Poss of Marijuana on background check?

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Specializes in Neuro ICU.

Hello all, thanks for any and all feedback.

-During undergrad in 2018 I pled Deferred Adjudication to Class B Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana in Texas. I completed my probationary period without incident and was terminated from community supervision in Nov 2018.

-I received my RN license without any disciplinary actions from the board. I had some difficulty with some job apps concerning the case, and not so much with others. I'm working at a large level 1 trauma, comprehensive stroke center, 36 bed Neuro ICU. I'm now looking at applying for CRNA school.

-What I am wondering is when this shows up on my background check: Does this automatically DQ me from consideration? Should I invest with my attorney in getting the case sealed? Depending on the background database access certain schools have, would they see the case even if it was sealed? I'm confused if I should disclose the case upfront to schools while leaving it unsealed? Or if I pay to have it sealed and don't disclose it, but the school still finds it on the check, could it be considered dishonest behavior?

-Looking for any advice/input how to proceed, any input is valued and appreciated. Thanks

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Always, always, always be up front and honest about your past. Get ahead of it. Once data is "out there" it can be found, regardless of whether or not it was dealt with properly. If you are not honest about anything, and it is found out later, it could be cause for immediate dismissal. Imagine being 2 years and 150K into school only to find out you are gone with no recourse. It will not disqualify you, but it is one more hurdle, one more step, with which you will have to contend, in order to get into a program.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Neuro ICU.

Thanks very much for your feedback BigPappa, I suppose I'll draft a letter explaining that to send in with app docs for when it comes back on background check. Again, really appreciate the feedback

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Specializes in ICU, Neuro ICU.
On 12/13/2019 at 4:26 PM, NeuroICUv1 said:

Thanks very much for your feedback BigPappa, I suppose I'll draft a letter explaining that to send in with app docs for when it comes back on background check. Again, really appreciate the feedback

Any updates? I’m in a similar situation as you are.

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Specializes in SRNA.

Yeah, you need to be honest about it. Tell them now. Of course it is dishonest behavior not to mention it even though it has been "sealed." Just assume they'll know anyways. Might as well get out in front of it. It's not like you were doing heroin. However, it was illegal and shows "poor decision making." Just tell them how you have grown, how you have changed yada yada.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

OP last posted in December.

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