Nevada BON Background Check

[seamang2, BSN, MSN]

Hello everyone,

I have just entered into the nursing program at UNLV and have a question about the background check that the Nevada State Board of Nursing uses to evaluate new and renewing nurses. I have no problem admitting that I had a checkered juvenile past, nor listing any crime that I have been convicted of (I had a traffic violation that was reduced to a parking ticket.). But I would like to run my own background check to make sure that I have no surprises when the time comes to apply for my license. I know that the BON uses the FBI for a background check. Do they use any services as well? Thanks in advance.

[jmqphd]

I am not sure what methods they use. I do know they have means of checking into even sealed juvenile records. But your question almost sounds like you are calculating whether or not you can slip by them.

I would contact the BON now, and be totally up front with them, and get THEIR advice on the matter. WhatEVER you do, do NOT hold back information when the time comes to apply for a license.

Worst case scenario, if they indicate that your past failings put you on the edge of what they allow, you can begin checking with other states. The thing you don't want to do is invest several years and many thousands of dollars in a degree you can't use.

[seamang2, BSN, MSN]

Thank you.

Just to clarify, I had a very "adventurous" youth, an wish to run my own BG check, in order to make sure that I don't miss a small item. Not telling the BON because I truly don't remember, and then being denied a license, would be a travesty.

[NurseKK715]

I have a couple questions regarding this issue. I am a licensed nurse in Nevada, and I'm just now applying for my first job. I have a misdemeanor conviction from 11yrs ago, and the State Board DID grant me approval to take the NCLEX, and upon passing it, my license WAS granted to me.

When I apply for jobs, and the question "have you ever been convicted of a crime?" arises, how exactly am I supposed to handle that? I'm not looking to lie about it, by any means. I was young and stupid, and it was a long time ago, and the fact that the Board did grant me my license without and true effort on my part, seems to be good news.

I know that every time I apply for a job and they run my fingerprints, it will come up, but what exactly do I say? I was applying online this morning, and one question states, "Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If your answer is YES, please explain in detail, the circumstances leading to your conviction."

I called the Nev State Board of Nursing, and they told me to contact a lawyer, and that they couldn't give me any advice on this topic!

I am sincerely hoping someone will have some valuable advice for me. I know that when I can, I will apply to have my record sealed, but as of right now, that is not an option.

Please give me any advice you can.

Thank you :)