I have a misdemeanor class B

1sapphire2 · Nov 29, 2016

Depends on the state. I know in California you can still work as a nurse with a misdeamer whether it's an assault or battery charge.

Tx452gyrl · Jan 13, 2017

I'm following. I'm in the same boat. My is a tampering of mail. Looong story. I'm hopeful for us both.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 13, 2017

BONs evaluate applicants with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. There are nurses with criminal records who have been able to get/stay licensed. And there are those who can not. And it's possible for one nurse to get licensed while another nurse with a similar criminal history gets told "Sorry, but No."

I would advise applicants with criminal records to visit their BON's website, review the "Applicants with Criminal History" (or whatever they choose to call it) page, and follow those instructions TO A T when applying for a license or reporting a conviction. Don't think that the BON will understand if you overlook a step or worse, fail to report a conviction because you didn't think it was serious or had to be reported. Not reporting convictions as required and not following application instructions are the fastest ways to guarantee that your application isn't accepted or your license is disciplined.

Honesty is the best policy when answering BON questions. If you are not sure how to answer a question, I would consult with an attorney versed in dealing with BONs (you can find them here: TAANA Executive Office - Home).

Personally, having seen BONs in action up close and personal, I wouldn't proceed without having an attorney by my side every step of the way. There are some applicants who go through the process without involving a lawyer and are successful in doing so, but I'd rather stack the deck in my favor as much as I can. That means having someone whose sole job is to look out for my interests. But ultimately, the decision whether to use legal counsel is up to you.

Anyhow...

One other thing to consider. You may be able to get a BON to license you, but that doesn't mean in any way that employers have to hire you. They are free to accept/reject you based on your criminal record independently of the BON's decision. The same thing applies to nursing schools and clinical sites: a nursing school may accept you for enrollment, but the clincial site is free to make their own decision about whether you can do clinicals there.

I don't meant to sound all gloom-and-doom and discourage you. But better you are aware of the challenges you will face, than be blindsided by the BON. If you know these challenges, you can prepare yourself.