Should BON be harsher on apps with prior record or nurses who commit a crime

[gn04]

I have read and posted a thread on if someone with a felony can be licensed as a nurse. I know some states strictly prohibit it and others look at it on a case by case basis. What I am trying to get at is if someone with a criminal record have the sense to apply and complete nursing school with out a problem that is justifiable reason to say they are trying to get there life together and should maybe given that chance. On the other hand you have nurses with their licenses and knows what it means to have a license but then they still get in trouble. I have an example a Registered nurse was convicted of felonious assault and failed to notify the boards of the conviction was sentenced to 2 years probation and some fines and her license was placed on probation and then you have someone with a past felony record and is denied licensure. I just wanted to see what is every one opinion on the issue.

Any replies would be appreciated.

[leslie :-D]

i think anyone that has a felony conviction necessitates closer monitoring in any profession.

leslie

[nosonew, BSN, RN]

that does NOT permit anyone with a felony record to become an RN. My feelings behind this are that even if someone has one moment of totally, utterly complete bad judgement, it can occur again, and may kill someone. Literally.

I personally would prefer to work with someone who has no criminal background and wouldn't hire anyone who had assaulted, molested, killed, etc. If it was theft, I would possibly consider them if they were young when the event occurred and could prove they had "bettered themselves" and stayed completely straight since then.

[kim1234]

I am a full time nursing student with a suspended sentence. I made one big mistake. This occurred 7 yrs. ago, I was in my twenties and had no sense. Since then Ive accomplished many things. Ive worked with juveniles for the State and for a very high profile company has a asst. adm. I would hate to think that I could not move forward. All of us make mistakes and most of us learn from them. My charge was drug related, I make no excuses. I have to report these arrest even though they do not show up on my record, before I take the NCLEX. I might not ever be able to get my Nursing license, but I have bettered myself and not to mention have been a bright influence on my fifteen yr. old daughter. I did not have to report these charges, they are sealed. But to show rehabilitation one must be honest about their past mistakes. Sometimes I kick myself for being honest, knowing full well the Board might deny me the chance of my goals. I get angry when people judge so harshly of others, knowing myself -in order to learn and grow one must make mistakes.

I must admit I am very nervous and little depressed about facing the Board. I have worked really hard to pass nursing school and to better myself. If any one else has been in this position, please reply.

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

I believe each case should be examined individually. Be proud of what you have accomplished. Regardless of whether you get a license (and I hope you do) the fact remains your future has more promise than if you had remained in the drug culture. Good luck with your career.

[ineedchocolate]

i had a friend who committed a crime (theft)....her records were sealed, but im curious if the board will grant her a license if this incident just happened less than 3 yrs ago and was tried as an adult.

[TazziRN, RN]

Depends on the crime and what has been done since the occurence. I think each applicant with a record needs to be checked closely, and the applicant will have to provide more information than a "clean" one. If you (the generic "you") have a record of a felony, I feel that you should have to prove that you are safe to practice.

[TazziRN, RN]

i had a friend who committed a crime (theft)....her records were sealed, but im curious if the board will grant her a license if this incident just happened less than 3 yrs ago and was tried as an adult.

My ex had his records sealed also but he had to reveal them to the respiratory board when he applied for a license. There are certain bodies that will require the info even if the records are expunged.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

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?
  
• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a 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 if my record has been sealed or expunged?

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

please refer to this thread for other information:

nursing licensure with a criminal history