theft charges and nursing?

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I have 2 theft charges, both misdemeanors. I planned on getting them expunged during nursing school. How will this affect my chances of being able to take my state boards in OH and finding a job? I called the school that I plan on going to and talked to the nursing director and she told me that even if I got both expunged I would still have to tell the board and be up front which I understand that but I need to know if I will be able to find a job? She said that in the health field the employer can still see everything even what I got expunged. I'm just really worried and I don't want to do all of this for nothing. She did tell me that the theft charges shouldn't be a big deal and they will probably let me take my boards. Help someone?

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One step at a time. I would consult an attorney before I went any farther.

For what it's worth, I had an expunged misdemeanor on my record, did not report it, went on to many other jobs...but I was already an established RN, in another state.

Best wishes.

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Thank you.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

There is a forum here on Allnurses that deals with nursing and criminal history. You'll probably get more advice from talking to people there.

A lot depends on how long ago the thefts occurred, as well as the nature of the offenses. It would probably be more difficult for you if you'd stolen a gift card from a vulnerable elderly person, than if you'd merely shoplifted a pair of cheap earrings from Walmart. (It actually happened in an assisted living facility where I used to work, one of the caregivers took a $50 Sears card from a resident, and the police hauled her out of the building in handcuffs right at lunchtime.) You'd best be prepared to explain your record to the school and the Board of Nursing, and be able to tell them how you've changed and what you learned from the experience.

Good luck to you.

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I have no personal experience, but it seems like people have better luck with "youthful indiscretions" that occurred close together in the distant past. If your crimes are spread over a great length of time and happened well into adulthood, you may be treated less favorably.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Welcome to allnurses.com

We moved your thread to a forum where others with similar issues can reply.

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My 1st offense was in 2006 and my 2nd was in 2010. My dad died and I went through hard times coping.

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My 1st offense was in 2006 and my 2nd was in 2010. My dad died and I went through hard times coping.

I would definitely get advice from an attorney who specializes in BON issues. Theft isn't normal "coping" behavior for a death in the family ...especially over a span of four years. You've put some distance between yourself and your problems, though. That's a positive.

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Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

Other responders here are correct it depends on how old you were , what was the offense and against who. I do not mean to be mean but I am bothered by sticky fingers in adults, if I was considering you for a position I would ask you what did you learn from that experience and why you would not do this now under stress. If it was an aggression against elderly or disabled person I would not hire you. Sorry I cannot take the chance. If it was when you were young then I would consider you.

If you want your record expunged you can hire an attorney, it will cost but in the end you could potentially have this off your record and you will not have to worry.

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