Getting a job with a summons offense

Nurses Criminal

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I am wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and can give me some insight. I am a RN in the state of PA. Last June, I was involved in an altercation and was charged with simple assault (misdemeanor). Booked. Fingerprinted. The DA said that if I went through an anger management course, they would reduce the charge to harassment (summary offense). I told the public defender that I was a nurse and that I could not have a record. The public defender told me that the summary offense was just like getting a speeding ticket and that it would be fine. So I went through the anger management course, paid a fine and was on my way. Now, I'm applying for a job and they said the criminal background check is coming up "under review". It sounds like now the summary offense is going to show as me having a record?? Has anyone had a similar experience where they were charged with a summary offense and how did you go about getting a job afterwards? I don't think I can have the arrest expunged for 3 years.

Thanks in advance.

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Talk to an attorney before you drive yourself crazy over this. You should be able to get an initial consultation free of charge.

Never too late to get an offense expunged. Found out if this is what you need to do to move forward.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Check with PA BoN and/or an attorney experienced In administrative law with the board of nursing

I know PA even has a moral turpitude clause in their regulations so even certain off duty activities can get you a reprimand from the BoN. There was a nurse a while back reprimanded for being a model on an adult website and she wasn't fully nude.

You can get a referral to a nurse-attorney experienced in license defense from the American Association of Nurse Attorneys. http://www.taana.org if you have a personal liability/professional malpractice policy check with them too.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

under review probably means the BON has not yet made a decision (maybe due to lack of information or they are waiting for time to go buy to see if you set a pattern). As long as you have a license you are legal to work. I would tell potential employers the truth and that you are waiting for your attorney to get it settled.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Moving to the Nursing with a Criminal History forum. Be advised that this is a moderated forum, and all posts are reviewed before being published...therefore, there may be a delay before replies appear.

I agree with the other two posters. Lawyer up, particularly if the BON wants to discuss this with you. And if you haven't already, check to see if you have to report it to your state's BON. Some BONs only care if you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, while other BONs want to know if you've been arrested regardless of the outcome.

I don't know what PA's BON wants, but that's something that you need to find out.

Good luck.

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It's the PA Criminal Background Check that is coming up as "Under Review". When the head of HR told me it was under review, I told her the whole story. I believe honesty is the best policy. Thanks for the response :)

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