getting a job with two misdemeanors ]:

[kristen312]

Okay, I have two shoplifting misdemeanors from when I was eighteen. I'm in nursing school, and don't have many qualms about getting my license due to all of the success stories on this board. But - here is what I'm confused about. If I get my license, what do I say if the job app asks if I have a criminal history? One charge is already expunged, and both will be expunged by this time. Since they are expunged, will a hospital be able to see my record? I know the nursing board will, but will my jobs? Should I say "no" since according to SC state law, the records are destroyed? (I know they aren't truly, but still)

[FLmomof5]

Expunged records will not show on an employers background check. I am in SC now and my employer didn't care about my 3 misdemeanors. Don't think you will have any issues.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

OK, let's slow down for a minute. You say these shoplifting charges happened when you were 18; you were legally an adult, so unless it's been more than 7-10 years since then, you still have a record, which means you will have to disclose the offenses on any application you make to a school of nursing, as well as to the Board of Nursing when you apply for a license. How well that goes depends on several things, among which are the length of time that's elapsed since your convictions, what you have done in order to rehabilitate yourself, and the absence of any further trouble in the intervening years.

Never lie on such an application. It WILL be found out, and it will cast so much doubt on your credibility that you'll almost certainly be denied. It's not worth it! Far better to disclose and explain everything.

You would also do well to write to the court(s) of record in your cases and ask them where you stand. I had to do the same thing years ago when I applied to my nursing program, because I had a couple of priors which were VERY minor but still misdemeanors. Fortunately, it had been nine years since my last conviction, and the court declared my record cleared so I never did have to disclose them. Ironically, I did (and still do) have to disclose a single arrest at the age of 21, even though the charge was later dropped, because fingerprints/mug shots stay on file forever. But I have never had a moment's grief in obtaining or keeping a nursing license (or a job) because of that....that was over 30 years ago and things have changed. I have changed. And chances are, you have as well since age 18. :hug:

Hope this is helpful. Good luck!