VA BON

Editorial Team / Moderator · Nov 16, 2009

Nope, don't think so -- I only had to do the application for licensure by examination, which requires a notarized signature.

NURSESTAR · Nov 16, 2009

Thanks for the quick reply! :loveya:

elkpark · Nov 17, 2009

Gee, I didn't think there were (still) any states that didn't do criminal background checks -- my BON doesn't require fingerprints, but they still run the background check.

Also, be aware that most healthcare employers do criminal background checks, regardless of whether the BON does or not. In most states, some types of healthcare facilities are required to do criminal background checks on all new employees, and certain types of past crimes bar you from working in those types of facilities.

Best wishes!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 17, 2009

AFAIK, the VA BON doesn't do background checks--they expect you to be honest with them on your application for licensure. If you want to be sure, shoot the BON an e-mail and ask: they will usually respond pretty quickly.

Now many employers in VA will do criminal/background checks, often at your expense. So be prepared.

NURSESTAR · Nov 17, 2009

I dont have any criminal background, was just curious because just like elkpark...I thought all states DID do them and required fingerprints.

Thanks again!

UVA Grad Nursing · Nov 17, 2009

The Virginia BON does not do this for applicants. Most employers will require this ( and many require drug testing as well).

Many schools of nursing are also conducting these for students (because of requirements of clinical sites). Most clinical sites where you are working with children, the elderly, or people who are emotionally/physically challenged are requiring this for healthcare students. We are also seeing community health and psychiatric-mental health agencies requiring this for nursing students as well.

delvenia · Nov 19, 2009

actually as of september of 2006, va does. we were told this in school as well. the info below came directly from the board of nursing website:

basis for denial of licensure or certification

according to 54.1-3007 of the code of virginia, the board of nursing may refuse to admit a candidate to any examination, or refuse to issue a license or certificate, to any applicant with certain criminal convictions. likewise, the board may refuse licensure or certification to an applicant who uses alcohol or drugs to the extent that it renders the applicant unsafe to practice, or who has a mental or physical illness rendering the applicant unsafe to practice (referred to as a history of impairment).

criminal convictions for any felony can cause an applicant to be denied nursing licensure or nurse aide certification.

misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude may also prevent licensure or certification. moral turpitude means convictions related to lying, cheating or stealing. examples include, but are not limited to: reporting false information to the police, shoplifting or concealment of merchandise, petit larceny, welfare fraud, embezzlement, and writing worthless checks. while information must be gathered regarding all convictions, misdemeanor convictions other than those involving moral turpitude will not prevent an applicant from becoming a licensed nurse or c.n.a. however, if the misdemeanor conviction information also suggests a possible impairment issue, such as dui and illegal drug possession convictions, then there still may be a basis for denial during the licensure or certification application process.

each applicant is considered on an individual basis. there are no criminal convictions or impairments that are an absolute bar to nursing licensure or nurse aide certification.

elkpark · Nov 19, 2009

actually as of september of 2006, va does. we were told this in school as well. the info below came directly from the board of nursing website:
basis for denial of licensure or certification

according to 54.1-3007 of the code of virginia, the board of nursing may refuse to admit a candidate to any examination, or refuse to issue a license or certificate, to any applicant with certain criminal convictions. likewise, the board may refuse licensure or certification to an applicant who uses alcohol or drugs to the extent that it renders the applicant unsafe to practice, or who has a mental or physical illness rendering the applicant unsafe to practice (referred to as a history of impairment).

criminal convictions for any felony can cause an applicant to be denied nursing licensure or nurse aide certification.

misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude may also prevent licensure or certification. moral turpitude means convictions related to lying, cheating or stealing. examples include, but are not limited to: reporting false information to the police, shoplifting or concealment of merchandise, petit larceny, welfare fraud, embezzlement, and writing worthless checks. while information must be gathered regarding all convictions, misdemeanor convictions other than those involving moral turpitude will not prevent an applicant from becoming a licensed nurse or c.n.a. however, if the misdemeanor conviction information also suggests a possible impairment issue, such as dui and illegal drug possession convictions, then there still may be a basis for denial during the licensure or certification application process.

each applicant is considered on an individual basis. there are no criminal convictions or impairments that are an absolute bar to nursing licensure or nurse aide certification.

i believe the question here, though, is does the va bon run its own criminal background check, or does it just ask you on the application and take your word for it? the quote you posted doesn't say specifically that the bon does checks.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 19, 2009

I dont have any criminal background, was just curious because just like elkpark...I thought all states DID do them and required fingerprints.
Thanks again!

My "be prepared" wasn't to imply that you better start covering up any criminal history ASAP

It was more the head's up so you are not surprised if you're asked by a facility to fork out 30-50 dollars to pay for the background check, sometimes even before you get the job.