Pennsylvania laws for student nurses

Published

I am currently attending a community college in Pennsylvania. I have just finished my pre-req's with a 3.833. Unfortunately I was just told I can not enter the clinical portion of the nursing school without being subject to a criminal background check. She told me this includes DUI's which I must be at least 10years free of. I received a DUI 2 1/2 years ago and have not touched an alcoholic beverage since. I was honest but she said she was sorry and that was that. Is this a Pa law or was it just this facility? Will I not be able to achieve my goal and not be able to become a nurse until I am 42. Can someone please let me know the laws about this. Thank you.

Lisa

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Google up the State of Pennsylvania's Board of Nursing website and check on their rules.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am currently attending a community college in Pennsylvania. I have just finished my pre-req's with a 3.833. Unfortunately I was just told I can not enter the clinical portion of the nursing school without being subject to a criminal background check. She told me this includes DUI's which I must be at least 10years free of. I received a DUI 2 1/2 years ago and have not touched an alcoholic beverage since. I was honest but she said she was sorry and that was that. Is this a Pa law or was it just this facility? Will I not be able to achieve my goal and not be able to become a nurse until I am 42. Can someone please let me know the laws about this. Thank you.

Lisa

I would post your question under the PA forum. I'm sure someone could help you there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
I am currently attending a community college in Pennsylvania. I have just finished my pre-req's with a 3.833. Unfortunately I was just told I can not enter the clinical portion of the nursing school without being subject to a criminal background check. She told me this includes DUI's which I must be at least 10years free of. I received a DUI 2 1/2 years ago and have not touched an alcoholic beverage since. I was honest but she said she was sorry and that was that. Is this a Pa law or was it just this facility? Will I not be able to achieve my goal and not be able to become a nurse until I am 42. Can someone please let me know the laws about this. Thank you.

Lisa

I would definitely contact the PA BON. I have been told by my professors that if I get a DUI while in nursing school that I will not be allowed to take the NCLEX for five years after that. However, I don't know what the rules are for DUI's before school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion