Nurse hopeful... Possible roadblocks?

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Hello allnurses, this is my first topic here; and hopefully not my last.

My question pertains to become a nurse with criminal history. Here's my story:

I'm a 21 year old guy in NC, when I was 17 (over four years ago) I was charged with possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. I went to court, the charges were expunged (I believe this means I plead guilty) in return for attending a drug education class.

My ultimate goal is to become a CRNA. My biggest fear is that my record will prevent me from achieving this. I am terrified of the thought of completing nursing school but being unable to get a license.

There seem to be many potential roadblocks on the path to CRNA where my record could stop me. From what I know, these are some of them:

- The CC I plan on attending does a criminal background check

- Not being allowed on clinical sites

- Not being allowed to be licensed by the BON

- Not being able to get a job at a hospital

- Not being admitted into a CRNA program

- Not being able to get a CRNA license/job

What do you think allnurses, are my fears justified?

Are there any more potential roadblocks?

Does anyone have a personal story similar to mine?

Who do I contact to find out if these charges will stop me at each of these steps?

If you're still with me after this, thanks for reading. I sincerely appreciate any advice you can give me.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.
The CC I plan on attending does a criminal background check

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Hello, Bran2. I have no similar experience with you, but a suggestion. As you already wrote, you can ask CC directly. That way you can get accurate answer.

Hope your dream will come true =)

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"Expunged" means removed from your record (or should mean that anyway). I'd start by checking up on your own record and seeing if you even have one. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in MPH Student Fall/14, Emergency, Research.

Also suggest you contact the BON. You were a minor, and minors do all kinds of silly things. I would be floored if a misdemeanor like pot possession precluded you from contributing to society through a great career. Best of luck!

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there are nurses who have a history of drug charges and they are able to get through school and get their licenses , they just have to disclose it.

but i'm not sure about your case, you were 17 ...not sure if that is considered an adult or not. get a criminal background check done on yourself and see if it pops up

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Hello Bran!

I'm not in your situation persay, but I recently went through orientation for my nursing program and when this topic came up, we were all advised to disclose any prior charges whether they were pending, expunged, or from 99 years ago. The info provided would then be investigated by the BON (a process which may take weeks, months, or years to complete...) and they would determine whether the individual would be eligible for licensure. The earlier this disclosure is done, the better. I'm not sure what state you are in or whether your rules differ from TX, but to be on the safe side, I would probably research this asap on the board of nursing website or contact them directly regarding your specific case just to see if this is something that could be a hindrance as far as licensure goes. Your program director should also be a great resource for answering specifics.

Good luck to you! :up:

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

There are many threads on this site covering your concerns. Do the research, contct the board of nursing and keep everything in writing. Most times boards are forgiving of old misdemeanors but absolutely unforgiving of lying on an application for license.

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Im have no experience but I do know that in my state, you usually can have some crimes removed from your record after an amount of time.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

Expunged=removed. Talk with a school counselor specifically for the nursing department. I wouldn't think you would have a problem though.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

With all due respect, you should really know how you pled to the charge against you. Expunged means it was cleared from your record, could have been for a variety of reasons. Guilty and not guilty pleas/convictions are can both be expunged.

GL with your dream

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