Nervous About Background Check

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I have been called back for a criminal background check and physical to work at a methadone clinic. I have a possessions charge which will come back. That was from 11 years prior. Now I am nervous that I will not be hired. I understand the potential issue with working at a methadone clinic but would this charge be of concern?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nervous,

I take it to mean your possessions charge had to do with drug possession.

If your license is clear with no restrictions, the employer will look at the nature of the offense, the severity, and how long ago it occurred.

Eleven years ago is a long time, and that's in your favor. What may be a concern is if the employment application asked if you have ever been charged with a crime, and how you answered. If you falsified the answer, that could be grounds to not hire you.

At the same time, if you make a favorable impression and interview well, it could compensate for the charge in your past.

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