Young & Dumb - Will criminal background prevent me from being a nurse?

You definitely have a very good chance. In my opinion they may deny and you may end up with a probationary license at first. You will have to go through the process of getting an attorney, gathering letters and proof of rehabilitation, etc. I have gone through a similar process and isn't quick nor easy but if your dream is to be a nurse all the extra work and hoops you will need to jump through will be worth it.

Hello, I didn't have any trouble getting my license in the state of Maryland. When I applied to take the NCLEX I had to write a letter explaining my convictions and I had to send copies of them from the court house (I had two and they were both misdemeanors). Passed the NCLEX got my license no prob. I am finding that some places won't even give me a shot at an interview when I just say that I have been convicted. Good luck!!

I agree with nurse Beth about being honest and accepting responsibility for your past mistakes. I know of nurse who recently graduated about a year ago, he had a few criminal charges and was able to take his nclex. Also another nurse who received 2 Dwi and one while on military base and Was able to take the nclex . So I definitely think you will have a great chance. Just get letters of recommendation from peers, previous bosses, and even your rehab counselor. :) own up to your mistakes and do great in nursing school ✌🏼

The process of the license completion seems possible. My thinking was along the lines of what BladesMom mentioned about not getting an interview. The health care facilities generally have a question on the application about criminal charges. As the hiring manager I would consider the explanation given by the applicant ... then look at the charges about substance abuse, theft, and battery over a period of 6 years, 2004 to 2010, then considering will these problems resurface.

If there were 10 other applications for the same position this prior problem may influence my choice to interview. Interestingly I was influential in the training and hiring of a policeman 25 years ago with a felony conviction, who now is Chief of Police. You would get a fair chance from me based on the letters of recommendation . Good Luck

You should also get an opinion from a nurse attorney in your state who does licensure defense before you apply & not try to navigate that unrepresented.

Hello, I didn't have any trouble getting my license in the state of Maryland. When I applied to take the NCLEX I had to write a letter explaining my convictions and I had to send copies of them from the court house (I had two and they were both misdemeanors). Passed the NCLEX got my license no prob. I am finding that some places won't even give me a shot at an interview when I just say that I have been convicted. Good luck!!

@BladesMom Did the documents have to be sent directly by the court or did you just make copies of the documents you had? And does MBON only ask about convictions? I have an expunged nolle prosequi from being wrongly accused of shoplifting and i don't know if I will be asked to disclose that. Thanks!

You could look into having your convictions expunged. I have no idea how this works, but at the place i currently work at you can't have any convictions on your record and I've had co-workers who had to go through the process to have their convictions expunged to get hired.