SUCCESS story: CNA to BSN

Portlandsun · Jul 15, 2015

Hello allnurses,

I felt the need to post this somewhat of a success story for those out there anxious about your criminal record. I received my DUI May 2013 three months before I started my BSN program. My school gave me such a hard time and were very prejudice towards my situation. Nonetheless it comes with the territory when you make such mistakes (and you will soon regret it). I gave up the possibility of finding a job as a CNA even though I did sit for boards and obtained my license WITHOUT any restrictions.

This summer I decided to be bold and apply for some aid positions. I received three interviews within two days for the same company at two different facilities. The application did not ask about criminal history. Apparently in the state of Kentucky (and many other states), by law, they have abstained from asking criminal history because it often hinders legitimate candidates from ever receiving an interview.

I was unaware of this law until I was offered the job and asked to fill out a background check authorization and a conditional hire form. Basically the company will conditionally hire anybody who claims they have a clean record prior to the the background check being completed. At the time, I then revealed my conviction and my status was put on hold as my background check came back. Although the HR informed me that company does not prevent candidates with a DUI from being hired, they abstain until the background check is fulfilled. Seven business days later, I am offered the job and I completed orientation today.

I am going into my senior year of nursing school. I have yet to have a clinical deny me access to their facilities (even though my school made it seem like the DUI would prevent me from so) and I am now a working Certified Nursing Assistant.

I am confident that I will be able to sit boards in May 2016 and find a job. If anybody wants to know the name of the company (they have 479 facilities across the USA) please send me a private message. There are forgiving facilities out there. From what HR told me DUI does not disqualify candidates. I am not sure about any other convictions.

My advice is to be honest about your conviction but do not highlight the conviction. I did not inform the employers until prompted to. As the hiring manager from HR told me, if you make a big deal about it. So will we..She said it was best I waited until I was offered the position because the immediate awareness of the conviction could have overshadowed my interview process.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL PROSPECTS AND GOD BLESS. HE IS TRULY AMAZING :]