I recently got an assualt charge and I need some info regarding clinicals

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Nov 21, 2012

Thread moved to nursing license with a criminal history to elicit further response. You hound also check with the state board of nursing to find out if you are eligible for a license. You can send an anonymous email if you so choose. You likely have to contact individual schools asI suspect it is on a case by case basis. There is no nursing shortage in most of the country so you may also encounter issues with.potential employment later on in the current economic climate.

Good luck in your educational endeavors.

Born_2BRN · Nov 21, 2012

Hi all,
well a few months ago my now ex and I got into an argument (there had been drinking involved which we never did) and my ex got up from the pool flipped out (still doesnt know why he got mad) cussed me out and then promptly ran back to our apartment and started packing his things to leave. I went up to our room and repeatedly tried to ask him why he was mad and WHY he was moving out when he didnt even know why he was mad when he declared that he was going to call the cops.. now my ex was in the army at the time.. so the cops arrived and I was down stairs sobbing on the couch and the officers thought it was a good idea to take me upstairs and make me watch him pack his things to move out. Now I walked over to my ex and said very calmly and quietly stop why are you doing this please just calm down and the officer jumped in between us and started screaming at me.. now I am from the country and we as southern people tend to put our hands out to touch people to calm them down.. well apparently city people dont like that. the officer then threw me on the ground said that I punched him and arrested me for assault and battery of a police officer which is a felony. Now I was released immediately on my own recogicense from jail and attained an attorney immediately who assured me that he had worked in the area for 20 years and this would be no problem to be thrown out.. well $3000 later and no contact from my attorney until the day before court when he told me I would be taking a plea deal and going to jail for 10 days I was a complete wreck.. Now mind you I have never in my life been in a fight or been a violent person nor did I attack the officer in question. My lawyer totally screwed me and in fact told me that the charge was expungable which I have later found out it is not in the state of VA and this will be with me for the rest of my life. Now with that said, does anyone know of any schools in the country that will allow you to go there with an assualt charge and attend clinicals?

Who is pressing charges against you? The police or your now ex? I got into similar situation but it was with my husband. No charges were filed against me except that female police officer herself made up story. My husband begged and pleaded her not to take me; it was all misunderstanding, but that female officer refused to listen. It was just a misunderstanding and she arrested me for no valid reason. I was in jail for two days before released home. The charge was dropped. I never had to appear in court. Thanks God! One thing you have to remember police was not there to make or create peace between you two. They were there to arrest someone to get their quota met. Yes, that is the truth. They will arrest you (either you or your now ex) so their arrest numbers increase and that is how they get their raise, bonuses and such. I did not know this until later that is the ugly truth. This might not answer your question but a lesson learned. As to expunge your record, I have no knowledge if it can be done in VA. I am sorry to hear about your situation. If I were I would have told the judge I have no money and need a public defender to defend me. This way you will not have to pay them still they can help you.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Nov 21, 2012

I think some schools will allow you to attend but when you graduate you will have to disclose this to the board of nursing when you apply to take your exam. The board has the right to tell you yes, no or put conditions on your license.I'm in CA and I know our board allows certain people with certain circumstances to become licensed with a criminal history. Our board looks at stuff like rehabilitation and sometimes makes the person be on probation with the board.HTH!

vonjo27, RN · Nov 21, 2012

Ouch! Virginia sucks, I know! In VA, the best you can hope for is a pardon- but it will still show on your record, and it's nearly impossible to get. I was convicted of a pot possession charge 9 years ago in VA, but I live in CA now, and since pot has been decriminalized here, it's never been an issue. Virginia can be a pain in the a**. Your best option?? Move out west! LOL. The weather's perfect, nurses make more, and their liberal attitude makes it possible for remorseful/ rehabilitated offenders to achieve their professional goals! Good luck!

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Nov 22, 2012

[h=3]From the VA DHP website...

BASIS FOR DENIAL OF LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION[/h]

According to 54.1-3007 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Nursing may refuse to admit a candidate to any examination, or refuse to issue a license or certificate, to any applicant with certain criminal convictions. Likewise, the Board may refuse licensure or certification to an applicant who uses alcohol or drugs to the extent that it renders the applicant unsafe to practice, or who has a mental or physical illness rendering the applicant unsafe to practice (referred to as a history of impairment).

Criminal convictions for ANY felony can cause an applicant to be denied nursing licensure or nurse aide certification.

Misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude may also prevent licensure or certification. Moral turpitude means convictions related to lying, cheating or stealing. Examples include, but are not limited to: reporting false information to the police, shoplifting or concealment of merchandise, petit larceny, welfare fraud, embezzlement, and writing worthless checks. While information must be gathered regarding all convictions, misdemeanor convictions other than those involving moral turpitude will not prevent an applicant from becoming a licensed nurse or C.N.A. However, if the misdemeanor conviction information also suggests a possible impairment issue, such as DUI and illegal drug possession convictions, then there still may be a basis for denial during the licensure or certification application process.

Each applicant is considered on an individual basis. There are NO criminal convictions or impairments that are an absolute bar to nursing licensure or nurse aide certification.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NEEDED REGARDING CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS, PAST ACTIONS, OR POSSIBLE IMPAIRMENTS

Applications for licensure and certification include questions about the applicant’s history, specifically:

1. Any and all criminal convictions ever received;

2. Any past action taken against the applicant in another state or jurisdiction,including denial of licensure or certification in another state or jurisdiction; and

3. Any mental or physical illness, or chemical dependency condition that could interfere with the applicant’s ability to practice.

Indicating “yes” to any questions about convictions, past actions, or possible impairment does not mean the application will be denied. It means more information must be gathered and considered before a decision can be made, which delays the usual application and testing process. Sometimes an administrative proceeding is required before a decision regarding the application can be made. The Board of Nursing has the ultimate authority to approve an applicant for testing and subsequent licensure or certification, or to deny approval.

The following information will be requested from an applicant with a criminal conviction:

A certified copy of all conviction orders (obtained from the courthouse of record);
Evidence that all court ordered requirements were met (i.e., letter from the probation officer if on supervised probation, paid fines and restitution, etc.);
A letter from the applicant explaining the factual circumstances leading to the criminal offense(s); and
Letters from employers concerning work performance (specifically from nursing related employers, if possible).