Can Someone With a Criminal Background Become an RN?

Reposted from eHow.com
By Myrrh Hector, eHow Contributor

Some nurses are able to move past their history of an arrest or conviction to become licensed registered nurses. Getting through the licensing process with a criminal record takes exceptional honesty, patience, and usually the assistance of a lawyer.

Rationale

RNs often care for people who are vulnerable to abuse and maltreatment, which makes it especially important for state boards of nursing to screen those with a history of violence. Also, registered nurses often handle powerful medications that can be tempting for those with substance abuse problems. A study by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and published in the March 2009 issue of the American Journal of Nursing found that nurses with a prior criminal history were almost twice as likely to require future disciplinary action as those without a history of criminal conviction.

Problems

Nursing schools and state boards of nursing perform background checks on all prospective students and applicants for licensure. This usually includes both a state and federal background check through the FBI. The FBI returns a report with the individual’s history of prior arrests or convictions, if any exist. If the report shows a criminal history, the board of nursing contacts the applicant for more information. The board then makes a decision whether to license the individual, based on her risk to the safety of future patients.

Solutions

The best way to overcome a criminal history when applying for RN licensure is to be prepared. Request a criminal background check from the FBI at least three months before applying for a nursing license. According to the FBI’s website, the FBI requires the person requesting a background check to submit a signed cover letter, his fingerprints on an approved fingerprint card and the required fee.

Considerations

If an arrest or conviction appears on the FBI background check, obtain documentation of the case’s outcome, especially if the charges were dismissed or expunged. State boards of nursing generally require applicants to disclose any criminal history on their initial application and will require these documents as proof of the case’s status.

Attorneys

Some applicants find it helpful to retain a lawyer during the process, to ensure that the licensing process goes smoothly. This can be expensive, and not all attorneys accept payments over time. Start saving for legal expenses in advance if you anticipate a problem, and be patient. Boards of nursing decide on these cases individually, and the decision may take some time. A criminal history does not mean that a person cannot become a nurse, but it may mean extra work and extra expenses.

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