Re: Background checks?

[Meant2BeRN712]

Hi All,

I just received my acceptance letter to the NYU Accelerated program. This is my #1 choice school and would love to attend in Spring 2009.

I have one question about background checks. Does anyone know when they will be run? How strict is the school about passing / failing background checks?

I was stupid when I was 18 and was caught shoplifting with my friend as a college prank. We were caught, charger with a misdemeanor and completed my probation. THEN! I stupidly got a DUI last year after picking up my friend when he was lost and drunk. I saw a lawyer and went to court to expunge the case. Turns out I have to wait till 2010 to expunge it.

Anyways, I am so regretful of my acts but I hope the school, hospitals and BON will be forgiving. I was upfront with the school and sent in letters documenting the charges. Luckily, I was still accepted.

Does anyone know how NYU goes about background checks? Will hospitals take into this situation on an individual basis? Any info is helpful. Thanks.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history and if so, can i get a job?
  
• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a mip, dui, or other related charges?
  
• what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  
• can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
  
• will i be able to go to nursing school and/or attend clinicals with a criminal record?
  
• what can happen if i receive a mip/dui/dwi or other charge while still in school?
  

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.

if you are a nursing student or are interested in becoming a nurse you need to contact your bon and/or your school of nursing directly. you need to be completely candid with them as to the nature and disposition of the crimes. each board of nursing makes a determination on a case by case basis and some are willing to issue a declarative statement in advance.

good luck!