Would My Background Automatically Bar Me From Getting Into Nursing School?
Im currently going through a diversion program for a felony, after I pay restitution and a course, they will erase my background, Im trying to get into either a tech school or community college for a practical nursing program and they conduct background checks, will having something in my background keep me from getting in the school or only certain offenses like drug charges for instance ?
Thanks
Tags: Automatically, Background, From, Getting, Into, Nursing, School, Would
November 24th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
If it was a violent felony then you might have a problem, although the whole “erase your background” deal sounds like you might not have to worry about that.
I understand there’s a nursing shortage right now, so they’ll be happy to have someone like you who wants to get a nursing certification.
Good luck!
November 25th, 2009 at 12:25 am
I can tell you right now, that with a drug charge, you will not be getting a job as a nurse and I am speaking as a nurse manager for 8 years. I have seen several nurses fired because of drug abuse and felony convictions and one nurse who got her license but could never get past human resources. You are around drugs everyday that you work and not to say that you haven’t changed your ways but I see it as highly unlikely with a felony on your record. Even though you are getting your record erased, on the application they will ask you have you ever been convicted of a felony and you must answer truthfully. A record can be erased but the information is still accessible ( you know what I mean?) You need to ask the director of the program what careers are suited for you so you won’t waste your time. The waiting list for most nursing programs are two years long and they do extensive background checks and the admission requirements are very competitive. Also, in order to take the licensing test, you must do a background check and be truthful on your app. Good luck!!!!!
November 25th, 2009 at 5:00 am
If you’re going through a process that will have your record “erased” as you say, or expunged, then there would be no record for nursing board officials or employers to find. So yes, you could still be a nurse.
If the record is not expunged, it may or may not interfere with your ability to get licensed. Your best bet is to call your state board of nursing and ask them what kind of offenses exclude you from licensure. Usually it is major felonies which might indicate you would be a risk to vulnerable adults or children that would disqualify you. There are some nurses who get caught stealing narcotics and after going through treatment programs are able to get their license back with restrictions, so I am sure at some point after time has gone by you might be able to get licensed. But if it’s going to be expunged you should have nothing to worry about. You need to clarify with the court exactly what “erased from your record” means and if it will show up on a background check or not.
November 25th, 2009 at 6:25 am
They will ask you on your application “Have you ever committed a crime other than a misdemeanor?” You will have to answer yes to this, but I would follow up with an explanation letter.
How long will it take to get erased? I am aware this happens often in the court system, but I also know it takes as long as 10 years to get it erased with some programs. It depends on the crime. Ask your probation officer if you have one.
You can also have friends and family write reference letters about you to help.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
You will be able to get into a nursing school…..BUT ….it will be a waste of time and money. If you have a felony or any other convictions with high fines, you will not be able to take the state boards (NCLEX) which issues you your License. Drugs, domestic violence…are some examples that would keep you from obtaining your license.
November 25th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
did you kill somebody? ooh im so sorry. (Czarkasm)
In all seriousness though you probably will be able to get accepted if you do right yer wrongs unless you did something relatable to nursing.
for example: assault or giving a drug overdose of tylenol.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
if you are able to have this expunged, it will not show on your record.
November 26th, 2009 at 2:36 am
It shouldn’t unless you’ve had any kind of assault charges against you.
November 26th, 2009 at 6:08 am
as long as you are not a terrorist, you dont kill babies, you dont rape old women, and u dont shoot up herion with flu shot needles u can be a nurse
November 26th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
you’ll be able to get into the school but it will be hard to get the job because of your background
i think
November 26th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
You have to be CLEAN, I think the only things that can be worked out are traffic violations.
November 26th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
maybe not
just drugs maybe
they always need more nurses
November 27th, 2009 at 4:35 am
i hope so, i wouldn’t want you as my nurse