Misdemeanor Charge..is There Hope?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 30, 2004

It all depends on what the crime was, how long ago it happened, and what you have or haven't done with your life since then. You absolutely, positively MUST tell the truth when you apply for nursing school (they will ask).....don't try to hide the fact that you have a record, and for heaven's sake, DON'T minimize it by saying "It was my friends' fault". The school, and your state board of nursing, will want to see that you can take responsibility for your actions, because that's vital when you're dealing with peoples' lives.

I too had a misdemeanor conviction when I was young, but it didn't stop me from pursuing my dream. However, I never approached the BON with "it wasn't my fault"......that wouldn't have gotten me anywhere. That's your name on the court record, and if you want to be a nurse, you need to own up to whatever it was that put it there.

Just my two cents' worth.

ERRN1028 · Sep 30, 2004

If I am correct, I live in mississippi, and you don't have to report a misdemeanor, applications only ask about felonies, ya know the more serious of crimes.

you should be okay, good luck with school !:)

manna, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2004

Here's a little blurb - I wouldn't let this discourage you, though. Talk to the advisors/faculty at your particular program, and get their input on this issue!

Good luck! :)

Any individual having been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony may not be allowed to write the NCLEX for RN licensure. At their discretion, the Mississippi Board of Nursing has the authority to refuse licensure to anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. (See State of Mississippi Laws, Rules and Regulations, Mississippi Board of Nursing Section 73-15-29 (1) (b))

NP2BE · Jan 10, 2005

I am finishing my 4th semester of nursing school, I have a misdemeanor charge. I have already been hired by a hospital in the area, You must be upfront with them. I applied for a CNA position earlier on at another hospital, and did not include that information, and now I will never be able to work at that hospital in any capacity. The hospital that hired me said its no problem as i was up fron with them. This was 10 years ago that i had the chardge, but i was over 18. You must tell them even if you think the question is only asking about felonies or whatever, just tell them, and then its no big deal.

DaFreak71 · Feb 3, 2005

If your crime was related to drugs or violence, you might have a problem being able to sit the NCLEX or get hired. If it's related to things like petty theft or writing a bad check, etc...just be totally honest. Also, depending on how long ago you got in trouble, you could look into getting your criminal record expunged.

Basically nobody wants to hire a nurse who has a history of smacking people or taking drugs, makes sense doesn't it?. These (I think) are the two biggies, but I'm sure allowances have been made in these situations too.

Good luck. :)

Trauma Columnist · Jun 6, 2008

Sorry, can't provide legal advice.