I need some help and I am worried!

allnurses Guide · Oct 7, 2012

So I got in trouble back when I was 18 for a pety theft misdemeanor. And it showed up on my nationwide criminal backround check but not on my pa backround check.... Weird.. But I went through the ard program but haven't gotten it expunged yet cause its expensive and I am paying for school... I am suppose to start clinicals in spring and I am soooo nervous with having a record... Has anyone had this experience Ina ny state or in pa... What should I do?

At least in my state, state criminal background checks will only show convictions.

However, background checks from the FBI will show any criminal record.

That's why it will show up in federal check and not a state check.

If you are worried about how this affects your ability to continue in nursing, you may find it is worth getting your record expunged.

I have heard tell of nursing students making it through nursing school, only to have their record slap them in the face when it's time to take the NCLEX.

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Oct 7, 2012

At least in my state, state criminal background checks will only show convictions.
However, background checks from the FBI will show any criminal record.
That's why it will show up in federal check and not a state check.
If you are worried about how this affects your ability to continue in nursing, you may find it is worth getting your record expunged.
I have heard tell of nursing students making it through nursing school, only to have their record slap them in the face when it's time to take the NCLEX.

This is not accurate.

The OP did not say whether or not she got convicted. She only said she "got in trouble".

State and federal fingerprint bases will load your fingerprint on ANY arrest and is reportable regardless of whether or not there is a conviction. A background check will report what happened...an arrest if there was only an arrest and a conviction only if one occurred.

People erreonously believe all you have to do to get a criminal conviction expunged is just get an attorney and apply for one. Just know that judges do this on a CASE BY CASE basis and no attorney will guarantee that a judge will grant it...but they'll take a hefty fee to file it.

We also don't know if "back when you were 18" was last year or 10 years ago. That makes a difference.

You need to get this straightend out now whether you have the money or not. No way would I invest that kind of time in school only to find out I can't get a job or get a nursing license when I was done.

Stephalump · Oct 7, 2012

This is not accurate.
The OP did not say whether or not she got convicted. She only said she "got in trouble".
State and federal fingerprint bases will load your fingerprint on ANY arrest and is reportable regardless of whether or not there is a conviction. A background check will report what happened...an arrest if there was only an arrest and a conviction only if one occurred.
People erreonously believe all you have to do to get a criminal conviction expunged is just get an attorney and apply for one. Just know that judges do this on a CASE BY CASE basis and no attorney will guarantee that a judge will grant it...but they'll take a hefty fee to file it.
We also don't know if "back when you were 18" was last year or 10 years ago. That makes a difference.
You need to get this straightend out now whether you have the money or not. No way would I invest that kind of time in school only to find out I can't get a job or get a nursing license when I was done.

This.

allnurses Guide · Oct 7, 2012

State and federal fingerprint bases will load your fingerprint on ANY arrest and is reportable regardless of whether or not there is a conviction. A background check will report what happened...an arrest if there was only an arrest and a conviction only if one occurred.

Do you know if there is a difference from state to state?

This is not my understanding of it in the state I am in.

alovelymother · Oct 7, 2012

Contact legal-aid in your state. My sister had a felony removed without a lawyer. It doesn't have to be expensive. She just had a few forms to fill out and she wrote a letter to the judge. It will be one less thing you need to worry about.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2012

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