Hi! I'm starting to pursue my nursing education and I've heard that it may be difficult for people with convictions to become a nurse. I have two convictions from 1997. Unfortunately they are both drug related convictions. They are both misdemeanors. I have already submitted the paperwork to get them both expunged from my record. I have no other convictions since 1997. Is it pretty much hopeless for me? I hope not. It would seem unfair to not give someone a second chance. Thanks for reading!
Izzy
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March 1st, 2009 at 5:27 am
Well, it depends on the state board of nursing. I believe it is federal law for all RN applicants to have a criminal background check performed by the company of the Board’s choosing. How they decide what to do with information that shows up is beyond me.
I would contact your local Board of Nursing.
Good luck to you!
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:32 am
Not every nurse comes from a perfect background – not many do – we’ve all done something growing up. Some were caught – some were caught and convictions recorded.
The BON knows this.
The role of the BON is to protect the public from dodgy nurses.
Have you made amends for your ways?
A misdemeanour or two over 10 years ago indicates you’ve grown out of it.
I doubt you’ll get huge problems but they may make you jump some hoops to convince them first.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:23 am
Thanks for the feedback guys. I appreciate your time and consideration. I’m gonna go for it and we’ll see what happens. Yes I have made ammends since then. I actually want to be in a position where I can help people suffering from addictions and other things. Once again I appreciate your feedback greatly. Thanks!!
Izzy
March 4th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Dear friend:
I was involved in a one car motor vehicle accident in which my son was in the vehicle. Why my lawyer told me to plead guilty to endangering the welfare of a child is beyond me but he did, and so I did.
The Board of Nursing allowed me to keep my license because I explained the situation to them and how I was just listening to my lawyer. I had a hearing.
However, now when you run a background check, my record comes up with a third degree endangering the welfare of a child.
I found it difficult to get the job that I want. I am still working in the nursing field but I found this conviction to be a big problem for me.
I want to keep it real for you. The fact that you have had 2 drug convictions, don’t be surprised if the board of nursing will let you have your license but it will be the profession that will give you a hard time.
But follow your heart and your dreams. If God wants you to be a nurse, He indeed will let it happen. There are plenty of opportunity for nurses if you have your license. Even if you can not work as a floor nurse, perhaps you can be a certified legal nurse consultant or a HEDIS auditor or an abuse investigator.
Follow your heart, get the education and let God help you from there.
March 9th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
dear self searching,
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate you being upfront with me. In fact, I wouldn’t mind being a psychiatric nurse or perhaps a nurse that deals with helping people that have addictions or thoughts of suicide. As long as I can help people. God helped me get to where I am now and I feel that he has a purpose for me. That purpose is to help people. Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post. I appreciate people like you and the others on and responisible for this site. Good Luck to you!
Izzy