Used to Be a Cam Model - Will it Show up on a Background Check?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I used to be a cam model and I am worried that it will show up in a background check and prevent me from getting a nursing job once I finish my RN license. Will it show up on a background check if I don't include it on my resume?

Dear Used to be a Cam Model,

It depends.

NCLEX Background Check

When you apply to sit for the NCLEX, an FBI-level background check is conducted. Typically the purpose of background checks is to discover arrests and convictions and applying to sit for the NCLEX doesn't include submitting a resume.

If it was discovered or reported to the BON/BRN, though, it could affect your application and you could be asked about it. State Boards of Nursing hold nurses to a high level of morality and behavior. 

Employer Background Checks

Again, background checks focus on arrests and convictions and employer background checks are not as deep (hence costly) as state BON/BRN background checks.

The risk here is being recognized or somehow found out later, and having it reported to your employer. The risk may be on the low side, but there's no guarantee.

Credit Card Report

If you ever listed your cam model employer on a credit card or loan application, it could show up on a credit report check. Some employers run credit card reports when hiring, although it varies by state law.

Check your credit report to see if your previous employer shows up, and even if it does, it will not list your occupation. Hopefully, the name of the company is not attention-getting or descriptive.

Hope this helps, and best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I would add that I am not aware of anywhere that cam modeling is illegal. I suspect for this to be truly a big deal you would have had to be arrested for it. If you ever did something that lead to an arrest then yes, you have cause to worry.