How will a criminal conviction affect my future license?

[Lorie Brown RN, MN, JD]

Hi Lorie,

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I was wondering how criminal conviction could affect my future RN license. I recently received a criminal conviction for driving with a suspended license but was not arrested and will pay off the fine in full. Current fine amount is pending, but from what I understand it will be below $1000 since it's my first criminal offense. From what I understand, I now have a criminal record because of it (even though the fine will be paid off).

How exactly does this affect my chances of obtaining (and keeping) my future RN license? Does it affect me at all, and if so, how? I've never been in this situation before so I'm seeking some guidance. I'm currently a nursing student so I'll be applying for my RN license in the summer of 2019. Thank you so much!

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Dear How Does This Affect Me,

I wish you success in applying to become a registered nurse. It is a wonderful profession.

I get these questions frequently but, unfortunately, there is no crystal ball to give you an answer. Each state addresses criminal matters on an individual basis to determine whether or not a license is warranted.

I would be hopeful, since your situation is relatively minor, that you will get your license. But, again, I cannot make any guarantees or representations. One thing you could do is to look into having the matter expunged. If your state allows expungement and depending on the state statute, your Nursing Board many not even be able to take that into consideration.

[twinsmom788]

The point of the matter here, IMO, is why you had a suspended license? If it was just truly a traffic violation. then you could say no to the conviction question.

Expungement sounds good, but it is rarely as simple as it seems. All prior arrests/convictions will be visible to the Board.