Livescan- nursing school (arrests vs. actual charges.

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About 5 years ago I was arrested for domestic violence (no physical abuse took place at all between my husband and I, it was a disagreement And my brilliant idea was to get the police over to mediate-it was more a matter of the officers asking one of us to leave and neither of us would...being brats I suppose, that really bit us in the butts because they decided to just take us both in) we were fingerprinted and everything and since it was a Saturday, you guessed it- we had to stay over the weekend. Well once we sat down with the DA separately) we told her what happened and she basically laughed and said okay we will drop it to disturbing the peace (infraction) and you will plead no contest, get slapped with a 50 dollar fine (but not have to pay it because of time served)

fast forward 5 years. I was a clinical care extender 3 years ago for one year (internship within a hospital livescan required) I've worked in 2 hospitals as a CNA -livescans were required cNA certificate required me to go through ca department of public health. Have worked in skilled nursing facilities background checks were required. Now keep in mind I always list the charge on every application (not the arrest tho) I do this because like 4 years ago I applied to a hardware store and didn't list it and it came back as falsification of my application.i had no idea infractions were considered misdenors. So now I list it on everything.

My my question is, I just was accepted to nursing school, with the BRN, do they only see the charge , or do that see the arrest? The arrest was domestic violence and that just sounds so bad, how ever the charge was dropped/ reduced to a lesser charge of disturbing the peace. I'm wondering if the livescan check is more detailed than the one that's conducted for CNAs, I also wonder if it will even show since I already work in hospitals and haven't had any problems.

Anyone with itch insight or similar experience please let me know.real information please, not guesses or opinions. I already drive myself crazy guessing. Thanks everyone.

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In and just wanted to add that by the time I have to deal with the BRN (take my NCLEX) it will be Spring 2018 so the charge will be 7 years old. Don't know if that makes a difference.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Vascular Access.

Are you in the states? If not, then my response doesn't really matter, but from what I've seen, I doubt that record will cause much of a problem for you. I've known people with considerably worse charges still go through school and become an RN. You just have to jump through hoops. Not that I'm recommending anyone with charges go and become a nurse, just saying I doubt that charge will be much of an issue for you. It will just require some explaining and probably a little extra paperwork.

Hell, there was a thread a little while ago about that nurse who had brutally murdered a classmate when she was a teenager and then went on in her 30s/40s to become a nurse. A little scary really, but good I guess for some people who have charges that look much worse than they actually were.

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Thanks Mr. Murse. Yes, I'm in Ca. I agree with you, I don't think it is that bad.i just don't really want to have to disclose any information about the arrest of I don't have to. I don't mind telling the I got a ticket for disturbing the peace... Loud noise. But I really don't want to get into the arrest. I wish I knew for certain what they can see.

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They typically will see the arrest and charge, as well as require you to submit a letter of explanation regarding the offense and certified court documents with the cases disposition. That is where it'll be clear that the arresting charge was reduced by the courts. Still, it's no biggie. Just be sure to have all your paperwork in order to submit to the board as to not delay the processing of your application. You can always check the website or call to find out the CA process/requirements. Each state board varies.

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Thanks shaemarie!

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Live scan goes through the FBI data base, you will need to get your paperwork ready when you turn your stuff into the BRN. Even though it has been over 7 years, you still need to turn in the paperwork. It is part of getting a government issued license. But when you apply for a job, you dont need to list it if it is over 7 years.

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Just curious what did you write on the CNA Application for CA? For the questions that ask... have you ever been convicted.. and arrested?

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