Marajuana Misdemeanor

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Hey

I was wondering if there are any pre nursing students who may have misdemeanors on their background. If so, what do you think are the chances of it affecting your aceptance into a nursing program? For me specifically, i got caught with Marajuana twice. One of the two has been expunged. The most recent of the two was in the summer of 2011. I have landed 3 jobs as a Patient Care Tech since then, and was able to pass both the drug screen and the background check.

Specializes in Float pool.
Good day, timbo727:

Please do follow RunBabyRun's advice. For me, the bigger question is have you completely stopped using Marajuana? It is unclear in your post if you've stopped using, and just got better at avoiding getting caught.

Thank you.

I no longer smoke marajuana or partake an any drug activities.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

How is it that you have a criminal record but were never arrested or have a mugshot? This is confusing...

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Specializes in Float pool.
How is it that you have a criminal record but were never arrested or have a mugshot? This is confusing...

They never arrested me when i got caught..i just got ticketed, and i had to go to court. They let me go each time thankfully.

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Specializes in psych, med-surg, oncology.

I feel like most of these replies are judgemental and lack constructive feedback. Admonishing someone who is struggling with their past and trying to work towards something better is neither compassionate nor helpful.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

OP: whether a school will accept you based on your criminal record depends on the school. Each school has its own criteria, and they are free to accept/reject applicants as they see fit. In addition, the clinical sites also have their own criteria for applicants with a criminal history, and a clinical site may say No even if the school says Yes. In this case, you'd have to hope that the school could place you elsewhere for clinicals or you'd be SOL. So start by talking to your (potential) school.

Another thing to consider is that you WILL have to tell the state BON about your record when you apply for nursing licensure. You'll have to fess up to all convictions--even the expunged ones--and they'll make a decision as to whether you'll be licensed and what restrictions if any will be on your license. Keep in mind that they can make their decision independently of the school: just because a school is willing to grant you admission with your record doesn't mean that the BON rubberstamps your application and automatically licenses you. There are enough tales out there of nurses with a record who got through school only to have the BON slam the door in their face.

You could call or send your BON an e-mail--do it anonymously if you prefer--but be advised that they may not give you a definite answer until you actually apply for licensure.

And yes, this applies to California, Colorado, and any other MJ-friendly state. I work in CA, and people can and do get fired for popping positive for THC...and even having a medical marijuana card doesn't help them one bit as that card is not a prescription, just a recommendation. And these BONs do not look kindly upon MJ use either. Best of luck.

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