Misdemeanor charge. concerned about licensure.

[concerned in PA]

Unfortunatley I will have to answer yes to all of these questions on the Pennsylvania state application for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

I was caught twice with marijuana at the age of 18. They were both misdemeanor charges which I plead guilty to and received 1 year of probation.

The charges read "small possession of marijuana" (x2) and "small possession of a controlled substance" (Both Misdemeanors)

What are my chances of receiving a License to practice?

Here are the questions.

Have you ever been convicted* of any crime, felony or misdemeanor, and/or do you currently have any criminal charges pending

and unresolved, in any court? Yes No

Have you ever been convicted* of any crime associated with alcohol or drugs in any court? Yes No

*Conviction includes judgment, found guilty by a judge or jury, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, received probation without

verdict, disposition in lieu of trial, or ARD.

Have you ever withdrawn an application for a license, had an application for a license denied or refused, or agreed not to reapply

for a license in any state, territory, possession or country? A license includes a registration or certification.

Yes No

Have you ever had your license suspended or revoked or otherwise been the subject of disciplinary action by any licensing

authority in any state, territory, possession or country? Yes No

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history and if so, can i get a job?
  
• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a mip, dui, or other related charges?
  
• what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  
• can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
  
• will i be able to go to nursing school and/or attend clinicals with a criminal record?
  
• what can happen if i receive a mip/dui/dwi or other charge while still in school?

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

if you are currently licensed as a nurse and have been charged with or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor including dui/dwi or any criminal offense, you need to contact the bon in every state you hold a license/wish to be licensed and ask their reporting requirements.

if you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your bon and/or your school of nursing directly. you need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. each board of nursing makes a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.