find out afterwards that I won't get hired because of my criminal record from my teenage years.

Thanks!

Niki

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Specializes in Registry, all over the place.

Before I entered nursing there was a whole sheet of offenses that I had to sign off on saying I had never commited. Memory fails me as to what these offenses were. I applied to three different nursing schools and all had me do the same thing, so I think all of them should check because it would be a major waste of time and money, not only that, but I don't think you can go to clinicals. If they don't know your state BON definitely will! Hope that helps some! Good luck in nursing school!!!

Also do a search, there are alot of other threads with this same question, hopefully you can get more in depth answers there!!!

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Specializes in ICU's, every type.

call your state board of nursing, do an internet search and then you can tell then the particulars surrounding the events (not our business). know that with each job app. you have to list them, but I have an old DWAI (driving while under the influence) from 1999 that I still am required to provide. I've had 4 jobs since and it hasn't negatively affected me any through 3 states, but each state is different..... ohio wouldn't accept my board transfer as a result of this. so ya never know.

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I don't recall the application asking for misdeamors, only felonies, but it's been 18 years since I filled one out. Check with your BON, they will tell you what you need to know. You can even make the call anonymously.

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Niki816

Hi,

you should check with the board of nursing in your state. If a hospital hires you could go either way. I think you need to start with the board of nursing first. I hope this helps out. Good luck!

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Specializes in Neuro ICU.

Hi,

I would check with the BON. you didn't specify for sure what age in teenage years, keep in mind that many states expunge teenage (

Also, I know someone in a nursing program that is an older long time recovering addict. Not sure of a criminal record but this person was not allowed to go to a federal facility for clinicals for admitted history. This person continued clinicals at the non federal facilities with no problems or issues. This student is actually one of our "better" students, professionally, compassionately and academically. This student has an interesting wealth of experience that serves well in a nursing environment as well as a faith in GOD and a smile everyday. So, my point is that a bad check or shoplifting incident while young and inexperienced in life hopefully won't hold you from reaching your desired goals. Your "incidents" certainly don't seem as "bad" as one might think about with a person with a strong drug history. Hopefully, if you are on the straight and narrow (not implying that you aren't) then maybe society can forgive the deeds and afford you the opportunity to prove yourself.

Good luck,

mrsalby

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Specializes in ICU.

Hope you found your answer in this time. One classmate of mine was charged with DWI during nursing school and the only consequence was she had to wait for the BON to meet and approve her application to take the boards.

A coworker had a different experience she was allowed to take the boards and then the BON met to discuss and approve her afterwards. She was caught bringing a firearm into a courthouse about 5 years ago (as an adult). She's a RN now.

Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Definately check with your state BON, they should give you a list of offenses (both misdemeaners and felonies). When we got our papers you weren't allowed in if you had any felonies, or 2 or 3 misdemeaners. Each state may be different so check with your state.

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Specializes in surgical, neuro, education.

I know that when I taught nursing in NY. If you were honest with both your school, the BON, and your future employee--they let you get your license. Of course it depends on what charges are and how long ago you had them. I would be up front with college and also contact your BON before accepting the program.

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Specializes in ICU.

Update on the girl who was caught bringing a loaded firearm into a courthouse: she's been approved by the BON to be a RN. She's back on orientation.

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