RN job with criminal record

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 16, 2011

Almost every healthcare facility performs background checks on nurses. At the very least, they will ask if you have any felony/misdemeanor/other convictions, with the provision that if you lie to them about it and they eventually find out, you could be terminated.

Having a criminal record doesn't automatically mean you won't get hired--there are lots of nurses out there with less than stellar criminal records who are able to find employment. The fact that you were able to get licensed in the first place is encouraging...unless, of course, you didn't tell the GA BON about it when you should have.

I would just apply to whatever facilities interest you and be honest about your history, because they will find out about it when they run the background check. I would also consult with your attorney if you're not sure how to answer specific questions, especially since the case is still open and technically you haven't been convicted yet.

I would also have your attorney try to find out about when that case will eventually be heard so you can have the matter resolved once and for all. I mean, three years and they still haven't heard it? That's a lot for them to be putting you through.

A resource to check out here at AN is Nursing with a Criminal History:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-licensure-criminal/

Best of luck.

PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2011

If they are still open... are they consider convictions?? I mean, you haven't been proven guilty right??

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 20, 2011

If they are still open... are they consider convictions?? I mean, you haven't been proven guilty right??

Again, I am no lawyer...but that's how I understand it. You're not convicted until you're proven (or pled) guilty.

But again, a lawyer is the best person to ask about what one's status would be and how to answer the conviction question in this case, since the case is still open. A lawyer's answer would be a lot more accurate than mine.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Nov 20, 2011

Meriwhen is correct, a lawyer would be better able to answer those types of questions ... and per the Terms of Service (TOS), we cannot provide legal advice. That is better left to the lawyer-types.

D.R.A. · Jan 2, 2012

I can't really speak for GA and FL, but I agree with just being honest. Most HR managers and nurse managers are no stranger to their staff having criminal history. Nurses are people too......they make mistakes, things happen. The most important thing is how you take responsibility, what you are going to do to prevent it in the future, etc. So sorry you can't find a job as a new grad )0: I am a new grad myself. I was hired on the spot at my second interview a month before I graduated! Good luck to you.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2012

If you haven't been arrested or convicted, then you're not a criminal. And simple traffic offenses (down under anyway) are not considered criminal offences as such, though you can be arrested depending upon circumstances etc and booked.

I would be up front & honest in any applications that say 'possible pending convictions', state what you have stated above & say you do not know what is happening. I worked nursing HR for 3 years, & cannot tell you how many people lied on their applications re criminal/possible criminal convictions (we do a national police check here), then these people were found out. My big boss used to get more annoyed that people lied on their applications, rather than be upfront as she still would have employed them, albeit at times perhaps with some restrictions.

If you don't know if you will be convicted, why don't you just ring up the police station you were stopped through & ask re this? They should be able to give you some idea of what is happening. Better than sitting on the internet, being stressed out all day & wondering what will happen. Are you scared you will lose your license?

Just get it sorted, and do it today to save you all the worry and bother of trying to deal with that and applying for jobs.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2012

Sorry meant 2 say NMs are more concerned if you had been convicted of messing with children, or stealing narcs maybe, not just traffic offenses.

Couldn't get this to add on to my post??

jmcc16 · Mar 29, 2012

I am in the exact position as you. DUI 2 years ago, about to graduate, looking for a job. Did you ever find a job? What did you have to go through to get one? Give us a little update if you dont mind

Hi, I am a recent graduate from a BSN program in Georgia, and have recently obtained my RN license. I have been out of school for a few months now, and am unable to find a job. As most know, it is difficult for a new graduate RN to find a job because most facilities want you to have some experience. it is even more difficult when you have a criminal record. My case is especially interesting and I need some feedback from others.
Over three years ago I was stopped and received a citation for a misdemeanor traffic offense for which i have not been convicted and may not be convicted of. I was given a DUI refusal to blow which may not even go down as a DUI. The case is open and has been open for three years and I don't know when the case is going to court. I was wondering if anyone knew of any facilities in Georgia or Florida which would hire persons with a criminal record or facilities which do not perform background checks in GA or FL, which would be willing to hire a new graduate. I am desperate at this point and would be willing to work in ANY setting-office, home care, acute care, renal, etc.
Thank you in advance, and all input is appreciated. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!