State Withholding License Because of Criminal Background

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I am a recent BSN graduate who passed NCLEX last January and my state has decided to not give me my license until I send in all court records and numerous other information due to my FBI fingerprinting scan hits.

I am a 24 yr old male and already have accepted a trauma ED position and this is really putting a damper on my hopes of becoming a nurse, and life in general.

Two of my four charges have been totally dropped and the state of Illinois did not even pursue those cases. I understand the state's need to make sure everything is OK and I am not a felony or a threat to society by becoming a RN. I have changed and worked soooo hard to get her where I am today (volunteering in inpatient behavioral health unit with adolescents talking to them about making right choices once they are out, etc) and know it feels like I am just wasting my time. People may change but their past never will.

Has anyone every had this happen to them? :confused:

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I don't understand. Why don't you send in the required records?

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I am sending them in, today I have one last court house to stop by and get certified records of the disposition of my case. I am just fearing I am going to not receive my license and or lose my job...

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Just don't delay. Get it done. IL takes it's sweet old time with anything nursing :rolleyes:. You accepted a job, when does it start?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych, Tele, ICU.

Why didn't you disclose that information prior to clinicals? I thought that was required.

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I was originally suppose to start Feb 14th, then got first letter stating that Illinois would not let me practice till I had license in hand. I talked to HR and they said no worries and it would take another week or so (already has happen to another new hire). I then sent in application for license and received this wonderful letter yesterday.

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I think the statement by HR that it will take another week or so, probably is timing for a clean record. Hmmmm. What to do. IDK. If you are sure you really are free and clear you probably stated that on the hospital electronic job application, right? So, it's just probably going to be a delay in getting your license as someone has to do a little research on you now. I guess, if it were me, and I knew I was just waiting on processing, but am free and clear, I'd just call a few days before I was supposed to start the job and let them know I still do not have my license and am sorry but still waiting.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

I am shocked you had no idea a criminal background could stop you from getting your license.. My school was very up front and told everyone. We had to get a background check before entering the program as well as our last semester that went to the BON.

I am sorry you are going through this, I hope the board gets your paperwork and will give you your license that you worked so hard for.. As for this job, if something happens; there will be others.. Try and keep your head up.

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Specializes in LTC currently.

Hi, i reside here in illinois in the chicagoland area as well. About your background, you WILL get licensed as i have never known any nurses that was not granted their license who have criminal backgrounds(multiple counts of felony charges). From my experience with nurses with criminal backgrounds, when you send off your documents to the BON in springfield, u have to write giving your side of the story about how u got your background and how u have changed since then. I cant speak for anyone but of the nurses i know personally who are RNs and LPNs usually work in LTC or agency work because most hospitals seemingly doesnt want to hire a nurse with a criminal background. However, there are some that will. I sincerely wish you the best of luck in your journey.

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Specializes in CTICU.

I don't understand what your complaint is. You said you understand why they need the records, and you're sending them in. End of story, right? No point worrying about the outcome before you even know. If you have not offended for some time and have turned your life around, I'm sure they will see that too.

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i'm gonna ask since no one else has.....what are the charges?

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Hi I wanted to know if you know any names of places that would hire LPNs with a criminal background in the Chicago area.

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