Juvenile criminal history and nursing?

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Help :( I am interested in pursuing nursing school and becoming an RN, but I have been looking and all jobs/schools do a criminal background check on you. When I was younger I got in trouble with the law for a few minor things...I got caught shoplifting at Target and also got a DUI. Does anyone know if I would still be able to get a job as a nurse with this sort of thing on my record? Or is anyone a nurse currently who had a little bit of trouble when they were younger. Any insight will help!

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Specializes in Peds (previous psyc/SA briefly).

Tell the truth and you'll be fine!

There are a few other threads about this, but let me assure you that I know more than a couple nurses with some stains on their records. The thing is that they are fine now! Getting a DUI as an RN could be some serious mess. Learning from your mistakes - well - who hasn't made mistakes?

Tell the truth on your applications. Don't tell any teacher unless they need to know. Tell the manager ONLY if they ask (it will be on your applications - so you aren't lying or omitting anything.) And if they ask, just express your remorse and explain what you've learned from it all.

JMO! =)

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

It isn't the school or the manager - it is your state Board of Nursing who decides whether or not you can be licensed. As the previous post said, NEVER lie on any application as a lie alone is often enough to terminate someone. In Texas the BON wants to review each individual case, and not give a blanket answer for all situations. Unfortunately, they won't do this till you are nearly done with nursing school and getting ready to apply for your license. I would give the BON a call to see who can best advise you.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

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?
  • will i be able to go to nursing school 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.

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