Worried a past mistake will mess up my nursing chances

[Bethey0622]

I am worried that a past mistake will ruin my chances of becoming a nurse. When I was 18, I was arrested for shoplifting. After completing community service and a class, the case was dropped but I still have the arrest record. It was not a misdemeanor but it was a summary offense. I am applying to a nursing school and am worried that I will not be able to get in. The woman in admissions told me to be honest about the whole thing and I had planned on doing that. How much should I worry because I really want to be a nurse but am scared. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[SmilingBluEyes]

don't lose hope..you are not the first to have a prior record of any sort of petty crime, won't be the last. I am sure you learned from this.

It's up to the State Board of Nursing as to whom may be licensed or not. I doubt very much this will stop you from licensure. But you will need to check with them on this. Also, perhaps there would be a way to get this expunged from your record. Not sure; laws vary by state.

Check with the State Board of Nursing regarding this issue and see what they say, first.

I wish you the best.

[jameeladf]

I thought you could only be asked if you have been officially charged of a crime. I don't think being arrested alone actually counts...

[TazziRN, RN]

My ex was arrested, tried, found guilty, and did jail time for filing a false report. Years later he applied for an RT license. He had to jump through some hoops and get information about the trial, etc., but he got his license. I think (not sure, but I think) that offenses that do not involve someone else's safety are less "serious" than those that do.

[FlyLady]

All you can do is try, I wish you all the best, and GOOD LUCK!!! :)

[mom23RN]

I would certainly hope that just because you did something stupid when you were still a "kid" wouldn't be held against you for the rest of your life.

Heck, I did plenty worse things than that (drugs, dangerous cars, etc.) but I never got caught. You just happened to be unlucky.

I hope you don't find any problems!!!

[ABQLNDRN]

I bet that the BON is more concerned about offenses that would bring one's ability to be trusted around patients into question, i.e., assault and/or battery. Shoplifting is a very common crime. People all the way from everyday people to celebrities to government officials have done it. It's forgivable. The fact that you only had one offense at a young age will come into consideration. Plus, like jameeladf said, I think convictions are of more concern. Just be honest if you are questioned about it (which I'm sure you already planned on), and I think you'll be okay! Don't worry too much.