With a criminal record should I even try to get into nursing school?

[missjackiep3]

I have read other people on here have asked similar questions, but the messages are just so long ago. I'm just curious if I should even try going into nursing. I am 34 years old and live in Mississippi. I am a recovered addict and recently married and starting a family. In my past I have been arrested for Grand Larceny and probation violation in Florida, that is 2 felonies. That was in 2010 and 2011. Then still in my addiction I was arrested in Mississippi with a small amount of drugs on me. That charge was dropped to a misdemeanor due to my getting help at a Christian rehabilitation center as well as living in a sober living home for a year and attending meetings as well. I was not court ordered but did that all on my own. I was sick of living that life. I have never gone back. It's been 2 years since then and I'm really wanting to make a good life for me and my family. I'm getting my misdemeanor drug charge expunged here in Mississippi but I'm told in Florida I will not be able to expunge those two charges because I pleaded guilty. Now what my questions are, does anyone see that I may just not have a chance in the nursing field? I don't want to work in a hospital, or around drugs. I want to be an LPN possibly working in a clinic of some sort maybe even helping addicts? Would the BON even see that I could be of service? Does anyone know of any nurses that made it through with felonies on their record? I'm so confused what to do. My heart has been set on this new found love of nursing. If not nursing, does anyone have any other ideas for a field I can go into? I'm ready to get into school and shoot for my goals. Any advice would be so helpful. ❤️

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

You should talk to the board but I would not hold my breath. You probably will not be allowed to get a license due to the felonies. Even if you are allowed to get a license, you will face restrictions for at least a few years.

[missjackiep3]

Thank you so much for your advice. I have called the BON and left a voicemail. I will stay on top of it. If I get bad news I'll try to find another career that will make me happy, just not sure yet!

[DoGoodThenGo]

Sad to hear of your situation and "good for you" in taking steps to get your life back on track. However that being said a career as a professional nurse (or even education for that matter) may be out of reach.

Starting with applications to nursing programs you will have to disclose any criminal convictions. Based upon that information some facilities may deny permission to enter their premises for clinicals. A school in question may or will find you another facility, but it could be a long shot. If there is only one or a few major hospital systems in your area and they all will not allow convicted criminals..

As for obtaining a license that is determined by statue interpreted by the BON for whatever state you wish to practice. Many states also have moral clauses regarding professional nurses. If the conviction involves something that could be seen as a making someone morally unfit to practice....

Finally just because a state issues a license that in now way obligates a hospital or any one else to hire a nurse with a criminal record. Even in states/local areas with "ban the box" laws certain jobs are excluded and nursing is usually one of them. With many areas dealing with a surplus of nurses there just isn't a powerful incentive to take on someone with issues. If the BON issues a license but with restrictions, again many places will look elsewhere. A nurse with restrictions often results in scheduling issues as she or he cannot be left on their own.

There is a section devoted entirely to nurses and or those wishing to become one with criminal convictions. Suggest you post your query there for more direct advice from anyone who has recent experience.

[Sour Lemon]

If these drug issues had happened when you were 19 and you were now 34, they could be viewed as some sort of "youthful indiscretion" ...but as it stands, things look really bad. And even if you were allowed in school, and somehow allowed a license, you wouldn't be a desirable or even acceptable candidate for employment.

[Atl-Murse]

Multiple arrests and convictions in the last few years would work against you.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I would just like to congratulate you on your sobriety. Keep your eye on that prize; the rest is secondary.

Others have managed to overcome their challenges under similar circumstances. Check out the nurses with criminal records forum here on AN, as well as the forum for those who are in recovery. Good luck!!!!

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

You'll end up in a very strict monitoring program for years if they let you license. Not worth it in my opinion unless you want five years of no vacations, no moving states, scrutinizing every food item for poppy seeds or cooking wine while hemorrhaging money for program and UA costs and working in the one bottom barrel nursing home that hires monitored nurses. And when you're done, if you ever move states -- you'll have to do it all over again. It will follow you for literally the rest of your working life as a nurse.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I moved your post to the licensure with criminal history forum to ensure maximum responses. Congrats on the strides you have made, and best of luck to you.

[missjackiep3]

Thanks for this insight!! I didn't know about any of this!

[missjackiep3]

Thank you everyone for all your advice, it's not looking so good I guess. í ½í¸¥ I'll have to consider all this and most likely find another field. I know physical therapy assistant and social work as well as government jobs all do background checks!!! If only I cared about myself when I was so sick and lost in my addiction. í ¾í´”

[txbornnurse]

Have you considered becoming a licensed chemical dependency counselor? This is one area where you can make a decent living and having the experience of an active addiction plus being in recovery works in your favor instead of barring or limiting you. Just a thought.