I hope so. One shoplifting charge... OK.. maybe TWO shoplifting charges... but a FEW?

Yeah, a few I use to do it I had my reasons.

Hire an attorney to expunge your record[s]. Make sure you do this in any jurisdiction you got these charges in. BUT, if you haven't learned your lesson from multiple charges nursing, or any medical field, is probably not for you. Generally felonies automatically disqualify you from any professional certifications (except being a lawyer). But multiple serious convictions even if misdemeanors can show moral turpitude which can also disqualify you.

If in doubt contact your state's board of nursing or licensing. And keep your hands outta my stuff!

It depends a lot on the nature of the charges, and how long ago the charges were.  If the charges are more than 10 years old, the Board will be more likely to grant a license, though you may have to appear before the board and plead your case.

Even if they were misdemeanors, if there is any kind of theft there, you may have a hard time getting both a job and a license.  The Board doesn't want to license anyone who might be tempted to steal from patients.

Drugs are a different issue.  Especially if there is a long time lapse, the board is likely to grant you a license, though they may restrict it at first--meaning you have to be supervised while passing narcs.  If drug charges, or a DUI is recent, you may have to finish a chemical dependency program approved by the board, and then your handling of narcs will be supervised for a while, but you can probably get a license.

If there is any kind of violent felony, the odds are not in your favor.  The Board will not be inclined to grant a license to someone who might harm a patient.

If the charges are old, ask the court to expunge them.  Then you don't even have to admit to them.

The background check will only show convictions, not arrests.  Innocent until proven guilty.

Bear in mind, some nursing schools are requireing background checks of prospective students.  My school will be beginning them this year of both students AND faculty--although it is at the request of ONE (not all) of our clinic sites and not because we want to do background checks.

ADN programs at community colleges will generally still admit students with criminal backgrounds because most CC's have open admissions policies--we can't turn away students who otherwise qualify for the program.  However, we warn students graduation and passage of the NCLEX does not mean the Board has to grant a license.  They have the right to refuse licensure to anyone.

Checking with the Board is a good idea as they will take a better view of that than keeping it a secret until the last minute.

EVERYONE makes mistakes look into it. Go to the board and talk to them.  If their mis. I dont see how that can stop you. But to be on the sure side ask someone for the board. I would'nt pay anyone up here that had something neg. to say  any mind , who are they anyway. I know it took alot for you to come out and ask. I'll pray for your blessing.

Just because you did something dumb a while ago does not make you a bad person . look into there away you can get aroud it.

Background checks DO show arrests too. Don't kid yourself. And they go back (or can) farther than any 10 years. I can attest to that personally. In 1995 I was asked to explain an assault charge. I couldn't recall one so they helped me. It had happened in 1967! When I had just turned 17! I had not tried to cover anything up but nobody had ever asked me about something that happened so long ago.

Employers also do background checks. Take my advice and have these records expunged if possible.

       Different state boards have different standards.  The state law systems are different as well.  These being said, it does show that you have a a flaw in your thinking.  I know it has been a while, but if you have a history your more likely to do it again as you stepped over the line before.  If I were in human resources I would have to be hard up for personell before I would hire any type of criminal.  The job environment is tight now so we will see.  Good luck and I know you are sorry for your past mistake, but you did and were caught and most other did not and have clean records; which would you want to hire to assure the safety and wellbeing of your workplace?

- Tim, R.N.

there are two types of people in life: those who do and those who do not, period.

People do make mistakes in their past and do turn over new leafs and grow beyond their mistakes. Myself I had been a drug addict and engaged in criminal activity. I was only arrested once and charged for a misdemeaner crime and later had my records sealed and it has been almost 20 years since that time of my life. I have been clean from drugs for over 17 years now. I do live a completely different life then I did back then. So please don't pass judgement on people because of their mistakes made in the past.

Now with that said my wife is a recruiter at a local hospital. She is the one that orders the background checks. The background checks go back with NO TIME LIMIT. So when you see on an application it asking about your criminal past be completely open and honest. I know for fact they have hired people with a past history because the people were open and honest about it and explained their past when HR asked. On the flip side people have not disclosed their past and were denied the position when the background check was ran because the candidate was not honest about their past. So again be completely honest.

Gosh, as a moderator on ths site, I find this topic to be very sticky.. I just have to say, we should never judge any one, unless we have walked in their shoes..Teresa

To the post below, Thank you for the information.. Teresa

Now I'm one month from finishing the program and I'm in total fear. I decided to continue the program regardless by this one force: Passion

HI...

I am accepted into an ADN program starting this Fall... I have an incidnet that happened when I was 17.  I am now 41... (23 yrs ago) Was a PI / arrest. I never went to court. Spent a few hours in jail that was it.  

I wrote to the TX BON.  Waiting for them to decide my fate... I did the background check for my school.  It came back CLEAR.. I even gave the date, etc... So then I did my own fingerprint review with the TXDPS... it came back CLEAR...

So... my question is will this keep the BON from allowing me to be cleared and... Does the school have to have a clearance from the BON if I have a clear record....

I am so sick to my stomach... The only reason i went to jail was because my friend was being arrested and I told the officer if he was going to take her, he could take me too.. so he did... STUPID of me but I was 17..... I don't drink, smoke or do drugs.. I pray that the TX BON is understanding...

Ouch!! Not sure what state you are in. But in TX I believe that you have to notify your Nursing Dept. Head and the Board of Nursing.  Not sure what happens..If you can clear it up  before anyone finds out, that would be good for you... Chances of it showing up on your background are pretty high... Honestly, honesty is always the best way to go... Even if it bites you... Hopefully you wont be kicked out because I think you are unable to re-enroll for a while... Not sure...  Would suck to work your butt off in school and not be able to have it pay off for you.... Best of luck to you.... 

Also... I would go to an attorney ASAP and get things started....  Get their advice.... :)