Dismissed petty theft

[lostallhope]

Hello

I am located in CALIFORNIA and I am trying to earn my bachelor of nursing at a Calstate. I am in the process of entering into a nursing program. I am still finishing my prereqs and I know I made a mistake by shoplifting. Please do not judge me because what I did is killing me and it is making me worry every day as if I have ruined my chances of becoming a nurse. I do have a few questions as if I should continue my aspiring dream of becoming a nurse. I am hoping to reach out to those with personal experiences.

If I get my charge dismissed, will this affect me when I do a background check for clinicals at a calsate nursing program ?

By the time I apply for the NCLEX, my dismissed charge would be a little less than 3 years old. I understand it is done by a case-by-case evaluation but could someone give me some input or personal stories that can relate to my chances of getting my ATT and getting a license without any restriction or probation.

Thank you for listening to me and I just want some answers to decide if I should continue at achieving my dream of becoming a nurse.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

The only ones who can tell you whether CalState will be bothered by your criminal record is CalState. I would talk to them.

I would also talk to a lawyer about getting your record expunged. A theft conviction is an automatic disqualifier for a lot of employers...and even if you get the charges dismissed, the fact that you got the charges in the first place may cause an employer to raise an eyebrow. You know, the whole smoke/fire thing.

Expungement could help improve your chances of finding a job because you'll be able to answer "No" to many (but NOT all) questions about your criminal history. A lawyer can explain what expungment can do for you and whether you are eligible for it. You'll still have to disclosed expunged charges to your BON though, but you wouldn't be the first nurse to get licensed with a theft conviction. And FYI: have that lawyer handy when dealing with the BON because the BON is not the nurse's friend.

You can find lawyers versed in nursing matters and dealing with BONs here:

TAANA Executive Office - Home

Best of luck.

[WonderousIvy, BSN]

Hi how did this situation pan out for you? I had a deferred prosecution then later the charge was dismissed for stealing from walmart. I'm now wondering if state hospitals will allow me to participate in clinicals.