Criminal Record...Should I even bother with a nursing career

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Good evening everyone. I'm very concerned whether or not will I be able to become licensed as a Patient Care Tech in NYC due to me having a misdemeanor on my record. This was my first offense and this coming September, the conviction will be three years old. My conviction involves a weapon (knife) and it was a domestic violence situation. I have not been in trouble since this incident has happened. I have made some major changes in my life since this mistake has taken place and I don't intend on getting into anymore trouble. I'm also concerned about my conviction preventing me from completing nursing school (Clinicals), becoming a licensed nurse and future employment as a nurse in New York City. New York City does not offer expungement of criminal records at this time, so this will not be an option for me. I also contacted the state board of nursing and was told that they do not have a direct answer for me, and that I would have to submit an application, which they will evaluate on a case by case basis. If anyone has any information or experience, especially for New York City, please share. Words of encouragement are greatly appreciated too!!!

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Good evening everyone. I'm very concerned whether or not will I be able to become licensed as a Patient Care Tech in NYC due to me having a misdemeanor on my record. This was my first offense and this coming September the conviction will be three years old. My conviction involves a weapon (knife) and it was a domestic violence situation. I have not been in trouble since this incident has happened. I have made some major changes in my life since this mistake has taken place and I don't intend on getting into anymore trouble. I'm also concerned about my conviction preventing me from completing nursing school (Clinicals), becoming a licensed nurse and future employment as a nurse in New York City. New York City does not offer expungement of criminal records at this time, so this will not be an option for me. I also contacted the state board of nursing and was told that they do not have a direct answer for me, and that I would have to submit an application, which they will evaluate on a case by case basis. If anyone has any information or experience, especially for New York City, please share. Words of encouragement are greatly appreciated too!!! [/quote']

The board of nursing takes into consideration how long it has been and each case is an individual situation. You would just need to send in an application and you will be given a chance to explain yourself to them if they even ask. There are a few nurses at my particular job with misdemeanors and the board granted them their license. They took into consideration their age the crime and how long it had been since the offense. I do not know your financial situation but I do know they have licensed expungement attorneys and I'm not sure but maybe if you reach out to your legal aid office they may be able to help. I also have a family member with a felony conviction for drugs when they were younger and since it was over ten years old they took that into consideration and she is licensed. So good luck too you we all make mistakes and mostly everyone deserves a second chance.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Thread moved to nursing license with a criminal history forum to elicit further response. This is a moderated forum and all posts must be approved by a staff member before appearing in public view.

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Thanks for the information! And most importantly taking time out to reply. I will definitely look into my legal aid office and as well as seeking an expungement attorney! I was 24 at the time this all happened, I am now 27 years old. I'm guessing by the time I'm done with school, at the latest I will be 31. That would make my conviction date 7 years old. It's a plus that you are from the city and you work with nurses who experienced a similar situation like mines. Were the nurses you worked with licensed in New York State? Also was your family member licensed here as well? If so this gives me some hope.

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Yes all licensed in New York State.

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