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Discussion

Getting a job when you have a record

Help me get a nursing job, Please. I need advise on what type of jobs RN's have landed with a criminal background and no experience.

I graduated with honors in MAY, 2013 at the age of 37 from an associates RN program in Florida. I then moved to Seattle, Wa to pursue my career and be close to family. I passed the NCLEX-RN and now have my WA state RN license.

I landed my first nursing job in Pediatric home health taking care of a little boy with brain damage, but I was fired 4 weeks later when my FBI background check came back. When interviewed I was asked if I have a criminal history, I said yes, but it is over 15 years ago, the interviewer responded "OK" without further questions, then she hired me. Four weeks later I was fired by the owner of the company who stated that the family loved me, but that I never should have been hired. I have been serving food at IHOP ever since.

The problem is I have 3 misdemeanor shoplifting and a gross misdemeanor Violation Of Controlled Substances Act (possession), from 19 years ago.

To top it off I don't have any real world health care experience. One positive thing tough, is I have been working for the last 13 years as a big box retail assistant manager.

I am worried that the director and professors of my program have led me astray. I am hoping that someone out there has some suggestions of what time of jobs might hire someone like me, with a past.

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    • Expert

    Moved to nursing licensure with criminal history form. Best wishes.

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    Can you hire a lawyer and get it expunged? It was 19 years ago, if you've not had problems since it might be an option.

    Did you disclose this to the BON when you got licensed?

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    • Author

    Yes, I disclosed everything to the sate of Washington, and they gave me a license without restrictions. As far as expunging is concerned, I have talked to a couple lawyers and it is only possible to expunge the most recent charge.

    Since this was a period of time from 16-19 years old when I made multiple mistakes , removing the most recent charge (shoplifting from 19 yrs ago), is not worth the trouble.

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    How did your school and professors lead you astray?

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    • Expert

    Keep searching and applying. Prepare a statement to submit with your application (or if requested) that explains your convictions, what restitutions you have made, and how you have learned/grown from the experiences. It's on YOU to convince employers that you have changed and that you will not repeat these mistakes. The fact that these happened 19 years ago isn't enough on its own.

    Unfortunately, with the glut of nurses looking for work, employers can be choosy. Many will opt for the nurse with a clean record as opposed to the nurse with criminal baggage. Also, shoplifting convictions are automatic disqualifiers at a lot of facilities, especially those involving seniors or home health.

    Best of luck.

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