Pre-nursing student with bad backgraound check HELP

Nurses General Nursing

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I have been taking classes for my AA to go to the RN program for a few years now and I am ready to apply to the program. I do however have a problem, as far as the background check goes, I go into trouble many (10 yrs.) years ago and have some issues that could show up on my background check. I have been thinking about getting it expunged but I am not sure if that may make things appear even worse, I would like to be honest and upfront about these issues and the expunging process is very expensive. I have spoke with my school counselor and the hospital I work at but no one has any solid advice to give me and I want to be prepared.

Has anyone herd of a situation like this...any info would be helpful.:uhoh3:

Specializes in ICU/PCU/Infusion.

The best advice you'll get is from your state BON. If you do a search on this website, you'll find LOTS of info regarding ppl who have been in your shoes.

The worst thing that can happen is that you'll be admitted to your program, finish, and then not be eligible to sit for your NCLEX and be denied application for licensure.

I would recommend trying to find out some answers before spending all the $$ in school!

Good luck!

:)

Contact your state BON and ask them the specific questions you have regarding your background. Id try and get these questions cleared up, why would you want a degree in nursing if you cant get licensed? That time could have been spent on getting another degree where your background doesnt come into play.

Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Generally, expungement would cover you on a background check, cause the records are wiped out.....However, if serious enough offense, then you need to take care....you should contact state BON and the actual dean of the nursing program with your concerns...you may have to be cleared by the BON in any case to be admitted....

I would also call a local private investigator...tell him you need him to do a background check on yourself...and see what he pulls up.

Some states (and I have NO IDEA for yours), only allow checks to go back 7 years, but with it being nursing and the hospital, I do remember that sometimes they can go back further for certain professions.

I do know for a fact that IF you should decide to go through the expungement process...you do not need a lawyer...you can go directly to the DA, plead your case, and if he or she feels that you have improved in your life (and your charges are not felonies) if the DA agrees to argue it before a judge...a JUDGE has the authority to grant the expungement...no attorney can guarantee it...b/c all the attorney is going to do, is contact the DA.

It's worth a stab.

I wish you luck...people post on here all the time regarding recent stuff...but 10 years...I think it's safe to say you've changed.

I have a similiar situation right now happening to me. I have a misdemeanor for receiving stolen property from five years ago. I however do not have it on my state criminal background check. When I started nursing school they did one on me and nothing came up and also when I got hired for my job nothing came up. But.. me being the very honest person I am I found my old court records and sent them into my BON. Well this was in june of this year and I am still waiting. I have to have a hearing and prove to the BON that I am of good moral character. I still did not get my hearing date yet. This has been very hard on my whole family. Luckily my hospital is holding my job for me. This has been a very hard summer I was so proud at my graduation for all the work I did, I had excellant grades in school. Now I sit here not working, no health insurace, and hurt. I would recommend you contact your BON first so you don't have to deal with what I am dealing with.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I echo the above posters' concern: we can't possibly begin to know how your BON will view this. Please seek appropriate legal counsel. Good luck.

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