My husband wants to go to nursing school but........

ptadvocate81 · May 20, 2005

Hi catkaminski,

I am in nursing school right now and I know that they are more strict than ever about background checks. I had to pay for a generic background check and credit check before I was accepted into the program and then in your last semester it costs you almost $300 for the final FBI check. I know for sure that they look back 10 years, and before that depending on the crime. My advice would be to write the BNE and ask them what their requirements and restrictions are because honestly, he ma be able to get into a nursing school and finish, but the real question is can he be licensed in your state. I wish you the best and I hope that I have shed a little light on the subject for you. Sorry I couldn't help more, I will look into it though and let you know what I come up with.

rn2binca · May 20, 2005

His best bet is to check directly with the Board of Nursing for Michigan (it says that is where you live). Many states would have issues with the domestic violence and most with the DUI.

I did hear somewhere that as long as it is not a felony and 10 years have passed they may not be as concerned. He must always be honest with his history or it will absolutely be an issue.

Best of luck to him and to YOU.

Tracy

michelleicu · May 20, 2005

Hi catkaminski,
I am in nursing school right now and I know that they are more strict than ever about background checks. I had to pay for a generic background check and credit check before I was accepted into the program and then in your last semester it costs you almost $300 for the final FBI check. I know for sure that they look back 10 years, and before that depending on the crime. My advice would be to write the BNE and ask them what their requirements and restrictions are because honestly, he ma be able to get into a nursing school and finish, but the real question is can he be licensed in your state. I wish you the best and I hope that I have shed a little light on the subject for you. Sorry I couldn't help more, I will look into it though and let you know what I come up with.

aa credit check?

gerry79 · May 20, 2005

You may want to check the BON website. There might be info on disqualifying criminal acts. Also your husband may want to see about getting the domestic violence charge expunged from his record. I know of a few people who have gone this route. Best wishes to you and your husband in this journey!

PMHNP10 · May 20, 2005

My husband wants to go to nursing school but he has a few things against him. He has a DUI from 1996 and with shame I admit domestic violence charges but they are all misdemeanors. He is trying to move forward in his life and wants to go to college and get his nursing degree. Will he be able to get a nusing license? Will they let him into a nursing program?

I can say with probably 90% certainty that his chances of getting a license to practice depends on if he has gone through an alcohol dependence type of program and remains active in AA or similar treatment program. As far as the DV, once again, he'll need to show that he has gone through batterer counselling for men. If he has not, I pretty much guarantee that noone will see him as rehabilitated from his sins of the past, no matter if it's been 1, 3, or 5, etc. years since he's last drank/abused. In other words, noone will take him for his word alone; his changes are going to have to have some backbone behind them besides just his promises.

ptadvocate81 · May 20, 2005

aa credit check?

Yes, a credit check. I thought it obsurd, but they said that it had to do with character and responsibility, which made sense to me at the time. If you can't manage your finances (thousands upon thousands in debt), then it does say that something has happened in your life and they may need to further investigate (medical bills, housing, ect.). Although we may not think that it is any of their business, this is the reality of becoming a nurse today. I think that they probably wanted people who were able to pay tuition as well.... It didn't affect my friend who has over $18,000 in credit card debt though, so it doesn't appear much of a problem.

Indy, LPN, LVN · May 20, 2005

If I'd had to have a credit check, I probably wouldn't have gotten in. I have a mortgage foreclosure on mine, that happened roughly the same time I was separating from my ex. I don't agree that a score from a numbercrunching, privacy-invading, infamously inaccurate private corporation shows diddly squat about a person's character.

-Indy

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · May 20, 2005

aa credit check?

A lot of jobs in nursing require a credit check.

redwinggirlie · May 20, 2005

Check with your board of nursing. You will get your answer there. Best of luck to you both.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · May 20, 2005

michigan bon:

[color=#333399]nursing

if i have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor, will this stop me from obtaining a michigan license?

mommatrauma, RN · May 21, 2005

If I'd had to have a credit check, I probably wouldn't have gotten in. I have a mortgage foreclosure on mine, that happened roughly the same time I was separating from my ex. I don't agree that a score from a numbercrunching, privacy-invading, infamously inaccurate private corporation shows diddly squat about a person's character.
-Indy

They do take that into consideration...I think they look more for the consistancy of it...do you constantly pay late, multiple closed accounts and whatnot...Its more how you handle your responsibilities as a whole...not just one card or one mortgage...and usually a separation or divorce is excuse enough for bad credit for a time...I had a similar issue...