Rn student criminal record

z's playa · Jan 29, 2005

No one here would ever belittle you for your past. We aren't here to judge. Have you spoken to the school yet or are you too afraid to stir up the pot if it hasn't already been stirred? Didn't you need to get a police records check prior to school entrance?

Do not ever let your past get in the way of anything. I'm sure you have someone who can give your refrence of good moral standing. Maybe your sponser from rehab or a councillor? (sp...?)

I'm studying right now so if you had already answered some of my questions then forgive me for asking again. I read too fast sometimes. :uhoh3:

RedSox33RN · Jan 29, 2005

I'm sure the people you worked with at the drug/alcohol facility could give you a character reference, if needed, and vouch for the positive changes you've made in your life. I think the BON in each state just wants to double check that you have made the changes in your life.

I commend you for turning your life around so well. It's so sad that so many young adults fall into the drug/alcohol trap, and can never get out. It's so heartbreaking to see lives ruined, which is why I like hearing stories such as yourself. I'm sure you helped many people as a drug and alcohol counselor. I think it means so much more to those struggling to hear from someone that has been through it.

Best of luck to you!

Tony35NYC · Jan 29, 2005

First of all, congratulations to you for getting over that situation with drugs and alcohol. Thats not an easy thing for anyone to do.

Some state BONs do level 2 background checks through the FBI, which means they'll pretty much find out everything there is to know about you anyway so don't withhold anything on your application if they ask for full disclosure. I've seen on BON websites where they allow applicants to explain their past circumstances and to offer proof of how they've accomplished a 'turnaround'. You said the offences were all misdemeanors, not felonies so, if necessary, a well-written personal statement about how you've learned from your past mistakes, and how you helped others while you were working at the rehab clinic will look very nice on your application. Character reference letters from your supervisor at the drug rehab place where you used to work and from your instructors, or a minister, (or rabbi), etc. would also look good.

ZootRN · Jan 30, 2005

Our instructor at fist semester told us - If you have something in your criminal records, don't tell me, I don't need to know it, but call BON right away and find out, will you be eligible to sit on boards..otherwise it will be wasting of your time and money.

LydiaNN · Jan 30, 2005

I certainly hope that nothing in your past is going to prevent you from being a nurse. It is very clear that you've learned from your mistakes, and you'll be a better nurse for it. I can't imagine you'll have trouble providing them with references to prove your good moral character, if it comes to that.

Having said all that, just out of curiosity, what in the heck is "theft by unlawful taking"? Is that more, or less, serious than retail theft? It sounds very reduntant- isn't the definition of theft "unlawful taking"?

Debbie_LPN · Jan 30, 2005

My classmate was in the same boat.....she was over 18 and did some things as well. She was allowed to get her license, but she is on Narcotic restrictions for awhile. Good Luck, and we won't belittle you. I'm sure we all have our skeletons!!!

keepkool79 · Jan 30, 2005

Thank you all for your replys. I did have to do a state police backround check to get into nursing school but not all of the crimes came up. I called my old probation officer (we get along really good) and acked him what he thought. He said that he does not know why but he is sure that if and when they do NCIC (FBI) backround check it will come up. So anyway I looked up what would prevent me from getting a licence and nothing that I did falls into that.

I just thought everything was great, but just the other day I took a look at the state board of nursings newsletter and a couple people where listed under displinary actions for "crimes of moral turpitude", "history of substance abuse" and "not of good moral character". I looked at it and thought could I fall into any of that? And the sad truth is yes. I just don't know how they determine that. I have plunty of people in my life that would write to the board and stand behind me a 100%. It just really gets old having your past follow you wherever you go. I hate having to worry all the time. How long does it take entill you are "normal".

Thanks again to everone,

it means alot,

CarVsTree · Jan 30, 2005

Thank you all for your replys. I did have to do a state police backround check to get into nursing school but not all of the crimes came up. I called my old probation officer (we get along really good) and acked him what he thought. He said that he does not know why but he is sure that if and when they do NCIC (FBI) backround check it will come up. So anyway I looked up what would prevent me from getting a licence and nothing that I did falls into that.
I just thought everything was great, but just the other day I took a look at the state board of nursings newsletter and a couple people where listed under displinary actions for "crimes of moral turpitude", "history of substance abuse" and "not of good moral character". I looked at it and thought could I fall into any of that? And the sad truth is yes. I just don't know how they determine that. I have plunty of people in my life that would write to the board and stand behind me a 100%. It just really gets old having your past follow you wherever you go. I hate having to worry all the time. How long does it take entill you are "normal".
Thanks again to everone,
it means alot,

Hi Keepkool,

I'm glad to see that your clean and sober today. I know it is no fun to deal with our past, but it is a consequence of our addiciton. I disclosed my past drug addiction to the hospital I work at and I had to consent to random drug tests as a result. I am free from my past, but not the consequences of my past. I consider the inconveniences, great reminders as to why I don't ever want to go down that road again. I know, I for myself will never be "normal." I'm an addict, always will be. So, I choose to keep growing in my recovery to keep myself safe from relapse.

Congratulations and I think you'll do fine.

ItsyBitsySpider, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2005

BON came to visit my class last week and this is basically what they said. When we applied to nursing school we had to sign a paper stating we have never been arrested or if we have state why and when and all that. She said 10-15% of graduates lie after graduation about never being arrested and it does show up when you apply for your license. Then if you are allowed to get your license it starts off with a disciplinary action. The best thing to do is to call your BON and tell them everything and let them advise you as to what you have to do. If none of your priors can stop you from getting licensed then my guess is they will investigate that and make sure and you will move on. Better though to be upfront with them then letting them find out on their own...IMO.

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2005

I just wanted to say "good for you"! So you had a hard time a while back, but it's great that you have been clean for the past few years, put the criminal past behind you and now want to help others. Good luck to you in nursing school, hang in there :)

kim1234 · Feb 14, 2005

It does get terribly old having to explain your past over and over.....Im so glad you found the strength to change your life. Maybe theres a bigger , higher reason why all this is happening to you.......so you can help others.. I hope you get through this with your head held up high....

Good luck to you

Kim