Do hospitals hire nurses with misdemeanors?

Asked by: Estefania Daniel  |  Last update: March 4, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (37 votes)

It depends on the offense, the hiring organization's background check policy, and the state. Common disqualifying offenses include convictions for violent crimes, sex offenses, drug offenses, fraud, theft, and patient, child, or elder abuse.

Will a hospital hire you with a misdemeanor?

States, including Florida, California and Illinois, have procedures for waivers. Can you work in a hospital with a misdemeanor in these states? Applicants must meet the waiver requirements. Sex crime convictions aren't included in the list of eligible crimes.

What disqualifies someone from being a nurse?

Significant offenses or violations can be a red flag and a potential hindrance to your licensing, such as drug offenses, physical or sexual abuse charges, and theft. Major felonies, and sometimes even misdemeanors, could disqualify you from obtaining a nursing license.

Can you get a job as a nurse 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.

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.

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

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What jobs won't hire you with a misdemeanor?

Some employers may hesitate or decline to hire individuals with certain types of misdemeanor convictions. Misdemeanor drug offenses can complicate job searches in the medical field, while misdemeanor charges related to domestic violence may impact career prospects in counseling or law enforcement.

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 I 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 I become a nurse with a restraining order?

A temporary PO will not go on your record and will not affect your license, but a permanently granted one could. Action can be taken against you by the board for things that are considered in violation of any "morals" or "good behavior" standards.

Can I do clinicals with a misdemeanor?

Clinical rotations

Because you get to interact with patients in real life settings, healthcare institutions will conduct background checks on every student prior to starting clinicals. This becomes a gray area because some institutions may accept students with a misdemeanor, while others will not.

How far back does a nursing background check go?

We conduct background checks going back to 7 years. This is the limit which is normally required for such searches. However, depending on the needs of the clients, we can go even further back. We conduct licensing and sanction checks across state lines.

What makes you ineligible to be a nurse?

The bottom line is that any crime involving the safety of others is likely to prohibit licensure as a Registered Nurse. When you go through a background check, it's important to be honest about your history. If you fail to disclose a criminal conviction, you're more likely to be denied clearance.

Can I become an NP with a DUI?

If you are a student nurse getting ready to apply for your NP license and take your boards and have a past DUI conviction, know that there is a good chance that your initial application may be denied and you will then have to appeal that denial in order to get your NP license.

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.

Can you work in healthcare with a misdemeanor battery charge?

Many different types of criminal offenses will raise red flags on Level 2 background checks since they are meant to help to protect vulnerable patients. Some examples of offenses that might be disqualifying on a Level 2 background check include the following: Aggravated assault/battery.

What is an example of a misdemeanor in healthcare?

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 can stop you from getting your nursing license?

For example, in California, there are no automatic disqualifications. 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.

Can you become a nurse practitioner with a misdemeanor?

The good news is that a misdemeanor on record doesn't automatically or immediately result in having your nursing license application rejected in California, but it does complicate the process, and there is a chance of having your application denied altogether.

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.

Can you be a nurse with a misdemeanor assault charge?

ANSWER: Depending on the type and nature of the conviction, likely yes if you are otherwise qualified. There are a few kinds of convictions that by law automatically bar an applicant from receiving a nursing license.

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 you get kicked out of college for a misdemeanor?

It is not only the universities that will be looking at your record, but many scholarships, financial aid, and even housing may turn you away if your criminal record is not to their liking. If you are already in college, then a misdemeanor or felony charge may even see you expelled.

What is a class a misdemeanor?

Generally, a misdemeanor is a lesser criminal act, with serious misdemeanors being classified under Class A in every jurisdiction. Examples of Class A misdemeanors include DUI, domestic violence, vandalism, assault, shoplifting, and possession of a controlled substance.

How do you explain a misdemeanor on a 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.

Can you get a government job with a misdemeanor?

If you have misdemeanors (although not domestic violence related or DUIs) you can work for many agencies at varying levels of government. Usually the more desperate that the agency is to fill a role, the more that they will overlook misdemeanors, especially ones that don't include violence or drug SALES.