Criminal Record

Published

I have a criminal record. I was arrested for DUI 2 times, retail theft, and disorderly conduct. I was 19 that last time I was arrested. My question is how long do I have to pay for this? The rest of my natural life is the only answer I can see. I am a good nurse and of all the reasons I would consider leaving the profession this is the biggest one. So because I was a stupid kid I will make less money, be passed over for jobs, possibly not accepted to schools...the list goes on. I am traveling right now and it is just hard. I feel like I should totally change jobs. My only purpose in this post is to vent and possibly get some encouragement. I am currently applying for CA license and if I have problems with this am looking into law school and totally giving up nursing.

i beleive in second chances,two have you learn from your mistakes have you promise yourself you won't do it again? is it worth the afford ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unfortunately, the legal system is not equal. I hear about it every day from my wonderful finace who is a public defender in the juvenile court system here in Minneapolis. If you are from a suburb, white, and wealthy you are treated much differently than if you are middle class, poor, or a minority; commit a crime and the punishement/long-term affects will be much different depending on your class. Anhyow, you might want to try for an expungment (removal of these items from your record). You will need to go before a judge and should not need lawyer. Laws very by state on this. Good luck.

Stand up. Keep Fighting - Senator Paul Wellstone

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I read this post and got a little weepy! I am in the same situation, I was convicted of Welfare fraud in 1996 and put on probation, my son was hit by a car in and killed in 1997 in front of our house, I was so distraught that I was unable to even come out on my porch, let alone attend my required probation meetings, So they issued a warrant for my arrest in 1999 for violation of probation and fully charged me with a misdemeanor of welfare fraud. That is now on my record and causes me so much grief and has truly stopped me from getting many well paying jobs. I finally decide that at 34 my life calling is to be a nurse and was all revved up for a cna program at a local hospital to jumpstart my career. Wouldnt you know it, although I disclosed the welfare fraud on the application and even explained that WELFARE FRAUD sounds worse than what actually happened (I was working making $7.50 per hour for 2 weeks and didnt report it to my case worker) They told me they couldnt hire me because of that misdemeanor. Now I am a firm believer that if you commit a crime you should pay the price but my question is how high is that price, I have been trying so hard to care for my 2 children without any type of state aid (which I have'nt recieved by choice since the incident because I was so afraid of getting in trouble again) but how can I when something like this looms, I am the most peace loving gentle person who is totally law abiding but I cant make a decent living because of a mistake from years ago (I truly did not know it had to be reported in 7 days, I was new to the state and the laws and regs were totally different, in my prior state you had to report earnings after 30 days) anyway all of that is behind me and I cant get an expungement I have to get a pardon which is certainly no easy feat! (I received the 100 page packet I have to fill out) and I was told they take 2 years to grant them if they are granted at all!! I however am not giving up and even though the BON told me that I have to go through school and then submit my app before they can tell me if i can even be licensed! I am pressing forward and it is hard but I cant give up I know I can do this and I know that I will be a wonderful nurse!! That was a rant post really but I actually wanted to say thank you to all of the encouraging posters out there! it really made me decide to continue on with the fight and that there is hope!! People really need to understand that things happen and people change, when we are talking about non-violent crimes the system is pretty screwed up because when you get punished it lasts a lifetime no matter how small. I admit I was guilty, albeit unkowingly, but is there enough forgiveness to go around so I can at least earn a decent living? I get so upset when I see and hear about nurses abusing patients and then I think about how that persons background check was probably squeaky clean and they still chose the wrong applicant based on something (and the only thing, not even a parking ticket since) that happened almost 7 years ago. I feel sorry for the patients because a lot of awesome caring nurses are being passed over in lieu of someone who may be really violent and just don't have a record. Anyway Thanks for letting me rant and thanks for being such an awesome supporting group of nurses!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Most State Boards of Nursing have appeal and examination procedures regarding criminal convictions. Research, Talk to the Boards, we here in California have the procedures to get past DUI's etc. God knows we bend over backwards to rehabilitate Nurses that are addicted to meds , and are caught stealing them from work. DON'T give up use the systems that are available,Stick to it,, Good luck to you

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Perhaps the moderators should lock this thread and advise you to consult with your local BON...lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac intensive care.
I have a license but have to continually deal with this issue everytime I move jobs or get new state license. And I guarantee that the time spent protecting the unknowing public from is time that could be better spent on something else. I guess I just feel there are professions that offer me the opportunity to have more power over my options. Little power and lots of responsibility seem to come with the territory in nursing.

Why do you move so much? This looks worse than a criminal record. This and your criminal record are what may be holding you back. Someone that moves alot looks "unstable " to an employer and state board of nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

this thread almost a year old.

to the op and other interested in this topic:

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history?
  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a dui or other related charges?
  • what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  • can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed if my record has been sealed or expunged?

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

please refer to this thread for other information:

nursing licensure with a criminal history

good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion