Misdemeanor Convictions and Nursing

[Centaurus]

I was convicted of a DUI in 1998 with property damage and leaving the scene of an accident. Due to this charge I find it hard to find any gainful employment. I thought we live in a society that gives people a second chance but think twice. A record can end your working life. I decided to go into Nursing and wanted to see if any people had similar problems just like myself. I am in Florida, was a property lawyer in England, came back here in 1996 and in 1998 the above stated incident occurred. I earned a BA Degree from a Florida University but could not find any employment in the legal field, criminal justice field. I also applied for other jobs but was denied due to insurance reasons relating to my DUI. I applied for a companion position to see how I would be with taking care of people but again was denied employment due to my criminal convictions. Can anyone provide me with information since I have to pass the schools background check, the BON, the RN school and later potentail employers. Thank you for your attention.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

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 and/or attend clinicals 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.

if you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your bon and/or your school of nursing directly. you need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. each board of nursing makes a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.