Have a question about bad credit

Published

Ok - please don't pass judgement, but I have a question.

I have HORRIBLE credit due to a compulsive gambling addiction from nearly 3 years ago. I have not gambled in that long, but my credit is in shambles.

I am working on bettering my life and all but one of my (stupid) gambling debts are paid.

My question is "will I be able to get a license or better still to get a job as an RN, with a credit history due to something that this...:uhoh21:

I'm not a bad person, I just made some mistakes and I am attempting to better my life and hope those past mistakes won't be too much of a hinderence.:o

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I have heard of certain BONs who will deny licensure if student loans go unpaid. However, numerous people with bad credit have gone on to become nurses.

However, the more reputable companies are doing credit checks, because they presume that a good credit history is strongly indicative of a responsible potential employee. Don't get discouraged, because not all healthcare facilities perform credit checks. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I am sorry you had this problem. I think it is great that you are taking care of it. Good for you. Everyone deserves a chance to change for the better. Just wondering if you have gone for credit counselling, maybe they would have some suggestions for rebuilding your credit. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

Don't let that discourage you. I won't promise no one will ever hold it against you, but I think the fact that this is a past problem and that you are digging yourself out of the hole makes a huge difference.

By the time you finish nursing school, you will probably be five years or more out. If I were considering hiring you, I'd be looking more at those last five years than the previous ones.

I think the fact that you can stop gambling (and stay stopped), that you paid off all your debts (by the time you finish you probably will have paid them off), and that you worked hard and persisted in school and graduated, all will say a lot of positive things about you. Personally, I think that you will be the kind of employee that would be worth having.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I recently apply for a job at the only hospital in this small town, and was giving a thick package to fill among them a paper to inquire about my credit history not only they are able to do that, but also a criminal background check, I send everything, but feel uncomfortable about that particular paper just because it is personal. I often wonder if it is done to ensure that if you are in debt you don't steal $$ or just for mgmt to discuss during lunch, anyway most facilities do not usually ask about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

By the time you finish nursing school, you will probably be five years or more out. If I were considering hiring you, I'd be looking more at those last five years than the previous ones.

Also, negative incidents are removed from your credit history after 7 years (bankruptcy comes off after 10 years). So you won't be saddled with your mistakes forever--those incidents will drop off your report eventually :)

I agree with santhony44: focus on the now. You can't undo what you did 3 years ago, but every year can keep yourself out of financial trouble will be a big help towards fixing the problem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

I had applied for a job with Bank of America a few years ago for a part-time position, and I had to fill out a form for a credit check. I had asked the gentleman from human resources who had given me the packet why the company would request a credit check. I was told that it is done for numerous reasons, but it comes down to the fact that your "credit report" contains much more than just loans, credit cards, open accounts, etc. He had told me that credit reports will actually list former employers, former addresses, and in some cases police departments will attach something to your credit report if you are 'wanted' and have warrants out for your arrest. He also told me that the credit report employers receive does not contain account numbers or other information that could allow for potential identify theft.

Thus, employers use this credit report to identify whether you lied on your past work history, and they are able to tell where you lived previously, which may come in handy when performing a background check.

Before I submitted this, I went on google and searched for this topic and actually found an article from YahooJobs. Here is the link: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview/Why_Do_Employers_Check_Your_Credit_Report__20051129-090936.html?subtopic=After+the+Interview

That link basically says everything I mentioned above.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion