Will a criminal record keep me from employment?

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Before I begin, I'd appreciate it if you kept all personal attacks or judgments to yourself. I know I messed up. I am not here for sympathy or anything of that sort, so please..no bashing.

With that out of the way: When i was 15, I was arrested for domestic violence for pushing my grandmother. I am 20 now, my grandmother and I get along real well, and she has been a huge part in me growing up. Since than, I have no further criminal records.

My question is: Will this keep me from employment? Does it matter whether or not I committed this crime when I was young? Also, on my application, what should I enter when I describe and explain myself?

I have called hospitals everywhere and asked their human resources department, but they wont give me a clear and full answer. Of course, they're required by law to tell me that it will not be the main consideration for my employment, but it will factor in. Unfortunately, that only leaves me with an idea...a "maybe hospitals will hire you, maybe not." It hasn't helped me at all.

If someone could tell me, or give me an honest and blunt answer, I would really appreciate it. Im about to dive straight into extensive nursing classes and studies, but if I dont have a chance I dont want to waste my time.

Thanks everyone!

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

questions we seem to be encountering more and more often have to do with the effects of a criminal history on nursing licensure:

  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a criminal history?
  • is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a dui or other related charges?
  • what happens if you are charged or convicted of a crime after licensure?
  • can i go to nursing school and/or be licensed and/or be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing. also, there is no way to answer if you can be hired under your circumstances. every individual is different.

please refer to this thread for other information:

nursing licensure with a criminal history

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Specializes in ER OB NICU.

Many years ago when I was in school, it amazed me that about a month before graduation, the topic of past criminal records were brought up, while they collected money for the state licensing exam. There was a guy in our class so full of himself, about he was going to be a doctor, but decided to try nursing first, but every story he told had 15 versions. It turned out that he had multiple convictions, The staff kept telling us it did not necessarily mean you would not receive a license, but Icould not imagine that this should not have been part of the initial pre screening admission process, NOT after completeing years of schooling.

Last year I knew a girl who had been put in a treatment program for heroin and crack addiction, and they first denied her application for taking NCLEX, but then she got an attorney and it went on through. Her main recourse was that IF she completed the program then the conviction was not supposed to be permeanent. I know nothing about this one way or another.

However

I guess each case is considered on its own merit, and the BON will be the one to ask and decide, but it knowing the crack addict girl , she does not inspire confidence in me, and I would not want to be her charge nurse while she passes drugs. The company she keeps implies she has not quit messing with drugs. In addition, my niece continues to push to the limits, be staying involved with drug addicts.BUTshe is one of the single most non discriminating, loving person Iknow. She literally embrace all the people in the LTC where she works, and nothing phases her. Sorry for rambling. I guess this is like everything else, an individual consideration. Good luck,

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.
Before I begin, I'd appreciate it if you kept all personal attacks or judgments to yourself. I know I messed up. I am not here for sympathy or anything of that sort, so please..no bashing.

With that out of the way: When i was 15, I was arrested for domestic violence for pushing my grandmother. I am 20 now, my grandmother and I get along real well, and she has been a huge part in me growing up. Since than, I have no further criminal records.

My question is: Will this keep me from employment? Does it matter whether or not I committed this crime when I was young? Also, on my application, what should I enter when I describe and explain myself?

I have called hospitals everywhere and asked their human resources department, but they wont give me a clear and full answer. Of course, they're required by law to tell me that it will not be the main consideration for my employment, but it will factor in. Unfortunately, that only leaves me with an idea...a "maybe hospitals will hire you, maybe not." It hasn't helped me at all.

If someone could tell me, or give me an honest and blunt answer, I would really appreciate it. Im about to dive straight into extensive nursing classes and studies, but if I dont have a chance I dont want to waste my time.

Thanks everyone!

Hey! Glad to see your posting. I don't have much help for you, but there was kind of a similar situation when I was in nursing school, and it got worked out. Glad you're wanting to join the ranks. Good luck and keep me posted!

Anne, RNC:balloons:

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Were you tried and convicted as an adult? If not, then your record should not be public anyway.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Were you tried and convicted as an adult? If not, then your record should not be public anyway.

maybe not but I always understood that you still had to declare and let the BON make their own judgement. Sure I have read on here about expunged records still having to be declared

To the OP as with what others have said check out your BON and see what they have to say

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As stated repeatedly on this site, only your state's board of nursing can answer your questions. But just to let you in on an anecdote: I know someone whose license is being held up over TRAFFIC citations. So apparently, things have toughened up lately. Good luck.

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Of course, they're required by law to tell me that it will not be the main consideration for my employment, but it will factor in.

Actually, they aren't. Employers are under no legal obligation to disclose their hiring practices to any potential employee.

Unless an employer is denying you employment under a "protected class" which is race, religion, etc. They are within their right to deny employment to anyone they choose, for whatever reason they decide.

Good Luck with your studies.

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As stated repeatedly on this site, only your state's board of nursing can answer your questions.
Not so. He's asking about EMPLOYMENT, not LICENSURE. Two totally different and separate things. State BON's control licensing. For employment questions it's best to go through the interview process and answer the questions honestly. Most potential employers will do a criminal background check, looking for felonies. What was your charge and what were you convicted of? Is it a felony? Misdemeanor? Were you tried as an adult? Minor? What were the conditions under which your charge/conviction would be expunged as a minor? Many, many questions and details needed here, the answers of which will help determine just how picky future employers may be.
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The OP states at the end of his post that he has not even started nursing school. If his board will not issue him a license, which could very well happen, then the question of employment will be moot.

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

Closing thread as allnurses.com cannot provide the advice necessary to answer OPs concerns.

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