What misdemeanors disqualify you from being a nurse?

Asked by: Jace Dickens  |  Last update: October 24, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (26 votes)

These offenses can include domestic violence, theft, or fraud. Moreover, nurses found guilty of causing harm to a child patient, as well as registered sex offenders, are prohibited from practicing nursing.

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.

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.

What would disqualify you from being a nurse?

Because of the access nurses have to patients, certain types of criminal convictions will disqualify them from employment. Some examples of criminal convictions that might result in a denial of employment include any convictions dealing with theft, drug abuse, patient or elder abuse, or sexual offenses.

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.

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

43 related questions found

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).

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.

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 disqualifies you from taking the NCLEX?

If the candidate cannot provide one of the accepted forms of identification, they will not be allowed to take the test. Another way to be disqualified from NCLEX is by taking the test under a different name or for someone else.

What mental health issues disqualify you from being a nurse?

Mental illness, such as major depression, bi-polar disorder, and schizophrenia is not a prevalent, but also may affect a registered nurse's ability to practice safely. If mental illness or substance use disorder problems are left untreated, they may eventually jeopardize patient health and safety.

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 can stop you from being a nurse?

Crimes that the Board of Registered Nursing considers to be related to the qualifications of a license include, but are not limited to; assaultive or abusive conduct; theft, dishonesty, fraud or deceit; drug related crimes; procuring a license by fraud, misrepresentation or mistake; and practicing medicine without a ...

Can you still work in healthcare with a misdemeanor?

Even relatively minor offenses, such as misdemeanor retail theft, will prevent would-be professionals from obtaining employment under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

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.

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.

Can I take the NCLEX if I have a DUI?

Nursing students applying to take the NCLEX must report all misdemeanor and felony convictions, including DUIs. For example, in California, the only reporting exceptions are minor traffic violations, fines, or infractions under $1,000.00.

What disqualifies you from being an RN?

Further, the following criminal convictions can prevent you from getting a nursing license no matter how far back the case occurred: a serious offense (such as murder, rape, or grand theft), or. a sex offense that requires Tier II or Tier III sex offender registration.

What makes you fail NCLEX?

You can answer the first 69 questions correctly, but you will automatically fail the exam if you don't reach number 70. The other way to fail the exam is simply by not answering enough questions correctly within the allotted time or by not answering enough questions correctly out of the maximum amount of 135.

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.

Will a DUI show up on a background check after 10 years?

Because California considers driving under the influence a crime and a moving violation, it will appear on both your driving record and criminal record. A DUI charge will not stay on your driving record forever. After 10 years generally the charge will no longer appear on your record.

Do background checks go back 20 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

How to pass a live scan?

In order to pass a DOJ Livescan background check, you will want to follow these next steps:
  1. Expunge or Seal the Cases on your Criminal Record. ...
  2. Consider a California Exemption. ...
  3. Be Honest and Take Ownership, Responsibility of Your Past. ...
  4. Revise your Resume & Craft Character Letters.

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 you shadow a nurse?

You may know at least one nurse who might consider the shadowing opportunity. If not, ask your friends and family for referrals . This is one of the quickest ways to find a nurse to shadow, and it's helpful to shadow someone you already know. Call the hospital or clinic directly.

Can you lose your nursing license for harassment?

In addition to the above reasons, a broad category of unprofessional behavior can jeopardize your nursing license. This includes behaviors such as: HIPAA violations and breaches of patient confidentiality. Harassment, bullying, or discrimination towards coworkers.