Nursing & Misdemeanors in Florida

Angela Mac · Aug 26, 2004

Because you were 18 years old at the time, you must disclose it to the nursing board. Honesty is the best policy. I don't think they will deny you licensure, but I am sure that they will find it in a criminal background check. Wouldn't it be best to come forward, than to make them think you are dishonest & have something to hide?

jlp2778 · Aug 27, 2004

I most certainly will disclose this information. I was just wondering if anyone has a similar situation and had any problems?

hippienurse · Aug 27, 2004

I am not in Florida, but I have a worse in my background and I am allowed to be licensed. It depends on the type of crime, as well, but just be honest and forthright and don't worry.

All_Smiles_RN · Aug 27, 2004

I've heard that there are steps that you can take to have it expunged from your record. At my school, they tell you to check with the Director of Nursing about how to do this. Good luck.

...Jennifer...

BeachNurse · Aug 27, 2004

I will graduate in May and apply for the NCLEX in Florida. I was arrested for shoplifting (a misdemeanor of the lowest rank) nearly 8 years ago when I was 18 years old. I have since had the record sealed by the courts. Does anyone think this will prohibit me from licensure? If anyone has a similar story or any insight....please help!! Thanks.

Try posting this on the FL nurses area. I have no answer to your question, but you might find someone there who does. I would hope it would not prevent licensure...FL can be stickers on some things.

jlp2778 · Aug 27, 2004

Try posting this on the FL nurses area. I have no answer to your question, but you might find someone there who does. I would hope it would not prevent licensure...FL can be stickers on some things.

Like I said, I have had it sealed and it is out of public view. The only person I have to disclose it to is the Board. I hope it isn't a problem. I know someone that had a DUI and got licensed. Is shoplifting at 18 worse than that? I have a clear record since then and lead a honest life with my husband. I am responsible and mature now at 26. At 18 I was a child...too bad the law says you are an adult!

nurseygrrl, LPN · Aug 27, 2004

I'm in NY and I've known nurses with much worse backgrounds have had no problem getting licensed. I don't think you'll have any problems.

jlp2778 · Aug 27, 2004

I'm in NY and I've known nurses with much worse backgrounds have had no problem getting licensed. I don't think you'll have any problems.

I hope that you are right!! It is so embarrassing and I hate talking about it! I was young and stupid! It is so scary because there is no way to know ahead of time if you can sit for the boards, ya know? Thanks for your encouragement

HerEyes!

lpn3324 · Aug 27, 2004

I had multiple charges for worthless cheks on my record when I was relicensed in 2002,in Florida. I do not think that a shoplifting charge from that long ago will affect your chances of being able to sit the boards or get a license. Good Luck

jannecdote · Sep 14, 2004

I was able to get licensure in Florida in 2001 with a misdemeanor terroristic threatening/criminal mischief on my record. I was really afraid, but a nurse friend of mine said that the board is more concerned about you hiding a criminal record than they are of you being forthright about it.

I caught my ex-husband with his ex-wife in a compromising situation, threatened to kick her butt(except I used some words I have to bleep out here) and threw her tennis shoes in the incinerator. Hence, the charges. I felt real bad about the whole situation and said so in my explanatory letter to the Florida nursing board.

I had to send an explanatory letter plus copies of the court records to the board along with my application for licensure by endorsement.

When I applied for licensure by endorsement to the Texas BON, I spoke to someone on the board first and she said that if the charges were more than five years old to check "no" on the application. I didn't have any problems with either BON.

CCU NRS · Sep 14, 2004

Like I said, I have had it sealed and it is out of public view. The only person I have to disclose it to is the Board. I hope it isn't a problem. I know someone that had a DUI and got licensed. Is shoplifting at 18 worse than that? I have a clear record since then and lead a honest life with my husband. I am responsible and mature now at 26. At 18 I was a child...too bad the law says you are an adult!

You should list it on application that asks have you ever been arrested for anything other than a traffic violation even though it is a sealed record it is really minor and it would be best to disclose it to anyone that inquires and prove that it was just a youthful indiscretion and explain truthfully the situation and people will know you are forhtright and it will be much less trouble all the way around.