NCLEX application question re:criminal backgrounds

[AlwaysMovingUp]

Hi all,

I have a quick question. 6 years ago I had a (brief) warrant out for my arrest when I missed a court date for a minor traffic violation (my wheels spun out, made a loud noise, and I got a "noise violation" ticket for it). I got the warrant for my arrest because I sent the Defensive Driving request into the state, but the denial didn't get back in time, got it the very next day after my court date-- they wouldn't let me take it based on a technicality.That same day I went to the court house, talked to the judge, got the warrant dropped immediately (so I never got arrested), and managed to be allowed to take defensive driving. I did so, and the issue was closed.

The dean of our nursing school told me at the time that issues related to "minor traffic offenses" need not be disclosed. She told me that ANYTHING related to the incident, including the warrant, need not be disclosed.

My question is this: now that I have sent in my criminal background stuff, my finger print card, my pictures, my application to be allowed to test, and my fees- the criminal back ground check twice now, I believe (once before my clinical classes started, and once about 120 days before I actually graduated) will the Board of nurse examiners deny me on

that warrant for my arrest SIX years ago over a minor traffic offense, which not even related to drugs or alcohol?

Ugh. I am just nervous. I worked my rear off during school, and I keep worrying about small things messing it up. Someone please ease my mind =)

Thanks

[22angie, LPN]

You can e-mail your nursing board and ask her that question. On nursing board paper it says have yuo ever been arrested, indicted or summoned into court as a defendant in acriminal proceeding, or convicted, fined, imprisoned or placed on probation or orered to deposit bail for the violation of any law, police regulation or ordinance, except for minor traffic violations?

[Kellied1983]

Actually, the question varies depending on which state you are applying. I had a similar situation. Contact your board of nursing to see what you should do. I sent proper documentation and a letter of explanation and 2 days later I had a license. Usually, there is a legal nurse associated with the board that can give you advice and let you know what came up on your background check, if anything.

[BwayDani]

Call the state in which it happened to see where your records are located,and to find out if they can see this in a background check. You might have to go down to the courthouse to find out, and you can also get a copy of your record there, which you can send to the state board of nursing if you have to. I REALLY don't think you'll have a problem though!