Temperary Licence + Past Job Termination

[Stewart 25]

Hello good people!

So it's sad that my first post on this site is such a downer, but I need some advice asap.

When I was 17 I was working in the kitchen at a local hospital and applied for a lateral transfer, which unbeknownst to me required a drug screen. Back then I smoked a little bit of pot, which became a problem quickly. I took the test, got canned, lucked out and was hired at the hospital I am currently at before the paperwork went through.

It's been 6 years and I am graduating from nursing school in May, I have already accepted a job and recently started working on my temporary licensing forms. Now the problem: The last question on one of the forms says something to the effect of "Have you ever been terminated from a licensed organization or hospital, or quit to avoid such action? If yes please submit a detailed letter explaining the circumstances."

How honest should I be with these folks? I know that employers calling my old hospital for information will only be able to hear that I am not for re-hire; does the licensing organization have any more clout to get details? Should I risk it at all?

Thank you guys so much, this is really weighing on me

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Welcome to AN the largest nursing online community!

I wouldn't lie. More information is passed between Hr department than what you think. It'swhen they are foolish enough to get caught that it becomes illegal. I watched a 20/20 episode last might that affirmednwhat I have known all along......they talk to each ohter...alot.

20/20 Season 31 Episode 102 | Full TV Episode Online - ABC.com

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

always, always tell the truth. as anyone who pays attention to history can tell you, the cover-up is worse than the original sin.

tell them you were seventeen and stupid and working in a kitchen, and now you are grown up, sorry it ever happened, and conscientious and fully aware of the responsibilities registered nurses have and for which you have prepared yourself diligently. that's all you can do, and good luck.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Don't lie. And don't believe the urban legend that HR departments are not allowed to tell anything more than basic facts. They can and do tell more. It's much much worse to lie and get caught than to tell the truth from the start.