How is this fair?

[PhoenixTech]

I was accepted into Nursing School contigent on a background check. I already know that I have a history so I asked the Chairperson of the program what the next step would be when my history came back. I was told there would be no further steps because I would be denied. When I addressed the disclaimer stating that 'clearance to a clinical facility will be decided by the clinical agencies', I was told that she knows for sure that they wouldn't accept me.

Now, the Board in my State said that they would consider candidates for licensure with criminal histories on a case by case basis, taking into account severity, time passed, rehabilitative efforts, recommendation letters and the like. However, they won't be able to render a decision until we actually apply for licensure. How is this possible if all Nursing Schools in the state won't accept you for clinical placement?

Since I have a history I've been preparing for this moment. I've been gathering recommendation letters, I've started the process to get Nursing Home clearance and I was expecting for my case to at least go to the agencies but I was shot down as soon as I said I have a history. I was told that if they had known I wouldn't have been accepted. This I already knew which is why I waited for acceptance before speaking with them.

The only option that I see is to continue with the clearance for the Nursing Home because that would be the first clinical site. The second and third clinical rotations are both done at my place of employment so there's no problem there. The fourth and final clinical is a Peds rotation. I'm a PCT at my place of employment and have been involved with patient care for 2 years now. I submitted my criminal history before getting hired and I was obviously cleared. My history is over 14years old and while my offenses are serious, I can absolutely provide documentation of rehabilitation. I already have the documents. I have a recommendation letter from the AVP of outpatient services who I've worked with personally and is aware of my history. I'm going to inquire about any contacts the AVP may have in the sites where my school does Peds rotations, because unfortunately, we have no Ped services.

I'm not asking for legal advice. I'm venting on my situation and asking how to approach this situtation. Should I go to the clinical contact at my school and ask if they can contact another site for Peds or what? Is my plan viable? What do you think?

Please, if you have nothing useful and encouraging to say to me, don't say anything at all. I don't need a moral spanking because I've done that to myself for too many years, I'm fully aware of the Board's first priority, to protect the public as they should. I'm just trying to make it to the Board and I don't see how it's possible based on what this person is telling me. Also, I personally know of people who went through nursing school with clinical histories and a couple who went throught this school in particular. Should I mention that?

[Tiger747]

It is Planet Earth, 2011, the United States of America. 60 Million people are praying for a job-- any job-- with no hope in sight. Prayers are not being answered because Jesus said,"Render unto Caesar's what is Caesar's". Everyone has free will, according to The Scriptures.

If a school, a B.O.N., or a nursing facility wants to eliminate someone, that is within their right, legally, insofar as it is 2011 America. God will not intercede.

If-- which is only 2 letters, yet the biggest word in the dictionary-- but, "if" someone is expelled from nursing school, that is as close to a sign from God as one will get. One may not wish to believe it; or, one may think otherwise. However, the message is clear.

It is arrogant to think God will intercede on behalf of one wanting to go to nursing school, whilst ignoring the pleas of 60 million just wanting a job-- any job.

[Tiger747]

I am pretty sure if the Almighty was going to answer a prayer, it would be that of the 70% of the American economy(working poor, working class, and middle class)-- the consumer-- who no longer has any home equity, no credit, and stagnant wages (if any wages at all), who can no longer drive the economy. Now that a debt deal has been passed, the consumer of last resort (government) has hand-cuffed itself, so there will be no unemployment extensions, no W.P.A., no C.C.C., as in the Great Depression, and Corporate America and the Wealthy will continue to invest overseas, wisely.

If you were to open a McDonald's franchise in my ex-GM town of 50,000, I would call you a fool--- they are closing.

You can't turn a profit selling 5 burgers a day to the few making good money. One ENTIRE hospital is getting ready to close (been around since 1889)!

There IS a lesson here. Learn it.

[Bluejuice]

" I too believe that the school did me a huge favor because now instead of going for another AAS, I'm going for my BSN. Listen, there is a lesson and a blessing in every circumstance and as cliché as it sounds..." PhoenixTech

Am I to understand that you were rejected by the AAS program but accepted into a BSN program in AZ? If so, would you be able and willing to elaborate?

The state that I am in has a strange twist to its laws; civil convictions (contempt of court) cannot be expunged but criminal convictions can - so my civil conviction will remain with me for life, but the rehabilitated serial-killer can apply to become an RN after having their crimes expunged!

My civil convictions show up as "Criminal" convictions in the background check. Thus I have failed the background check despite having, in my hands, an unrestricted AZ fingerprint card. The CC has not rejected me yet, but I am sure that it is coming.

God helps those who help themselves, but right now, I feel like I have been thrown overboard, and then my rescue boat torpedoed.

[PhoenixTech, LPN]

Hi Bluejuice

No, I don't live in Arizona, the Phoenix of my name refers to the mythical bird arisen from it's own ashes of destruction. Yes, I was dismissed from an AAS program but currently attend a BSN program. By Gods grace I attended my first clinical last week. I was however informed that each semester my background results will be submitted to the clinical sites for approval & there's no guarantee of clearance.

I choose to move forward by faith rather than by sight. I continue to pray for guidance, mercy, & grace, leaving it with who's truly in charge instead of obsessing over it every 2 minutes:)! My best wishes to you.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Persons are often able to get hired into a hospital position with possitive criminal background check. However, there are federal and state laws to protect children, disabled, intelectually challenged and the elderly that prohibit person with certain offenses from providing care, thus inability to participate in clinical in certain settings....see links at top of page.

Best wishes on this journey.