Knowledgeable RN's please help!!!

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I am currently taking a CNA class in hopes of starting an RN program this fall. Tonight in my CNA class the instructor informed us that if you have ever been convicted of assault or battery your license will more than likely be denied and if you are approved most hospitals will not hire you. Here is my dilemma. When I was 19 (now 26) I got into an altercation with another guy. I was not arrested, charges were not pressed nor did I have to appear in court but I was issued a $239.00 fine and ticketed for misdemeanor battery. Does anyone know the specifics on something like this as I do not want to put myself through nursing school and then find out I cannot be licensed or find a job. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! (By the way, I live in Kansas)

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Call your local Board of Nursing. But I think you are fine. I am just a nursing student.

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First of all, find out if you have a record. If you do, then call the BON and tell them your story. They should be able to direct you from there. Maybe you can take some steps to proving you're not a threat, etc.

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Contact your state board of nursing, they will be able to help you. I know that the license application in my state for LPN & RN will ask if you've ever been convicted of a felony. Most employers also want to know about a conviction record. Better to be safe than sorry, make certain where you stand before committing yourself to a lot of money and time. Is there any way to get the ticket cleared from your record? Everyone makes mistakes and does something they later regret. Good luck, hope it all works out for you.

I am currently taking a CNA class in hopes of starting an RN program this fall. Tonight in my CNA class the instructor informed us that if you have ever been convicted of assault or battery your license will more than likely be denied and if you are approved most hospitals will not hire you. Here is my dilemma. When I was 19 (now 26) I got into an altercation with another guy. I was not arrested, charges were not pressed nor did I have to appear in court but I was issued a $239.00 fine and ticketed for misdemeanor battery. Does anyone know the specifics on something like this as I do not want to put myself through nursing school and then find out I cannot be licensed or find a job. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! (By the way, I live in Kansas)
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I am attempting to get a copy of the ticket so that I will have it for future reference. I know I will have to disclose it on my application when that time comes. However, at that time it will be almost 10 years since the incident. I spoke with the KS BON this morning and they said that more than likely it will not hold up my application. Anyone else have any personal experiences like this? Thanks for the replies so far.

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Any and all State BON are not there to help you, they are there to take your license, in the future if you have any legal questions regarding your personal life or career, seek the advice of a professional, ie., Healthlaw Attorney, you are required only to provide information concerning Felonie Arrests and Convicitons. Good Luck. with wolves.

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I am attempting to get a copy of the ticket so that I will have it for future reference. I know I will have to disclose it on my application when that time comes. However, at that time it will be almost 10 years since the incident. I spoke with the KS BON this morning and they said that more than likely it will not hold up my application. Anyone else have any personal experiences like this? Thanks for the replies so far.

I have not had any experience with this type of issue, however, I have had experience just dealing with the KS BON on the most basic level, and I have friends and know of people who have had to deal with them for other reasons, and I personally think that they are horrible, uncooperative and difficult. I have dealt with many BON's, and KS is by far the worst. Good luck.

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Specializes in surgical, neuro, education.

I haven't personally been in legal trouble--but I taught in an LPN program for years and we would periodically have students with previous brushes with the law. As long as you let BON and some want extra paper work and work and personal references you should be ok. It is when you don't disclose that kyou have problems. If I were you--I would definitely find out just what kind of charge was placed against you--then discuss this with the director of the program. Good Luck.

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i appreciate the responses, I was ticketed for misdemeanor battery. In this case it was a class C misdemeanor. This is only one level above a basic speeding ticket. I spoke with my CNA director this morning and she said she did not forsee it being a problem. She also happens to be the HR specialist for the hire of nurses at our local hospital and said it would not keep me from being hired. From the way it looks, I do not see it being a big problem but it still bugs me because there will always be that uncertain feeling in the back of my mind.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

Sometimes if you go to your states attorney they can see if it comes up on your record. If it was a minor charge it may already be dropped from your record. They also may be able to deleted it if it is over a certain amount of time and it was settled with a fine with no further action or arrests since.

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I would call your BON and check. But I don't think a Misdemeanor goes on your record.

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Thanks again to everyone for all of your replies and help, I really appreciate it!!

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