Getting a job in private hospice/rehab facilities with a misdemeanor battery conviction

[chicagornstudent]

I am a student who has just been accepted into nursing school, but due to an open criminal case, I have to wait before taking the next step. I have spoken with my attorney and all my advisers about getting licensed and how a misdemeanor battery conviction might prevent me from moving forward. I am well aware that BONs make decisions on a case to case basis. I was just wondering if anyone who has been in my shoes or works in a private facility would be able to give me any advice. Please help me, this is my dream and I will hold on for as long as possible.

[ShesanRN]

May I ask the circumstances of your case? I'm sure any employer that may give you a chance in the future would want to know...

[chicagornstudent]

I was on a cane at the time due to a previous foot injury so I was clearly not trying to be an agressor in any situation. There were two groups of people who were arguing, I knew someone from one side, so I stepped in and tried to pacify the situation; someone had stolen money from someone else. The situation got out of hand and due to my foot I wasn't very well balanced and fell toward the individual accused of stealing the money. He was wounded and for some reason whether it be he was embarrassed or didn't want to get into legal trouble for stealing, called the police and said that I not only intentionally hurt him but also whispered threats into his ear. I was tricked into signing a statement, being someone who has never gotten into trouble before, I was naive and terrified, so when I was told that if I signed I'd be set free, I did exactly that.

[caliotter3]

I would concentrate on getting your legal problems settled prior to worrying about the consequences to your nursing career. Follow the advice of your attorney.

[chicagornstudent]

There isn't really anything I can personally do, but prepare for the worse.