Criminal Records

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 3, 2005

Can anyone tell me how does it work trying to become a nurse when you have a felony on your record. Does that stop you from getting into nursing programs or obtaining nursing jobs? I heard from the Board that it depended on the felony and how long it had been. Has anyone gone through this before? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm taking pre-req's now, but don't want to waste my time if I can't get a nursing license.

We just had a very long, and very ugly, debate on this subject recently, so to answer your question simply: Check with your state's board of nursing. They are the only ones who can tell you for sure.

pedsnrs_28 · Apr 22, 2005

In the state of Michigan I do believe as long as it was not an abuse type felony you will be ok. Went to school with a girl who had two DUI's and they still let her get her license. I think they check for any assaults or abuse cases against you. I believe drug related offenses you may obtain a license but it may be restricted. I would contact the board of nursing although I hear sometimes they are not much help when it comes to felonies. Knew someone who went all the way through her pre-req's and got into the program, they let her in and when they did a criminal background check on her they would not let her continue. She had a claim of abuse against her on a resident in a nursing home, thank goodness they stopped her when they did, but she had called the BON and they told her they had no record of anything, because she was licensed under a group called chauncy when she was a nurse aide, so the moral of the story is you may not find the answer until you actually go to nursing school. Good Luck, I hope everything works out for you

Sirena922 · Apr 23, 2005

Thanks, spoke with the advisor at my school and she told me that it shouldn't be a problem as long as it wasn't an abuse type of felony. I feel much better. Thank for all your help too.

In the state of Michigan I do believe as long as it was not an abuse type felony you will be ok. Went to school with a girl who had two DUI's and they still let her get her license. I think they check for any assaults or abuse cases against you. I believe drug related offenses you may obtain a license but it may be restricted. I would contact the board of nursing although I hear sometimes they are not much help when it comes to felonies. Knew someone who went all the way through her pre-req's and got into the program, they let her in and when they did a criminal background check on her they would not let her continue. She had a claim of abuse against her on a resident in a nursing home, thank goodness they stopped her when they did, but she had called the BON and they told her they had no record of anything, because she was licensed under a group called chauncy when she was a nurse aide, so the moral of the story is you may not find the answer until you actually go to nursing school. Good Luck, I hope everything works out for you

suzanne4, RN · Apr 23, 2005

Do not rely on the word of your instructor in this matter. Get documentation from the Board of Nursing. Each case is handled on its own, and no two are alike. Your instructor is unable to tell you what the Board will specifically do in your case. Only the Board can do that. You would be much better speaking to them now, then when you finish your program..............

Just a suggestion................

blue1018 · Dec 18, 2008

Where did you go to school....i unfortunately just got a 2nd Dui...it is a misdeameanor and I am very upset at myself....it was a huge mistake and I just hope I can still get into school...I am suppose to start this Fall 2009, but they do a background check for the clinicals and I am not sure what will happen.

I know there are a number of professionals with charges...but I wonder how many students can get through school with these charges. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, spoke with the advisor at my school and she told me that it shouldn't be a problem as long as it wasn't an abuse type of felony. I feel much better. Thank for all your help too.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 18, 2008

We just can't address these issues. It is up to the individual board of nursing to determine this and each case is unique.