Can you be a CNA with a misdemeanor?

Asked by: Winona Eichmann II  |  Last update: September 8, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (15 votes)

BASIS FOR DENIAL OF LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION Criminal convictions for ANY felony can cause an applicant to be denied nursing licensure or nurse aide certification. Misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude may also prevent licensure or certification.

What can stop me from being a CNA?

What Disqualifies You from Working as a CNA?
  • Violent crimes.
  • Sex crimes.
  • Elder abuse/neglect.
  • Exploitation of the elderly.
  • Crimes against children.
  • Theft.
  • DUIs within the past couple of years.
  • Drug theft.

Can I still be a CNA with a misdemeanor?

Whether a candidate can become a CNA with a misdemeanor depends on your organization's background check policy. Your organization may identify specific misdemeanor convictions that preclude employment.

Can you get a job in healthcare with a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor conviction is not an absolute disqualifier for a job in the healthcare industry. However, it will be at the discretion of your employer as to whether they will hire you.

Do hospitals hire nurses with misdemeanors?

The California Board of Registered Nursing reviews criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis. However, sex offenses, violent crimes, failing to follow reporting requirements, and fraud may prevent a candidate from working as a nurse in the state.

Help! I have a Criminal Record or Felony. Can I Become a Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Nurse?

35 related questions found

What misdemeanors prevent you from getting a job?

These include:
  • Theft and shoplifting.
  • Assault and battery.
  • Drug possession and drug-related offenses.
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Domestic violence.
  • Disorderly conduct.
  • Vandalism and property damage.
  • Trespassing.

What is an example of a misdemeanor in nursing?

Stealing drugs and other property is a fairly common nursing-related crime. Stealing can be a misdemeanor offense, meaning a less serious crime than a felony, depending on the jurisdiction and the value or quantity of the item stolen.

What jobs will not hire you with a misdemeanor?

Committing theft, fraud, or dishonesty as a misdemeanor may make it hard to get a banking position. Having a misdemeanor drug offense could negatively affect your chances of landing a nursing job or a position in the medical field.

Will I pass a background check with a misdemeanor?

In California, a background check will typically reveal if somebody was convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, such as common crimes like driving under the influence (DUI) or Penal Code 243.4 PC domestic battery.

Can a job reject you for a misdemeanor?

State and federal laws prohibit California employers from discriminating against applicants based on race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Being convicted of a misdemeanor does not necessarily preclude you from obtaining work in California.

What is a Level 2 background check for CNA?

It focuses on local criminal history, credit scores, and whether you're on the sex offender registry. The second level is more extensive, involving a fingerprint and an FBI search and focusing on misdemeanors and felonies—especially breaches of trust in previous job positions.

Can you be a medical assistant with a misdemeanor?

One misdemeanor may not prevent working in the healthcare field. At the same time, more than one and/or a felony conviction usually does.

Can I be a CNA if I have a DUI?

No, you can still become a Certified Nurse Assistant if you have a DUI on your record. I have a felony on my record. Will that cause my CNA background check to be denied? Check this list to see which convictions bar you from becoming a CNA.

Why are CNAs quitting?

Like with more advanced nurses, common causes for leaving include stressful working conditions, lack of leadership and supervision, and understaffed facilities. Those factors get amplified for nurses still familiarizing themselves with the demands of the job.

Which CNA shift is the hardest?

When working a more standard shift, it's easy to keep up with your routine: waking up in the morning, eating breakfast, going to the gym, walking the dog, etc. But when you work the night shift, keeping a consistent sleeping, eating, and exercise schedule can sometimes feel challenging.

Will I lose my CNA license?

CNAs are expected to treat patients respectfully, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to professional boundaries. Engaging in abuse, neglect, or unethical behavior toward patients can lead to serious consequences, including losing your CNA license.

Do jobs look at misdemeanors?

Can Employers Ask About Misdemeanors in California? There is no bright-line rule that prohibits employers from being able to ask a job applicant about misdemeanors, as long as the misdemeanor resulted in a conviction.

Does a misdemeanor affect your clearance?

Regardless of severity, any criminal charge or conviction could lead to a revocation of your security clearance. Even seemingly minor charges, like a misdemeanor, could have significant implications. With stakes this high, you must take any charges or allegations seriously.

How to explain misdemeanor on job application?

When it comes to explaining a misdemeanor conviction on a job application, remember these four crucial tips:
  1. Do not lie.
  2. Avoid going into details.
  3. Explain how it has changed your life for the better.
  4. Provide references.

How does a misdemeanor affect your life?

While the penalties for misdemeanors are typically less severe than those for felonies, the long-term consequences can still significantly impact various aspects of your life. A conviction can affect employment opportunities, financial stability, and personal reputation.

Will I lose my job if I get a misdemeanor?

You can generally still get a job with a misdemeanor conviction on your record. But some offenses may make it more difficult or unfeasible to land a specific type of job. For example: a misdemeanor involving theft, fraud, or dishonesty may make it difficult to secure a banking position, or.

Will Walmart hire you with a misdemeanor?

Walmart will look at felonies and misdemeanor arrests and convictions for the previous 7 years. Violent, sexual, drug, and financial/larceny offenses are most likely grounds for disqualification. Walmart does not hire violent criminals. Note: Expunged records will not show up on a background check.

Can you still get a nursing job with a misdemeanor?

Not All Misdemeanors Impact Nurses Equally

Having a misdemeanor on record doesn't automatically disqualify you from becoming a nurse in California, as the BRN is primarily concerned with charges that reflect your ability to responsibly serve as a nurse.

Can you be a CNA with a misdemeanor in California?

Yes, an applicant with a criminal conviction is permitted to apply for licensure, and to take the licensure examination if they meet all of the education and experience requirements.

What is a misdemeanor and give an example?

Common misdemeanors include possession of controlled substances or drugs, petty theft, vandalism, perjury, prostitution, indecent exposure, trespassing, basic assault, resisting arrest, public intoxication, and DUI (Driving under the Influence).