Why would an employer ask for 2nd background check?

txredheadnurse, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2011

Some employers have a policy of rechecking background/criminal hx/complaints etc. on either an annual or biannual basis. I worked for two different companies who did. When I inquired as to the reasoning the explanation I was given that due to the highly vulnerable population we served management had decided that recurrent checks were a good idea. Upon reflection I could understand this. Simply because a person had a clean background check a year or two ago doesn't mean that something hasn't happened in the interim.

Miller86 · Jul 25, 2011

It depends on the organization and their policy. Some do yearly background checks in the case you committed a crime outside nursing within your year of employment. They just want to ensure you're still in good standing but it would not hurt to call them and ask. Or look up the policy and see what it says.

Good luck:D

Harrychandler · Jul 25, 2011

Thanks for the replies. I did not commit any crimes since last year lol but I am going to call them and ask them why. I did look in the employee handbook and it only talks about a pre hire background check and random drug testing if they suspect something or one of the families complain.

IdrilRN, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2011

One place I worked had everyone do another background check as someone was missed at hire and well they shouldn't have been working there. And our place got in trouble with the state and it was their way of the corrective action with the state.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2011

I had to give fingerprints because so many people showed up with my name when they did the basic check....I was already in the FBI and IL state police files, so all came out ok. They just had to narrow me down to me!!

surfnbeagle · Jul 25, 2011

In Florida, regulations have tightened this summer as far as which level of background checks they do. They are now probing further.

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Jul 25, 2011

I had to take a background check after worked for 5 years at one job; apparently, they'd hired a few illegal immigrants.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2011

It is unlikely that this has anything to do with you personally ... the agency either conducts periodic re-checks, or some local or state regulatory agency has changed reporting requirements, necessitating another review.

kids · Jul 25, 2011

It could also be that the sources used on the original background check have changes.

Or that the State has changed their requirements.

There are lots of reasons to redo background checks.

I really wish more employers would go to doing them annually.

ipsuelpn · Jul 25, 2011

When I had worked for an agency providing homecare nursing, I had my background check/fingerprints done. I was told it would be done annually. Since I have been a independent provider nurse for the state waiver program, I am checked annually. More and more agencies and facilities are performing them annually.