Will filing bankruptcy make it hard to get a job as a nurse?

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I am considering filing bankruptcy due to credit card and medical bill debt. I am not yet a nurse but I was curious if I was too file would it be an issue when I go to get a job as a nurse. I know most employers these days have you sign paperwork allowing them to look at your credit history among other things. I am worried because I know the job market is already hard and I do't want to make it harder for myself but filing for bankruptcy would lift a huge weight off my shoulders. Thanks in advance for any advice.

P.s. Before any of you ********** say anything (I know you are out there), I have a very valid reason for being in this debt and not be able to pay these bills.

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Not at all. I filed for chapter 7 2 years ago while I was in nursing school and have not had a problem finding a job or graduating. Do what you gotta do, my friend....

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I spoke to an employer about credit checks and was assured that these are mainly used to verify addresses and that any problem, if there should be one, is handled on a case by case basis by employers.

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Specializes in geriatrics/long term care.

Have worked as a nurse for years and never had my credit score brought up in the interview process at all. But where I practice nurses are in high demand and the job market could hardly be charecterized as "hard". Maybe things are different where you're at, but I've never heard of it being a problem even from nursing friend in another state

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Glad you asked, I've been wondering myself.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I've never had any indication that credit or lack thereof was even considered by an employer. You need to do what you need to do.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.
Have worked as a nurse for years and never had my credit score brought up in the interview process at all. But where I practice nurses are in high demand and the job market could hardly be charecterized as "hard". Maybe things are different where you're at, but I've never heard of it being a problem even from nursing friend in another state

Where do you work? You know, in general. The job market sucks where I am.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Many entities are routinely pulling credit reports not so much for credit worthiness anymore but to establish character. Especially with employers.

Insurance companies are charging higher premiums based on score. Employers can easily discriminate based on what's in your report.:

http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/2009/10/07/16816/

The good news is that if you're in such bad shape that bankruptcy is favorable then most peoples score actually is better after the bankruptcy is settled. They say that bankruptcy use to be such a social taboo it would hurt your "reputation". Anymore, with so many people that have had to go through it during this financial downturn that there isn't such the stigma associated with it.

Take care of what you need to do. What shall be shall be...

Fix your credit. Don't worry about the potential harm that MIGHT come from bankruptcy.

Show them what you have done to improve after you filed.

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Specializes in Med/Surg and ANCC RN-BC.

Where I work, I've never heard of anyone having their credit checked. I know that they do background checks on your previous employment. I'm sure that filing will not be a problem.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

We've recently had a foreclosure, and while many people cautioned me that it would make it more challenging to find a job when we relocated, it was not ever an issue whatsoever.

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Specializes in Health Information Management.

It's never pleasant to have to file for bankruptcy. However, what would you rather have a potential employer see (if they check your credit at all - some do not): an individual who ran into a debt problem, took active steps to face and deal with the issue, and has since built a stable credit history, or an individual who is up to her neck in debt and has an awful credit score?

Medical debt can be a real bear. One suggestion: If you haven't already spoken to your major creditors (like hospitals, doctor's offices, and credit card companies) and asked about reductions of the amount due and workable payment plans, you might want to give it a shot. Hospitals will sometimes reduce or even eliminate your amount due, especially if you have an income below 200% of the federal poverty guideline (just google federal poverty guideline to get exact numbers for your household size). Credit card companies are smart enough to know it's better to get some money rather than nothing. That's just something you might want to try before you make any irrevocable decisions. Best wishes to you.

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Where do you work? You know, in general. The job market sucks where I am.

Hi DizzyLizzy,

Just curious... you mention that the job market sucks where you are. Where is that?

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