My journey with a criminal history

[SynCardia]

If you reading this post most likely you have a criminal history. Well if you would like to join me on my journey of getting licensed and a job with a criminal history then read along. I'm posting this so others can have hope too. I know first hand how it feels to sweat bullets when see that little box on applications asking: Do you have a criminal history? My journey is in progress. I already finished nursing school. I spoke with the director of the program before I started. She let me know depending on the nature of the crime would determine if i could complete the program.... I have one misdemeanor that was 5 years old by time I started the program. I did the back ground check and she said it was ok to start the program. Oh and just in case this helps when I did the CNA program they approved me to start the program even with a criminal history. That is what gave me hope to start the nursing program. Anyway I won all the awards I could while in school. Because I have a criminal history I want to show future employers what a changed and a more focused person I have become since the time of my conviction. I feel like I need to have more in my corner when i go for a job because I do have a misdemeanor.

Anyway I have finished nursing school. To sit before the state exam I had to send off my court papers about my conviction. They have approved to sit and take my exam. Now for my licence they just sent me a letter saying they want the official police report and a letter from my point of view of the events that happened. So this is were I stand right now. All my hard work waiting on this approval. I am totally optimistic. I feel like will get approved. There is no doubt in my mind. If you think negative then that's what your outcome will be. I will keep you guys updated "when" I get my license and how it was landing a job.

One more thing nobody on this message board can answer if your criminal history will eliminate from getting your license and practicing as a nurse. The state board are the only people who will decide... "call" the board talk to them.....they know people make mistakes.... And be honest.. anyway ....wish me luck and I will keep you guys updated.......:wink2:

[bevsg07]

Re: My journal with a criminal history.

I am worried about the same kind of problem. I was charged with Petty Thief. I was driving in this car I just brought, that still had the old license plates on it. That was 3 yrs ago. I haven't worked in nursing for 7yrs, and want to return. I am currently in school for BSN. Any suggestions or information where to start . I know that this will show up. Although the school did not seem to think it will be problem, I am concern about the employers.

[CinCinRN]

I have no idea where u can start however in Ohio where i live i have had a hard time at ltc I don't want to work there anyway but I thought it would be easier to get a job. The BON has told to me to focus on Psych, Dr's offices, and dialysis. I have a interview for dialysis on Sept 1 this is my first interview that wasn't ltc so I am praying that i get the job. Good luck to you

[cornpoohRN]

I'm reading through this forum because a friend of mine has a criminal background and she wants to do nursing school. She has a record and was charged with battery. She hit someone who hit her sister first, and yet she was the one who was charged.

It's amazing the stuff we do when we're young, and we learned from our mistakes. I hope you all have success in finding employment. If you were able to go to nursing school then you should be able to get a job. Crimes that were done years ago shouldn't be used against you especially if you've had a clean record since then. My friend had that charge on her 10 years ago, and has a clean record since then. Praying for you all

There is ABSOLUTELY no reason why this should hold your friend up from nursing school. None whatsoever.

Good luck!!

[LadyEJ BSN, RN]

There is ABSOLUTELY no reason why this should hold your friend up from nursing school. None whatsoever.

Good luck!!

It shouldn't but the reality is that it may. It's just not fair.

[KayteRN]

I have an interview on monday with a hospital. I have posession of marijuana/paraphernalia, a dui, and petty theft on my record. I just passed boards. And didn't have issues with the licesne, but sure DO with the job hunt. I am wondering if I ask HR if this will prevent an employer from hiring me, or just tell the truth, be positive, and confident, and act like it wont matter.

At a former interview I had, HR was like "i can tell you're nervous, but to be honest, we would not have called you in if this would prevent you from working here". which made me feel REALLY good, although I didn't get that job. The subsequent interview with the floor manager did not go as well as I would have liked.

But I'm just not sure how to approach this. Any thoughts?

Right now, I say something like this:

"Of course I lament having to disclose this sort of information, however without having lived through these experiences, I may have been in a much different place in my life. Although not ideal, my past is in no way indicative of my current character. I don't know that I would be in touch with my faith as much, and I have recently received my RN, and I covet my license. I am more cognoscente about how my actions affect myself as well as others, and I am living in the moment. I am proud of my accomplishments in clinical, and I continue to learn things every day.

I understand that my on paper background presents me in a less than ideal light. But the one thing paper won't tell you is the life lessons I have learned. I know that the lessons I have learned because of my experiences in life will make me a better person, especially a better nurse. A more upstanding citizen, and I value the integrity that I now have. I know that I am a wonderful candidate, and I know that my references can attest to that as well."

I just wonder if I should follow up with "will this prevent me from possibly securing employment here if everything else were to go positively?"

Or if I should just avoid that question of HR entirely.

Thoughts???

[Lovenox1]

:redpinkhe Great for you getting hired! I too am facing the same problem everything on a bogus charge ( wasn't guilty,wrong place/wrong time kind of thing) happened over 20 years ago was over looked by the boards as well. But I believe that when things happened ions ago people do change and just getting your RN degree and putting in all that time and energy says a lot about someone. So I hope I can get through the interviews as well. I had read a good reply on this site about that at one time advising to just say yes I did have some problem a long time ago and it was resolved. And not elaborate on it. I hope we can get some others to give us advice on this. I'm just plain worried about job interviews period!!!..lol.....

[KayteRN]

I have an interview for a hopsital on a telemetry step-down unit tomorrow at 10:30, wish me luck! My anxiety is through the roof. We'll see. I will just try to be myself, and hope that they are accepting. I will post about how I feel it goes, and THEN post about how THEY think it went (i.e. if I get hired subsequently, or not)...

...to be continued...

[CrazierThanYou]

I have a misdemeanor 3 years old for a unauthorized use of property. I am a new grad and I am having a very hard time getting a job. However, I don't think its all due to my background some with the economy. I have been on 4 interviews all LTC and 3 of the jobs I feel I wold have had if I didn't have this on me. I also was working at a hospital while in school and had a job waiting for me. It was taking forever for my license to go through so human resources even though they had done a fbi/bci check 8 months prior wanted a copy of the complaint and then asked me if I would like to quit! She told me the hospitals won't hire me and that I should go to DR's office. Problem with that the ads I have seen want experience. I am 50,000 in in debt for loans. I have 3 children and a sick mother that were all counting on me to bring home the bacon. I now see why when people get out of jail/prison they turn to a life of crime what choice do they have when society won't help.

You're right. My younger brother has a list of petty crimes dating back to when he was a teenager. Things like marijuana possession and one for possession of stolen property (he didn't know it was stolen), and a few DUI's. Because he has been to prison briefly, I don't think that he will ever be given the opportunity to support himself. No jobs so far.... So yes, it is easy to see why those with criminal backgrounds continue their lives of crime...

[SynCardia, BSN]

Hey everbody... long time no see. I just received a letter from the board saying i can receive my license. It only took 1 week after i got my results from the board saying I pased my NCLEX. Now here comes the next phase. Landing a job. Im looking into expunging my record and asking the government for a pardon. I will be checking with a lawyer to see what my options are. I will keep you guys posted. I cant wait until this is all over.....

[scoochy]

Hi Posters: Only a few of you have mentioned seeking legal counsel. Please call your state nurses association and ask if they have knowledge of an attorney who specializes in working with nurses. If they cannot be of help, consult an attorney who specializes in employment law. Attorneys who do not have an "ego" problem or are not $ hungry will admit they cannot help you, but they may refer you to an attorney who can offer you assistance. You can also apply to the Board of Pardons and Parole in your state to expunge your record,

but this a time consuming process, and may not produce a positive outcome. If any of you are from Connecticut, the Ct. Nurses Association can give you the name of an attorney who specializes in working with nurses.

Best of Luck to Everyone!