Should I apply to nursing with a misdemeanor?

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Hello all!! I am in the process of applying to nursing school. I sent in the needed paper work to the BON and a week ago, I received a letter stating that i needed to send in $150 to have my declaratory order sent to their Enforcement Department for further review. I do have a Class B Mis. for false information to a police officer (which began as a DWI, but was dropped to the false.....). I was wondering would this incident that happened 5 years ago be the end all to my future. I am in Texas!!!! Thanks.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

The only ones who can tell if your past criminal history will be the end all to your future is that Texas BON. Be advised that they won't tell you a definite "Yay" about being licensed until you actually apply for licensure after you finish school.

Also, I would look into expungment to see if that is an option for you based on your record. Expungment will help with getting into schools and the job hunt because it will enable you to answer No to most (but NOT all) questions about your criminal history. Expunged records do need to be declared to BONs though. Consult with a lawyer to learn more about what expungment can do for you and whether you are eligible for it.

Best of luck!

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May I also leave a comment that I feel is equally as important.... i have a couple of misdemeanors over the years of "bad checks". Pd check, no jail, blah blah.

The other large fish in the sea is EMPLOYER!

The BON can be forgiving and look at the crime related to character of a person as it relates to safety of our patients.

But I have experienced background checks from employers that are unforgiving, no matter how old it is (the crime)

And it has gotten so much worse.

For my employment, I finally started ensuring I write down who they are doing the background check with (the company), in the event there are errors and it must be fixed. You can only go after that background check company, not the employer, if turned down, especially based on errors. (which has happened to me more than once)

Honest but truth. I like to know all the facts. And employment is harder to obtain with a criminal record now than it is to obtain our nursing license.

Wishing you peace and all the best,

Roxanne

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