In an ideal world, criminal background checks wouldn't be necessary for licensure or employment but we don't live in an ideal world do we?
Before you spend $30-$50K on the nursing diploma or degree and the privilege for the ATT and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam or NCLEX-PN examination, please do the following if you have a history of substance abuse, mental health, and/or criminal convictions (felony and/or misdemeanors):
1. Where are you planning to apply for a license? Take the time to review the State Nursing Board Application for Licensure by Examination NOW.
2. Look online NOW at a few healthcare employer applications for employment.
3. Speak with a representative at the Nursing Program about your history before you apply for admission into the Program. You need to know "point blank" if you will have issues with certain clinical sites;
4. Contact your State Student Nurses Association and/or the National Association of Student Nurses and speak with an advisor about your situation and ask for guidance and direction (notice I didn't say advice);
5. Contact your State Nurses Association. Maybe the Association can assist you with questions you may have; and
6. Lastly speak with a license defense attorney and have the attorney review your criminal, mental health, or treatment records. You want to have a frank discussion with the attorney about your suitability for licensure and your employability in healthcare especially with criminal convictions.
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