This forum is making me reconsider nursing

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Potential nursing student here. I have a 5th degree (most minor) theft conviction from 5 years ago. It was my first year of college and was with some buddies when we stole a chair from a dormitory den. From what I've been reading, i'll probably have to go before the BoN but I should be able to get certified. All the horror stories about not finding employment are stressing me out, perhaps because nursing is known as one of the most trusted professions, employers are more stringent than other industries?

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Specializes in Emergency, Extended Recovery.

I can't personally comment on what can be done but there is a boy in my class that has several convictions of fraud and he is still here. As long as it's not a FELONY, it shouldn't be a problem. When taking the NCLEX or getting into a program, they do background checks. Our profesors have advised us that being honest is the best policy. They know everything about him and still see the good that can result from his being a nurse. So just be honest and you should be fine.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg,administration.

You should try to have your record sealed leagally, If you made a immature mistake and have been a solid person since then. You don't need ANY odds stacked against you as a new nurse. It's already hard for new grads.

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i have a criminal record and a nursing license, be honest. explanation always works.

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You should try to have your record sealed leagally, If you made a immature mistake and have been a solid person since then. You don't need ANY odds stacked against you as a new nurse. It's already hard for new grads.

Not possible in my state, I've looked into it. It will be about 7 years old by the time I'm looking for jobs so I'm hoping the time will work in my favor.

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Specializes in Give me a new assignment each time:).
I can't personally comment on what can be done but there is a boy in my class that has several convictions of fraud and he is still here. As long as it's not a FELONY, it shouldn't be a problem. When taking the NCLEX or getting into a program, they do background checks. Our profesors have advised us that being honest is the best policy. They know everything about him and still see the good that can result from his being a nurse. So just be honest and you should be fine.

Careful, careful, careful. Many private schools will let a student with criminal history get into their program and bill the student for tuition, knowing very well that when it's time for board exam, the student will be disqualified from earning a license. I have two friends with criminal history and we all graduated from nursing school. Up until now they still have not been able to take the board exam. It's been a few years now. But, they are responsible for paying back the student loans for their nursing program that they completed. No license :(

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Careful, careful, careful. Many private schools will let a student with criminal history get into their program and bill the student for tuition, knowing very well that when it's time for board exam, the student will be disqualified from earning a license. I have two friends with criminal history and we all graduated from nursing school. Up until now they still have not been able to take the board exam. It's been a few years now. But, they are responsible for paying back the student loans for their nursing program that they completed. No license :(

You can always go to the source, all situations and crimes are different.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

follow the advice start here---faq: nursing licensure with a criminal history

you will need to gather documents to submit with application for nusring license for review, show evidence of change--growth/letters from nursing professors help. with economy and shrinking of hospital positions, first job may be elswhere in nursing so make sure you this is truley waht you want ---if it is, don't let anything stop you from your hearts desire.

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If you can obtain a licence from your state's BON would be the first step, but employeers despite what you may here will not hire you solely on the basis of you criminal history. Ive been "hired" several times pending background check, and once the background check came back=> offer taken back! That's just the way it is.

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If you can obtain a licence from your state's BON would be the first step, but employeers despite what you may here will not hire you solely on the basis of you criminal history. Ive been "hired" several times pending background check, and once the background check came back=> offer taken back! That's just the way it is.

what was your conviction? if you don't mind me asking

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