Wondering about RN licensure and Past Records

Published

So Ive got a record from 3 yrs ago when I made a huge mistake. I always have problems getting a normal job much less this type. Im already in school doing my prerequisites however it just worries me...am I going to school for nothin?

I live in Lakeland Fl, and I will move if I need to. I know some states are more understanding than others.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.

A moderator will come along shortly and let you know that AllNurses cannot advise you with this and you'll have to contact the Board of Nursing (BON) which acts as the regulatory body in your state. That would be your first step.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/Trauma.
So Ive got a record from 3 yrs ago when I made a huge mistake. I always have problems getting a normal job much less this type. Im already in school doing my prerequisites however it just worries me...am I going to school for nothin?

I live in Lakeland Fl, and I will move if I need to. I know some states are more understanding than others.

Call your state board of nursing to see if your particular offense would bar you from obtaining your RN license. I know I had to pass a background check to be accepted to my schools program. For example here is what my school required:

According to Public Health Code Section 20173 and Section 21173(1), any individual who regularly provides direct services to patients and residents in nursing homes, county medical facilities, homes for the aged and adult foster care cannot be granted clinical privileges if they

have been convicted of one or more of the following:

a) A felony or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony within the 15 years preceding the date of application.

b) A misdemeanor involving abuse, neglect, assault, battery, or criminal sexual conduct or involving fraud or theft against a vulnerable adult defined in the Michigan penal code,

1931 PA 328, MCL 750.145m, or a state or federal crime that is substantially similar to a

Misdemeanor described in this subdivision within 10 years immediately preceding the date of application.

I think that's pretty standard that you'd have to wait at least several years after a conviction before you would be eligible to provide direct patient care. However you should contact schools and the state boards because no one here can offer accurate info to your particular situation like these sources could.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

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 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 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.

please refer to this thread for other information:

nursing licensure with a criminal history

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion