Disclosure of Prior RN License Discipline

[Blessed#RN]

I am a California RN who successfully completed probation recently. I am currently in the process of seeking new employment opportunities as a result to further advance my career. The BON shows that I had prior discipline on my license, but it also show that my license is current, active, and fully restored as a result of completing probation successfully. When interviewing, am I obligated to tell a potential employer of my prior discipline? I was placed on probation as a result of being arrested under the influence of meth amphetamine 6 years ago and my criminal records have been expunged. Suggestions???

[catsmeow1972, BSN, RN]

I would not mention it in an interview. There are no obligations or limitations and there is nothing additional for any employer to do. the BON and/or whatever entity runs the probation program has deemed you ‘safe to practice.’

This being my opinion (and not to be construed as legal advice) is to carefully read when you get to the ‘have you ever been convicted of blah, blah blah...’ questions. It is possible that a charge/conviction that has been expunged allows you to answer no. Check carefully on that one. As far as the license discipline, in my experience, usually HR checks the license and will call you and ask what was up. At that point you can say exactly what happened...you had an issue, you completed probation and have no further obligations. Period.

Beyond what is stated in the public complaint, I would offer no further details. Any one that isn’t just plain nosy isn’t going to ask, because it doesn’t matter at this point. For what it’s worth, no one should have to pay for their mistakes forever.

[Blessed#RN]

Thank you for providing your response. I had the same thought pattern, but I needed to hear it from someone else. I greatly appreciate your input. You helped me realize I'm thinking clearly and empowered me to move forward. A heartfelt "thank you."

[Wizard 1]

Yes. With prior convictions that are expunged (depending on who is asking, what state, how the question is worded, etc) sometimes it is possible to answer no. The key is to pay attention to how the question is worded. It also pays to know what is in the Nurse Practice Act.