I am a 7-year first responder in Pennsylvania, and I decided to take the step to become an RN after years of emergency scene runs.
My issue I am running into is with the board of nursing and their background check. This story may be a bit confusing, and I apologize in advance - but I want the best guidance possible.
So, several years ago I was charged by the state police. I was wrongfully accused and fought most of the charges in court. I was in a very toxic relationship at the time and took a plea deal for a minor misdemeanor (conspiracy to recklessly endangering another person). I did my one year of probation, and for some reason, the week after I finished my probation my record up and disappeared. It wasn't ARD, but my Pennsylvania State Police background check's always come back "This user has no criminal record". I got my license to carry a firearm several months ago and ran into no issues. The state police are the only one who can conduct background checks in PA mind you, especially for licensing boards.
Now, here is my question. I know on the BON application it says:
"The following questions will be asked by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and should be answered as “no”. If the answer is “yes”, the applicant should contact the State Board of Nursing for guidance. “Have you ever been convicted, pled guilty or entered a plea of nolo-contendere, or received probation without verdict, accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) as to any felony or misdemeanor including any drug law violations, or do you have any criminal charges pending and unresolved in any state or jurisdiction?"
Technically I would want to answer "yes" because I did plead guilty to a 2nd-degree misdemeanor (which isn't on the prohibited crimes sheet for nursing) but I read on and they say they want certified copies from the state police and court records to review. If I select yes, then the state police will only be able to display that I have no criminal record - which will likely confuse them.
My question is this... can I safely say "no" to the question since the board only uses the state police for background checks, or should I say "yes" even though nothing will be found - and I can't provide them with the necessary documents since they don't exist?
I have been a first responder for 7-years and I never ran into the issue before. I always selected "no" and provided my clean background check and was hired immediately. My paramedic and RN friends said to just say "no" since nothing can be found on the state level, but I just wanted some others opinions before I do that. I don't want to get in a wild goose for something that I never even did.
