Hunting for first job...

[liltiger427]

I graduated with my ASN in May. I went on countless interviews, job shadows, peer interviews, and finally got my first job offer for a Med/Surg floor at the 2nd biggest hospital in town in June. I passed NCLEX the next day and am now a RN. I did my drug screen, physical, everything seemed to be well on its way.. Then I get a call 9 days after my offer, from the HR rep, asking me about a misdemeanor I had on my record from 6 years ago. I had been told it would drop off my record after 3 years. Come to find out, I had been given inaccurate information. Since I did not disclose this misdemeanor on my record, the offer was taken back and I no longer had the job. My misdemeanor was for not checking ID for an undercover cop buying alcohol (literally, I was set up). Not to discount it. I should have checked everyone's ID. However, everyone makes mistakes. I have contacted an attorney about getting this off my record, because I do not want to deal with it again. I have been applying to the other hospital in town (the big one), and putting this misdemeanor on there, so I know I will be covered if I get another offer. But the problem is, I have not gotten any offers and only had 2 interviews at this other hospital. I did not get either of those jobs.

I wondered if anyone knew if I basically screwed myself out of ever applying to the other hospital where I got my original offer at, or if I could reapply if I disclose this misdemeanor? I did not think to ask when I was told I didn't get the original job, because I was in tears when she told me on the phone. I don't know who I can ask. I'm kind of stuck. I spent 3.5 years and worked really hard, and I feel like I've wasted it, not to mention I'm not doing what I love. I'm stuck working retail right now, and I hate it everyday, knowing that I am a Registered Nurse and am qualified to do so much more.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Wow - that really is a terrible situation. But I wonder if the organization terminated you due to the offense itself or due to failure to include it on your application. In most organizations, the latter situation would be considered "falsification of application" - which is taken very seriously - usually cause for termination.

I would suggest that you seek qualified legal advice to determine if there is any way to ameliorate this information on your background check. In the meantime, go ahead and apply for more jobs, but be very truthful on your application. After all, it's a misdemeanor.... not something that indicates any major character flaws or habitual criminal behavior. I know of nurses with worse "blots" on their records who have successfully landed jobs.

[canigraduate]

I agree with HouTx. It's probably the perceived falsification of your application that got you. Call the recruiter back and ask if you can re-apply with the misdemeanor added. Be prepared, though, because you may have blacklisted yourself at that facility. However, you don't know if you don't ask.

I'm sorry that happened to you. Definitely follow your attorney's advice, whatever that may be, and hopefully you can get this resolved and find a job in the other facility.