Will a 20 year old stupid mistake haunt me?

[lilbudda]

Hi. I am looking into a second career in Nursing. I've been doing my homework and found that we must have a criminal background check. Now I know that nobody here will be able to give me a difinitive answer or guarantee on this - but I made some stupid mistakes when I was younger and was convicted of a misdemeanor (theft) crime. This was just over 20 years ago....am I alone in this? Have you (licensed nurses) had any experience with this or does anyone know if I still have a chance to become licensed (in Illinois) or is the Nursing Board adamant on denying a license to those with criminal convictions? Again, I certainly do not expect any guarantee's, but any insight would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

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 and if so, can i get a job?
  
• is it possible to become licensed as a nurse if you have a mip, 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/be employed if my record has been sealed or expunged?
  
• will i be able to go to nursing school with a criminal record?
  
• what can happen if i receive a mip/dui/dwi or other charge while still in school?

these are questions that the members of allnurses.com cannot answer. the only reliable source of information is your state board of nursing.