Rick Walters

OK - First drop the "I didn't do it" once you plead guilty that doesn't matter anymore - you are guilty period. I am a staffing coordinator for a large hospital. Believe it or not I get a good amount of applicants that have had a teenage indiscretion. This isn't a kiss of death - when I see the yes box checked I look to the explanation (almost every application has instructions to explain all yes answers on a separate sheet of paper....). Those that are forthright and simple tell the story ( I made an error in judgement when I was 14. I was arrested for ______ and a plea bargain was reached see attached disposition papers from ___ court) will get a call from me. We have fired those that checked no. We do give them a chance to explain but once it is determined that they lied on the application we cut them loose.

I am the staffing coordinator for a large hospital. Although a suit isn't required - those who wear one are remembered. Groovy Jeff hits the nail on the head - We see so many people all competing for the one or two opening we have you want us to remember who you are. The thank you card is a big plus - it keeps your name in the forefront.

The question on our application reads "have you been arrested within the past 10 years" it does not ask if you were convicted - just arrested. We have had a number of applicants who answered no to the question because they were not convicted -- and when the check was complete and the arrest identified they were cut loose. You will have to disclose all arrests for at least 10 years.

I agree with the advice above you need to check with your state board of nursing. But I can offer this - be honest on all applications by disclosing the conviction. I am a staffing coordinator and can tell you that if you disclose that info up front it goes a long way to getting you an interview. I hate surprises especially when that surprise come during the background check when we get a hit off finger prints.

In our hospital the starting pay is close 66k vs 68k (before differentials) however as you gain experience you will find that as a BSN you will make much more than the ADN. Top pay as a ASN is 88k while a BSN will make 117K. That is a very large incentive to continue on. We also get weekend diff's (25% for Saturday and 25% for Sunday).