Do I HAVE to say "yes" to a crime of DUI 5 years ago? I'm a new grad.

[mamaames]

Hi folks,

I got a DUI in Jan 04 (Before I even did my prerequisites for nursing school). I have my RN license now (after the process of gathering all the documentation to send to the BRN) and it was not a problem. I am wondering if part of my problem getting a New Grad position is that I have been checking "yes" for convicted of a crime - and writing a SHORT explanation in the space provided.

I am thinking now that I might just check "no" and then when I have an interview I would alert them that they will find it on my background check, but that "I didn't realize that I should have reported it on the application at that time". I mean, I have every intention of being honest about it, but is it possible that they use that information as an "unofficial" filter method to cut down from the large number of applications they receive?

Am I paranoid? Should I feel confident that I have a strong application otherwise and not worry about this, or is it a rational fear that this could take me out of the running before they have even really considered the rest of my application? If there are any people out there who are on the hiring end of things I would especially appreciate your feedback.

Thanks,

Unsure How To Proceed

[mzjennx, BSN, RN]

i think you should be honest. my friend got a DUI too 1 week after she passed her NCLEX. i know its hard looking for a job, but its better to be honest and explain yourself. i told her the same thing and to be safe when drinking. call a friend or family member for a ride or sleep over friends house.

[Agrippa]

if its been that long since your conviction and you haven't had any other trouble, see if you can get it expunged in your state. If you can, the record of the arrest/conviction can be thrown out and you have the legal right to say "No" on any employer application (except some fields like the cia/fbi/security clearances which may ask specifically for all convictions including expunged records). I would look into it. You shouldnt be punished still for something you did 5 years ago that you already paid the price for. Good luck.