FBI Fingerprinting Background Check

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Does anyone else have to do an FBI Fingerprinting and Background Check as a new nursing school applicant? My school requires it as a part of the registration process... I completed the Background check and sent away for the Fingerprints back in April when I was first accepted, and they didn't come back until last week! However they were rejected by the FBI for "low quality of characteristics" meaning they were too light to scan I suppose. So I'm having them redone for free, which is good, but I was told it would still take just as long to process (12 weeks or so). Now they sure as heck won't come back until before clinicals start in october unless by way of a miracle, however I was told when i called the school by several different people(including my programs dean) not to worry and to just get them redone. Which should make me relax but I'm afraid that it might still affect my chance to do clinical if they don't return in time. Has anyone else had a similar problem?

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In Canada it's the same thing. The RCMP is our FBI equivalent and I need a police vulnerable sector records check done before I can even start clinicals.

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Specializes in L&D.

Wow I don't think it should take that long! Mine didn't take over 4-6 weeks.

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Maybe it won't take to long, I got my results back in a week.

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Did either of you have them done this year? Mine took 12 weeks the first time, and I was told it would take 12 weeks again. I was also told that the FBI has the highest volume of fingerprinting checks this year then they have ever had before, and that's why it's taking so long? I hope mine takes four weeks!

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I didn't have to do fingerprinting, but I did have to do a background check. If the dean says not to worry about it, don't let it stress you out! Hope they come back soon though!

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The problem rests with the service they are using. An FBI fingerprint check in the USA DOES NOT take 12 weeks to process. It takes more like 7 to 10 business days.

The way it works is there are background investigation companies that are certified to take fingerprints to submit for FBI checks on both a state and federal level. They submit these for a search and I know for a fact that they don't take that long to process.

The facilities don't require a fingerprint check (most of them) and what is why your school most likely told you to go ahead and get them done again but doesn't seem concerened about it. However, your state probably does for licensure and that is probably why they want you to get a background check before you start so they are not wasting slots on people that cannot sit for licensure.

That would be my guess.

People with a criminal record know that they will be caught in a fingerprint check, so they know if you went to the trouble, they can almost be certain you are clear.

Our nursing school added drug testing half-way through the program. Nine students were dismissed...two because they refused to take the test.

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We did a background check and drug screening for my school's application, but since the FBI fingerprint check is required anyway for everyone in order to get their actual license, then our school did not bother doing it at this point.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Telemetry.
Does anyone else have to do an FBI Fingerprinting and Background Check as a new nursing school applicant? My school requires it as a part of the registration process... I completed the Background check and sent away for the Fingerprints back in April when I was first accepted, and they didn't come back until last week! However they were rejected by the FBI for "low quality of characteristics" meaning they were too light to scan I suppose. So I'm having them redone for free, which is good, but I was told it would still take just as long to process (12 weeks or so). Now they sure as heck won't come back until before clinicals start in october unless by way of a miracle, however I was told when i called the school by several different people(including my programs dean) not to worry and to just get them redone. Which should make me relax but I'm afraid that it might still affect my chance to do clinical if they don't return in time. Has anyone else had a similar problem?

I had the exact same problem. As long as you remain in communication with the school, you will be fine. My school was able to give me numbers also check on the status of the report. Just stay on top of it and stay in communication with the school, as long as they see that you are doing what you can on your end they will work with you.

Once I had my prints redone, they were back within 2 weeks. You will be fine! Just Breathe!

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I'm surprised they took that long...my school has them back within a week or two. When I submitted fingerprints for a CBI to get my nursing license, it took 2-4 weeks.

Not a big deal...just get them redone and relax! It will be okay in the end.

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