Old Conviction? Dashed hopes?

[Ann42]

Hello Everybody! I'm new here. This looks like a wonderful forum for nurses and nurse wannabees. I wish I could take more time to just lurk and read posts before posting, but this is weighing very heavy on my heart and mind.

About six years ago I was arrested for shoplifting at Walmart. Even as I post this, I am extremely embarrassed and ashamed by it. I had hoped to leave that totally behind me. But now I am taking the NA class at our local college and desire very much to go on to become an RN, my fear is that I will go through all the education then be considered unhireable because of that earlier conviction. I wanted to ask my instructor about it, but am too embarrassed.

To those of you who presently work as nurses, what is the policy of the establishment where your work?

[Ann42]

I guess you know that I've been worried sick about this.

Well, I found more info online, at my school's website actually, about the Kentucky BON policy of licensure. It actually had MORE info than the brochure the state sent me. Apparentally, I CAN be licensed as an RN! Because the crime is so old. :) :) :)

This is what it says:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"(3) Submit a certified copy of the court record of each misdemeanor or felony conviction in this or any other jurisdiction and a letter of explanation that addresses each conviction, except for traffic-related misdemeanors (other than DUI) or misdemeanors older than five (5) years;"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My misdemeanor conviction is 7 years old! Mind you. It STILL haunts me. I'll still have to put it on applications that ask for that information....BUT I CAN STILL BE A NURSE!!!! *jumping for joy*

Unlike some people who change their major at the drop of a hat, I cannot see anything else BUT nursing. We had our first day of clinicals in a LTC today for my NA class. I loved every minute of it! Even giving showers and putting residents on the toilet. I honestly think nursing is my calling (besides motherhood).

Okay. I'll be quiet about it now.

[CATHYW]

Good luck, Ann! I am glad to hear that you see light at the end of your tunnel!

[MICU RN]

Go ahead and try you may surprised at the results, many times they are willing to give you a chance. I know this form my own and others experience.