Interview with a criminal Background

Nurses Criminal

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Hello,

I am currently a nursing student (LPN). I have about 10 months left and prior to this I didnt have any medical experience. I got my CNA certification through the nursing program at my school. Anyway I submitted an online application to a LTC which is affilated with a local hosptial in my area. I was called immediately for an interview. I disclosed all information about my background which was over (15) years ago. I was offered the job. But I guess I am a little nervous that the person who did the interview may have overlooked something. She was really laid back but not sure if she was with HR. She said that she was going to put me in the system to be hired and I could come back in a few days to fill out my paperwork. I am nervous that if she did overlook something my app may not pass HR. It was a Felony charge for theft so I know hosptials are strict on that. I am just a nervous nelly and thinkingthe worst. Does any have any similar experinces or just some much needed confidence.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history and if so, can i get a job?
  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a mip, dui, or other related charges?
  • what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  • can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
  • what if i have a “deferred adjudication”? will i have to declare this as a conviction?
  • will i be able to go to nursing school and/or attend clinicals with a criminal record?
  • what can happen if i receive a mip/dui/dwi or other charge while still in school

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

if you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your bon and/or your school of nursing directly. you need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. each board of nursing makes a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.

in your case, you were up front with your interviewer and disclosed all the information about your background. you may want to check with someone in hr to see if they have done a background check. you could discuss this with them at that time.

i have moved this to nursing licensure with a criminal history. since you are a student, you may have additional questions about what might happen with your Job Search once you finish school. hopefully others will offer some helpful input. i would also suggest reading through some of the other posts/threads in this forum.

good luck!!

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Don't bother contacting your BON. First of all it won't do you any good, they wont tell you anything about anything. And second I don't think that the BON even issues CNA certifications. That's a separate. I doubt they overlooked anything on your application. LTC facilities have a high turnover rate and are desperately understaffed a lot of the time. They probably saw your conviction and since it's so old, decided to hire you anyways. HR doesn't usually "overlook" criminal convictions. I'm sure that's one of the first things they look at. Relax, you'll be fine. :)

Good luck to ya!

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Thanks for your reply. I got the job. I filled out all the new hire paperwork on yesterday. I am so excited... :nurse:

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