Should I inform potential future employer about my past probation from BRN?

Peterpan, CNA, LVN, RN · Apr 22, 2021

As per the board regulation and order summary,

you are mandated to show a copy of the entire book thrown at you to your potential employer.

ilovenusing1 · Apr 22, 2021

Hi there,

thanks for your response. Is there a brn regulation that states even after probation is over I have to inform potential employer? Im not trying to lie or avoid it I just found it unnecessary before they run background check.. response would be appreciated.

Avi369, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2021

If you are no longer on probation or in a voluntary program, you do not have to share anything in regards to that specific detail- if it doesn’t show up on your license. If it does show up on your licensing history or your license is ‘encumbered’ then you’ll have to discuss it.

If your background checks reflect a criminal history- and the application for the job asks a specific question in regards to that history- it’s best to answer honestly, but include changes since that experience.

If the application doesn’t ask don’t say a thing on paper or in person- just be prepared to answer questions honestly if asked at the interview or once they receive your background check- and of course always discuss positive changes taken to reflect growth and change.

Example: I have two DUI’s in my history, my job application did not ask a question in regards to criminal background. It did ask if my license was encumbered- as it is not I can write NO. At my interview I wasn’t asked about my history, but was asked back for a second interview with the floor managers, I often took towards the end of the interview to discuss my background while I was in the PNAP program, now that I’m not- I never bring it up unless specifically asked to discuss my background check as it will show the two DUI’s. I usually just focus on the fact that they happened a decade ago and prior to my nursing license as I’ve grown a lot since that tumultuous time in my life.

I have been fortunate to work at one hospital for my time as a nurse during the program and have easily interviewed and transitioned into areas that the PNAP contract considers high risk towards recovery- I’m in the OR now.

Good luck, focus on being honest, but never giving away unnecessary information. If it’s not asked or demanded by any agreements you have entered you don’t have to offer it up.

ilovenusing1 · Apr 23, 2021

Hi Avi369,

Thank you so much for that detailed information. My friends who did not go through this whole process said something similar, but I really needed the opinion of someone who has gone through the whole process. The application did not ask anything in regards to encumbered license and during the interview they did not mention anything either. I got accepted to the hospital, but started losing sleep about how to tell my future employer about this situation. My conclusion is I will explain it when it comes up and when they ask as it will come up in my license background check. Thank you again for your advice. I will focus on the fact that the 2 DUI that I had was over 11 years ago and how I've grown from it. I will have nothing to lose as this is something that I will have to live with for at least 10 years. Thanks again I cant say it enough how much encouragement I felt from reading your post. Wish you all the success in your nursing career.

Avi369, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2021

I am glad I was able to help, it’s never easy discussing this with people that haven’t experienced the process or stigma that can be attached. Honestly, I count myself lucky, I graduated after a student that was in the exact same position as me, 2 DUI’s in our early twenties now attempting to gain a license in nursing in our early thirties- as he went through it the year before me, I had tons of insight into what I needed to prepare for and do. It also gave me someone to lean on when we were looking for employment and to be trusted. I think the hardest part of entering these programs is the lack of transparency in the process, we are often left with so many questions on the various decisions made about us.

Keep your head up and don’t let the past define you, we are more than our past mistakes, especially ones we have already paid for- with lots of time, money, urine, blood, and hair. ?

ilovenusing1 · Apr 26, 2021

Hi Avi39,

You are absolutely correct. The stigma that is attached to this probation is so negative sometimes I feel like before people hear about my story I'm judged. I cant believe there are people with the same scenario as me. My case is very similar to you and I had 2 DUI's in early twenties and came up in 30's. This process was by far the scariest process because there was no end in sight when I first started and you never knew when the BRN was going to come after you for something that you were not aware of. Thanks again for the encouragement it was really nice to actually hear from someone that has a similar background with me understanding the pain that I've gone through and have to live with for a mistake that was done so long ago..

SNB1014, RN · Apr 27, 2021

On 4/21/2021 at 6:49 PM, ilovenusing1 said:

Does anyone know if it is necessary to reveal to potential future employer that I was on probation? Does it matter? I am scared and would love feedback! Thanks!

It matters specifically related to the state you are licensed in/where you are applying for employment. You must look at what your order states- does it say something in regards to notifying employers while ON probation or does it say notifying to all future employers?

if you look up your license on the TX BON website, for example, it will likely state that your license doesn’t have any active disciplinary action, it’s in good standing, etc. BUT you CAN see if they have past disciplinary actions, if you look. If they check through NURSYS, it will essentially be the same.

Unless you were in a confidential agreement, this is sadly public.

Most hiring managers/ Recruiters don’t do this automatically. If you get a phone call about an interview, take it and sell yourself. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot. That being said, I have found that being said, if you haven’t worked in a little bit as a nurse, it would be wise to be short and sweet but honest that you were “recently” on probation with the BON, but have successfully completed it and advocate for yourself and state “but I have learned personally and professionally from this experience, my license is in good standing. I’m excited to work in this position for XYZ reasons and am thankful for this opportunity. I believe in being forward and honest with potential employers to act in good faith; I hope this doesn’t interfere with continuing on to any future steps in the hiring process.”

you run the risk that it will be taken poorly if you aren’t “up front” and if they think it’s a toss up between you and another candidate, they may feel “duped”.

The answer is in both what your contract states and how the real world, with real human fallacy truly works.

I wish you the best!!

Peterpan, CNA, LVN, RN · Apr 27, 2021

48 minutes ago, SNB1014 said:

It matters specifically related to the state you are licensed in/where you are applying for employment. You must look at what your order states- does it say something in regards to notifying employers while ON probation or does it say notifying to all future employers?

if you look up your license on the TX BON website, for example, it will likely state that your license doesn’t have any active disciplinary action, it’s in good standing, etc. BUT you CAN see if they have past disciplinary actions, if you look. If they check through NURSYS, it will essentially be the same.

Unless you were in a confidential agreement, this is sadly public.

Most hiring managers/ Recruiters don’t do this automatically. If you get a phone call about an interview, take it and sell yourself. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot. That being said, I have found that being said, if you haven’t worked in a little bit as a nurse, it would be wise to be short and sweet but honest that you were “recently” on probation with the BON, but have successfully completed it and advocate for yourself and state “but I have learned personally and professionally from this experience, my license is in good standing. I’m excited to work in this position for XYZ reasons and am thankful for this opportunity. I believe in being forward and honest with potential employers to act in good faith; I hope this doesn’t interfere with continuing on to any future steps in the hiring process.”

you run the risk that it will be taken poorly if you aren’t “up front” and if they think it’s a toss up between you and another candidate, they may feel “duped”.

The answer is in both what your contract states and how the real world, with real human fallacy truly works.

I wish you the best!!

That was insightfully written!
Thank you for sharing this. ??????

Steelersglitter24 · Feb 2, 2023

Hello! I successfully completed the PNAP program and was considered a " model participant". This was 11 years ago. It has come up in "some" interviews that the prospective employer had already seen my license had "disciplinary action " on it. It's best to be honest. I told them that I had successfully completed the program, was proud of completing it, and how it changed my life. The further you are away from it, the less people seem to care, especially if you have been gainfully employed and successful. There are so many more facilities that have embraced employing PNAP members and past members now than when I had graduated the program.(probably the nursing shortage, but hopefully because the stigma of it is waning.) I only had one time, maybe 5-6 years after completing the program and working successfully in leadership positions, that an offered job was rescinded by the employer because of it. They told me because I didn't tell them that I had been in the program, apparently I was dishonest. ( it's public record and on the state board site). Anyway, I cried. I picked myself up mentally and emotionally, and remembered that I was a good nurse, did everything that was asked of me, and was a good person that had a bad situation and recovered. (And anyone that ever inquired or mentioned that facility, I told them about what happened to me.) Be honest, hold your head high, and if one prospective employer doesn't want you, it's their loss. It's just not the right fit. It will be another employer's gain. I now work in an administrative nursing position that I am incredibly proud of. You're not alone. I wish you all the success and happiness in your journey.