Nursing with a Criminal Background

[ratchetrn]

:welcome: First let me start by saying I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this but looked like the most appropriate spot.

I am an RN, my boyfriend is a new grad RN, who graduated in May 2006. He used to be a cop in NJ. We live in NC. He went through school and the licencing procedure without a hitch. He has a criminal background that he was convicted for in 1995. It was a civil rights violation, no assault or drug charges. Although there were no questions asked from the school he attended and the nursing board he is having no luck with finding employment. He's had several interviews. Most of the time they like him and offer him a position or say they would like to make an offer but then they see the "yes" box checked on his application and tell him they don't hire anyone with a criminal background. He doesn't know what to do. I personally would give him my job if I could! Anybody have any suggestions, ideas or comments or experience dealing with this kind of thing?

[PANurseRN1]

Consult with an atty. or the SBON. We cannot legally adivse you here.

[TazziRN, RN]

He can leave it blank and write instead "Will explain at interview".

Better yet, he can try to have his record expunged. Then he wouldn't have to admit to it unless it was a felony.

[clee1]

Go to one of the background check websites and pay the approx $25 fee to see what is on record.

If nothing, lie.

Sometimes, honesty is NOT the best policy, especially when it is w/ risk-adverse pencil-pushers you encounter in HR departments.

[caliotter3]

This is one time I would advise an indiv to seek legal counsel. Have him make an appt w/attorney (labor law attny, preferably one whose yellow pages ad also indicates that he has a law enforcement background). The right attny can advise him on getting this off his record, or how to approach the problem. The advice to refer to interview is good advice. At least that should preclude automatic exclusion when reviewing applications. I have talked to people who have admitted lying about their background, however, nrsg positions now entail background checks which very easily show up criminal records. If all else fails, just keep on. Don't give up, someone, somewhere should be amenable to hearing his side. I was told once about something (dealing with the background check) "It says we (the potential employer) may not hire or fire for problem......it does not say will not hire or fire for problem." So the trick is getting to talk to a reasonable person in the hiring position. Good luck.

[kimmie518]

I was arrested for Possession of Stolen Property and recieved and A.C.O.D. I haven't run into any trouble in my education nor employment at 2 hospitals.

My boyfriends uncle is a nurse who has been arrested a few times- assault is the only one that comes to mind. He had some resistance in getting licensure- had to get recommendations from old employers and school teachers, had to sit in front of the board, took about 6 months but was approved for a license.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Seeking legal advice is against our terms of service simply because we don't "know" the right answers. Please see a lawyer.