Can A Misdemeanor Derail Your Nursing Career?
When it comes to pursuing a career in nursing, one of the first questions asked is often “what kind of background check will I have to undergo?” The answer can depend on the exact job you are applying for and the state where you are seeking licensure. However, those with past misdemeanors may find themselves in a difficult spot due to the fact that some employers have strict policies when it comes to hiring someone with a criminal record. In this blog post, we will discuss whether or not having a misdemeanor can truly derail your nursing career.
The truth is that there is no easy answer. Every case is different and many states do not even require background checks for nurses—and if they do, certain misdemeanors may not be reported at all. That being said, there are certain scenarios in which having a misdemeanor on your record could prevent you from becoming a nurse. Depending on the severity of the offense and the laws in your state, you may be barred from obtaining licensure. Additionally, some employers will refuse to hire someone with any kind of criminal history, regardless of whether or not it pertains directly to their job duties as a nurse.
However, there is still hope for those with past misdemeanors who wish to pursue a career in nursing. For starters, many employers understand that mistakes are made and they may be willing to overlook minor offenses if they believe that you have changed since then. Additionally, some states offer alternatives such as expungement or sealing records so that potential employers cannot view them during background checks. Lastly, if your misdemeanor involved substance abuse and/or addiction issues, there are programs available through 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) which can help demonstrate your commitment to recovery and show employers that you take responsibility for your actions and have taken steps towards change.
Having a past misdemeanor does not necessarily mean that pursuing a career in nursing is out of reach—but it does mean that extra caution should be taken when applying for jobs or going through the licensure process. It’s important to know exactly what kind of background check is required by both potential employers and licensing boards before submitting any applications or paperwork so that you can prepare accordingly if needed. Furthermore, taking advantage of programs like AA/NA can help demonstrate your commitment to recovery and provide proof that you are capable of making positive changes in your life despite any past misdeeds. Ultimately though, even if having a misdemeanor derails your current plans for nursing school or employment opportunities temporarily or permanently – don’t give up! Don’t let one mistake define who you are; instead focus on learning from it and doing better moving forward! Good luck!
