Is this the end of a beginning?

Published

I was very excited about getting into the nursing program. I am just a little nervous about one tiny issue. I have a misdemeanor vandalism charger from 2006. I was not too worried about it until I went to my nursing orientation. They said that they could not give us the instructions for getting our background checks completed until next month. They are doing different checks now. I do not know what that mean. I know that the old way they went back 5 or 6 years. Now I do not know what is going to happen. I am trying to stay positive and keep my faith. I pray that everything work out for me so that I can give someone else some inspiration. Also I don't know what else I would be good at doing other than going back to working in a factory.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Most background checks go back 7-10 years, but criminal records often appear regardless of length of time. Hopefully you were honest on your nursing school application and indicated that you had a prior misdemeanor conviction...because if you failed to disclose it and the school finds out through the background check, that will probably be THE reason that they give you the boot--falsification of your application.

I'd get all supporting evidence ready: indication that you made restitution and fulfilled any court requirements, letters of reference, etc., and a heartfelt "I'm sorry, I've learned my lesson" letter in case they ask about it. If you didn't disclose it...well, as far as whether you should fess up to the school ASAP or wait and see what happens first, IMO honesty would serve you far better, but for the best legal answer consult a lawyer.

Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Most background checks go back 7-10 years, but criminal records often appear regardless of length of time. Hopefully you were honest on your nursing school application and indicated that you had a prior misdemeanor conviction...because if you failed to disclose it and the school finds out through the background check, that will probably be THE reason that they give you the boot--falsification of your application.

I'd get all supporting evidence ready: indication that you made restitution and fulfilled any court requirements, letters of reference, etc., and a heartfelt "I'm sorry, I've learned my lesson" letter in case they ask about it. If you didn't disclose it...well, as far as whether you should fess up to the school ASAP or wait and see what happens first, IMO honesty would serve you far better, but for the best legal answer consult a lawyer.

Best of luck.

I was honest on my nursing application. They ask for details about the incident. I turned in my letter in with my application. I don't need any legal advice because I know that in my state I can't have my record expunged, due to the fact that I plead guilty. I am just praying that the clinical sites don't reject me because I have a vandalism charge. I am optimistic and my family is really encourging.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Then it looks like you've done all that you could have. Unfortunately clinical sites have their own requirements independent of the schools and there's not much you can do about that.

The only thing left is to hope for the best, which is what I wish for you too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion