Prior arrest affect nursing license?

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Hello there, I'm wondering about getting into the RN program in PA. I have been arrested 3 times for possession of marijuana but I have never been convicted. I received 2 conditional discharges & one was thrown out in court. I want to apply to the nursing program but wanted to know if this will stop me from getting a license. I was arrested but never plead guilty or was charged with a crime at any time. Anyone can help me?

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My arrest where out of state all in new jersey if that helps.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

The best place for answers is directly from the BON. While the school may allow you to attend their program, it doesn't guarantee that you will be able to become licensed. It would be wise to know ahead of time before spending a lot of money or taking out loans for tuition.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

A follow up: Are you still using? Because if so, you should not consider a career in nursing.

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Specializes in ER.

Arrested 3 times? How in the world did you manage that? WOW!

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

Read your state's licensing application. It's probably online. If they make you disclose arrests, than you will have extra work ahead to prove that you're fit to sit the NCLEX. You can call the BON but will probably get the stock "we take it on a case by case basis" answer.

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Specializes in Family Medicine.

Can I have some? Totally kidding.

You might want to lay off the weed if you want to go into nursing. You'll have to pass a drug test to get hired as a nurse. Most schools also drug test.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Answering "yes x 3" to the licensing question "Have you ever been arrested?" will most likely be a deal-killer.

Just my opinion.

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No I'm not using. This was all 4 years ago from my last arrest. I was never charged just arrested, case was thrown out in court

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I don't smoke anymore. My last arrest was 4 years ago and was never found guilty on any arrest. They where just arrest and neve have been found guilty. Cases where thrown out and I got a pre trial conditional discharge which I completed

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No this was was older stuff from 4 yrs ago and older. and never been found guilty for any arrest. Received a pre trial conditional discharge and the other cases where thrown out in court.

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Check online and look at the application. Plus, I don't know if all states have this, but mine has a PDF listing different types of charges, when they occurred, and if they would disqualify for licensure. The website does state, however, that this is online a guide, as the rules can change at any time. The "case by case basis" argument is what you will be dealing with.

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